Are Incisions Visible After Jaw Surgery?
Concerns about scarring are common. Here is the good news about orthognathic surgery incisions.
No β all incisions for orthognathic surgery are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars. This is one of the biggest advantages of the procedure.
Where the incisions are made:
- Upper jaw surgery:
- Along the gum line above the upper teeth (sulcus incision)
- Across the upper lip frenulum (the tissue connecting the lip to the gum)
- All hidden inside the mouth
- Lower jaw surgery:
- Along the gum line behind the last lower molar
- Extending along the inside of the cheek
- All hidden inside the mouth
- Genioplasty (chin surgery):
- Along the gum line below the lower front teeth
- Inside the lower lip
- What about the tiny plates and screws?
- These are placed on the bone, under the gum tissue
- They are not visible or felt
- They are left in place permanently unless they cause problems
When External Scars Are Possible
- In rare, complex cases, a small external incision may be needed:
- Revision surgery after trauma
- Very complex reconstruction
- Tumor removal with jaw reconstruction
For standard orthognathic surgery, no external incisions are needed.
Clinical Guidance
One of the best features of orthognathic surgery is that all incisions are made inside the mouth. There are no visible scars on your face, neck, or chin after surgery. The titanium plates and screws are hidden beneath the gum and bone.