Double Jaw Surgery in Vietnam

Double jaw surgery is an orthognathic procedure used to reposition both the upper and lower jaws when their skeletal relationship requires correction.

Also called two-jaw surgery or bimaxillary osteotomy, the procedure may be considered when jaw position affects the bite, facial proportions, symmetry or a combination of functional and aesthetic concerns.

Double jaw surgery is different from ordinary facial contouring. It changes the position of the upper and lower jaw bones rather than simply reducing the width or shape of the jawline.

Every patient has different anatomy and treatment needs. Suitability, required jaw movements and the overall treatment plan must be determined after appropriate medical, dental and skeletal assessment.

For international patients, the Dr. Koko Vietnam international patient team can coordinate the consultation process. Medical assessment, treatment recommendations and surgical decisions are made by the appropriate licensed surgeon and relevant specialists.

What Is Double Jaw Surgery?

Double jaw surgery is a type of orthognathic jaw surgery involving both the maxilla, or upper jaw, and the mandible, or lower jaw.

The aim is to establish a more appropriate relationship between the two jaws according to the patient's skeletal structure, bite and treatment goals.

Depending on the individual case, the upper jaw and lower jaw may need to be moved forward, backward, vertically, rotated or adjusted asymmetrically.

The exact movements cannot be determined from appearance alone.

Clinical examination, dental assessment and appropriate imaging may be necessary before a final surgical plan can be established.

What Can Double Jaw Surgery Address?

Double jaw surgery may be considered when a skeletal discrepancy involves both jaws or when treatment of only one jaw would not adequately address the underlying problem.

Possible concerns include:

• skeletal overbite or underbite

• open bite

• upper and lower jaws that do not align appropriately

• significant jaw asymmetry

• excessive or insufficient jaw projection

• differences in vertical facial proportions

• facial imbalance related to jaw position

• bite problems that cannot be adequately addressed by orthodontic treatment alone

Some patients first seek treatment because of difficulty with their bite or chewing.

Others become aware of the issue because of their facial profile, chin position, jawline or asymmetry.

The important question is not simply how the face looks. The surgeon must determine whether the concern originates from the teeth, upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, soft tissue or a combination of structures.

Double Jaw Surgery vs Jaw Reduction Surgery

Double jaw surgery and jaw reduction surgery should not be confused.

Double jaw surgery changes the position and relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Bite and skeletal alignment are central parts of treatment planning.

Jaw reduction surgery focuses mainly on changing the contour or width of the lower jaw, often around the mandibular angle.

Jaw reduction does not automatically correct a skeletal overbite, underbite or abnormal relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

If your main concern is lower-face width or a prominent jaw angle rather than jaw alignment, read Jaw Reduction Surgery in Vietnam.

Double Jaw Surgery and Orthognathic Treatment

Double jaw surgery is usually part of a broader orthognathic treatment process rather than an isolated cosmetic procedure.

Planning may involve assessment of:

• facial proportions

• upper and lower jaw position

• dental alignment

• how the upper and lower teeth meet

• jaw symmetry

• chin position

• previous orthodontic treatment

• previous jaw or facial surgery

• medical history

• treatment goals

The appropriate treatment sequence depends on the individual case.

Orthodontic Assessment

Orthodontic treatment is commonly involved in orthognathic surgery because the position of the teeth must be considered together with the planned position of the jaws.

Some patients may need orthodontic treatment before surgery to place the teeth in positions that correspond with the planned skeletal correction.

Further orthodontic treatment may also be required after surgery to refine the bite.

However, there is no single orthodontic sequence that applies to every patient.

The surgeon and orthodontic specialist determine whether orthodontic preparation is required and how it should be coordinated with surgery.

Imaging and Surgical Planning

Double jaw surgery requires detailed planning.

Depending on the case, assessment may include dental records, X-rays, cephalometric analysis, CT imaging, digital planning or other investigations.

These records help the surgical team evaluate the position of the jaws, teeth and surrounding facial structures.

Photographs can be useful during an initial online consultation, but photographs alone cannot establish the final orthognathic surgical plan.

What Happens During Double Jaw Surgery?

The procedure is performed according to an individualized surgical plan.

Orthognathic surgery typically involves carefully planned cuts in the jaw bones so they can be repositioned.

When both jaws are involved, the upper and lower jaws are adjusted according to the intended skeletal and dental relationship.

Common orthognathic techniques can include an upper-jaw osteotomy and a lower-jaw osteotomy. The specific technique depends on the patient's anatomy and required movement.

The repositioned jaw bones are generally stabilized using surgical fixation according to the surgeon's treatment plan.

The exact surgical approach, degree of movement and fixation method are decided for the individual patient.

Upper Jaw Correction

Surgery involving the upper jaw is known as maxillary orthognathic surgery.

One established technique is the Le Fort I osteotomy.

Depending on the skeletal problem, the upper jaw may require changes in forward or backward position, vertical position, rotation or symmetry.

Changing the upper-jaw position can also influence the relationship between the teeth, lips, nose and midface.

These effects must therefore be considered during surgical planning.

Lower Jaw Correction

Surgery involving the lower jaw is known as mandibular orthognathic surgery.

A commonly used technique is the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, often shortened to BSSO.

It allows the lower jaw to be repositioned according to the planned relationship with the upper jaw.

The exact technique is determined by the surgeon after evaluating the patient's anatomy and required correction.

Why Are Both Jaws Sometimes Treated?

Not every jaw problem requires double jaw surgery.

Some patients can be treated with orthodontics alone.

Others may require surgery involving only the upper jaw or only the lower jaw.

Double jaw surgery may be considered when treating both jaws provides a more appropriate correction of the skeletal relationship than moving only one jaw.

The decision should be based on diagnosis and treatment planning rather than a preference for a particular procedure.

Double Jaw Surgery and Facial Profile

Repositioning the jaws can affect facial appearance because the jaw bones support the surrounding soft tissues.

Depending on the planned movements, changes may be visible around the:

• lower face

• jawline

• chin

• lips

• area around the mouth

• midface

• side profile

The amount and direction of change vary between patients.

Double jaw surgery should not be presented as a way to create one standardized face shape.

The goal is an individualized correction based on the patient's skeletal structure, bite and treatment objectives.

Perfect symmetry or a particular facial appearance cannot be guaranteed.

Double Jaw Surgery and Chin Position

The chin and lower jaw are related but they are not the same structure.

When the jaws are repositioned, the apparent position of the chin can change even without separate chin surgery.

For some patients, the surgeon may consider a genioplasty or another chin procedure as part of broader facial planning.

However, chin surgery is not automatically required with double jaw surgery.

The decision should be made after the proposed jaw movements and resulting facial proportions have been evaluated.

Can Double Jaw Surgery Help an Overbite or Underbite?

It may be considered when the overbite or underbite is caused substantially by the skeletal position of the jaws.

Dental bite problems can have different causes.

Some are primarily related to tooth position and may be managed orthodontically.

Others involve the position or development of the jaw bones and may require surgical assessment.

For this reason, an overbite or underbite does not automatically mean that double jaw surgery is necessary.

What About a Gummy Smile?

Excessive gum display can have several possible causes.

In some patients, the vertical position of the upper jaw contributes to the appearance of a gummy smile.

When the underlying problem is skeletal, upper-jaw repositioning may form part of an orthognathic treatment plan.

However, gum tissue itself can also contribute to excessive gum display.

Gum contouring and double jaw surgery therefore treat different anatomical causes.

The correct treatment depends on identifying which structure is responsible.

Who May Be Considered for Double Jaw Surgery?

A consultation may be appropriate for someone with a significant concern involving jaw position, bite or skeletal facial proportions.

Assessment considers factors such as:

• the relationship between the upper and lower jaws

• dental alignment

• bite

• facial growth and skeletal maturity

• facial symmetry

• jaw function

• general health

• dental and periodontal health

• previous orthodontic treatment

• previous facial or jaw surgery

• treatment expectations

Double jaw surgery is not appropriate for everyone.

The final recommendation must follow assessment by the relevant medical and dental professionals.

Pre-Surgery Assessment

Because double jaw surgery is a significant skeletal procedure, preparation is more detailed than simply selecting a preferred facial shape.

The medical team may review:

• current health

• medical history

• medications and supplements

• smoking or nicotine use

• previous operations

• dental health

• orthodontic history

• previous facial procedures

• allergies

• anesthesia considerations

Blood tests, dental investigations, imaging, anesthesia assessment or specialist evaluation may be required depending on the individual treatment plan.

Patients can also review Dr. Koko Vietnam's Pre-Surgery Preparation guide for general information about preparing for cosmetic surgery.

Choosing the Appropriate Surgeon and Treatment Team

Orthognathic surgery requires detailed knowledge of facial skeletal anatomy, occlusion and jaw movement.

Patients should understand who is responsible for the surgical procedure and which specialists are involved in planning their case.

Depending on the patient's needs, treatment may require coordination between a surgeon, orthodontic specialist, dental professionals, anesthesia team and other medical professionals.

You can learn more about the medical professionals working with the clinic on the Plastic Surgeons in Vietnam page.

The Dr. Koko Vietnam international patient team supports communication and coordination but does not make medical treatment decisions.

Recovery After Double Jaw Surgery

Recovery varies according to the patient, surgical movements, treatment complexity and individual healing.

During the early recovery period, patients may experience swelling, changes in facial sensation, temporary difficulty eating normally and limitations on normal activity.

Diet progression, oral hygiene, medications and activity instructions are determined by the surgical team.

Follow-up is important because healing continues after the early visible swelling begins to improve.

Early photographs should not be interpreted as the final result.

Patients can read more about general postoperative planning in Recovery & Aftercare.

When Can International Patients Fly Home?

There is no universal flight schedule after double jaw surgery.

Fitness to fly depends on factors such as:

• the surgical procedure

• extent of jaw movement

• postoperative progress

• swelling

• nutrition and hydration

• medical condition

• required follow-up

• the surgeon's assessment

International patients should therefore avoid booking a return flight based solely on a general recovery timeline found online.

Travel planning should follow the individual treatment and follow-up plan.

Risks and Medical Considerations

Before recommending double jaw surgery, the surgeon evaluates the patient's health, anatomy and expected benefit from treatment.

As with other major jaw procedures, potential risks can include bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related complications, changes in facial sensation, dental injury, bite changes, problems with bone healing or fixation, jaw-joint symptoms and the possibility that further treatment may be required.

The relevance and likelihood of individual risks vary according to the patient and planned procedure.

The surgeon should discuss the risks, alternatives and expected recovery as part of the individual consultation.

For broader information on choosing a clinic and understanding medical assessment, see Is Plastic Surgery Safe in Vietnam?.

Double Jaw Surgery for International Patients

Planning orthognathic surgery from another country can require more coordination than many other cosmetic procedures.

An online consultation can help begin the process, but detailed dental and skeletal information may still be required before surgery can be planned.

International patients may be asked to provide:

• clear facial photographs

• side-profile photographs

• smile photographs

• relevant medical history

• previous surgery information

• dental or orthodontic records when available

• previous imaging when relevant

Additional investigations may still be required after arrival.

If orthodontic treatment is part of the plan, coordination with an orthodontic professional may also be necessary before and after surgery.

The International Patient Guide explains more about preparing for treatment in Vietnam.

How Much Does Double Jaw Surgery Cost in Vietnam?

Dr. Koko Vietnam does not publish a fixed price for double jaw surgery.

Every case is different, and the final treatment plan must be established before an individual quotation can be provided.

Factors that may affect the quotation include:

• whether one or both jaws require treatment

• complexity of the skeletal correction

• required surgical techniques

• anesthesia and medical facility requirements

• diagnostic imaging

• orthodontic or dental requirements

• additional procedures when medically appropriate

• individual follow-up requirements

A quotation is provided after consultation and assessment.

There are no universal treatment packages that are appropriate for every double jaw surgery patient.

What Should I Send for an Online Consultation?

For an initial assessment, international patients should send clear and recent photographs together with relevant medical information.

Useful photographs may include:

• straight-on facial view

• left and right facial angles

• left and right side profiles

• relaxed facial expression

• smiling view

• visible bite or teeth when possible

If you already have recent dental X-rays, orthodontic records, CT images or information from a previous jaw consultation, mention this when contacting the team.

These materials may help the initial review but do not replace the examinations or imaging required for final surgical planning.

Start Your Double Jaw Surgery Consultation

Double Jaw Surgery consultation starts with a free online consultation.

Start Free Online Consultation → Send Clear Photos & Relevant Medical Information → Initial Assessment → Personalized Treatment Plan → Individual Quotation → Plan Vietnam Trip

The online consultation is the beginning of the assessment process.

Final suitability, required jaw movements and surgical planning are determined by the appropriate licensed surgeon and relevant specialists after the necessary assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is double jaw correction the same as double jaw surgery?

The terms are often used to describe the same general treatment concept. The medical term is orthognathic surgery involving both the upper and lower jaws, which may also be called bimaxillary or two-jaw surgery.

Is double jaw surgery the same as orthognathic surgery?

Double jaw surgery is one form of orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery can involve the upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaws.

Is double jaw surgery the same as jaw reduction?

No. Double jaw surgery changes jaw position and skeletal relationships. Jaw reduction primarily changes the contour or width of the lower jaw.

Is double jaw surgery the same as V-line surgery?

No. V-line surgery is primarily facial contouring. Double jaw surgery focuses on repositioning the jaws and their relationship with the bite.

Can double jaw surgery correct an underbite?

It may be considered when an underbite is related to the skeletal position of the upper and lower jaws. Not every underbite requires double jaw surgery.

Can it correct an overbite?

It may help certain skeletal overbite problems, but treatment depends on whether the cause is dental, skeletal or a combination of both.

Do I need braces before double jaw surgery?

Orthodontic treatment is commonly part of orthognathic treatment, but the exact sequence depends on the patient's bite, tooth position and surgical plan.

Can double jaw surgery change my face shape?

Repositioning the jaws can alter facial proportions and the relationship between the lips, chin, jawline and other facial structures. The exact changes depend on the planned movements and individual anatomy.

Can double jaw surgery be combined with chin surgery?

In selected cases, a chin procedure may be considered as part of the overall treatment plan. It is not automatically necessary for every patient.

Can double jaw surgery improve a gummy smile?

It may help when excessive gum display is related to upper-jaw position. If the cause is primarily gum tissue, another treatment may be more appropriate.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies considerably between patients. The surgeon provides individualized instructions based on the procedure and progress of healing rather than relying on one universal timeline.

When can I fly after double jaw surgery?

There is no universal answer. Fitness to fly should be assessed individually according to the procedure, recovery and follow-up requirements.

Are simulated before-and-after images guaranteed results?

No. Simulations can help illustrate possible changes in jaw position and facial proportions, but they do not predict or guarantee an individual surgical result.

How do I know whether I need one-jaw or double-jaw surgery?

This can only be determined after evaluating the relationship between the teeth, upper jaw, lower jaw and overall facial skeleton. Some patients require one-jaw correction, while others may benefit from treatment involving both jaws.