Cosmetic jaw surgery Singapore-  the consultation visit.

When I first started cosmetic jaw surgery twenty years ago, the needs of the patients are somewhat simpler than today. The patients then usually have an obvious need for surgery. In fact, many of them have dentofacial deformities that are so obvious that my front desk can predict pretty accurately what kind of surgery they are going to have as they register at the counter. Today’s patients are quite different. Of course, there are still many whose needs are obvious but increasingly, there are many patients who are looking for cosmetic enhancements that are rather minor but cannot be achieved without bony surgery. Even among the group of relatively “obvious” cases, the outcomes desired are pretty specific. Today, the biggest challenge in cosmetic jaw surgery is not surgically related. The techniques are well established and refined and complications relating to techniques are well under control. The challenge lies in fulfilling the patient’s aesthetic objectives. To this end, the process between the first consultation and the surgery becomes of paramount significance. So, what does this process entail.

1. Putting thoughts into words…

The first thing that I must obtain from the patient is a verbal account of what she hopes to achieve through jaw surgery. Some patients are quite shy about this and it takes some time to get them to verbalize what they have in mind. This process may take more than one visit but it is very important to establish before surgery. By describing her desired outcome in words, the patient affirms for herself the vague idea that she has in her mind. If she has difficulty verbalizing, I would usually ask her to produce a photo of herself and indicate on the photo what she likes and what she doesn’t like and how she would like those parts changed. Sometimes, to get a sense of the patient’s aesthetic taste, I may asked for an example of a celebrity that she finds appealing. Some may like the Angelina Jolie kind of face, with well-defined sharp facial features while others may prefer the softer look of the Korean actresses. The idea is not to try to look like a celebrity but to get a sense of the patient’s inclination.

2. Measuring the face…

With that, information, a preliminary facial aesthetic assessment is done. I look for general facial proportions and symmetry. The individual facial features are also assessed even if they are not correctable with orthognathic surgery. In particular, the nose, as changes in the dentofacial structure can change the appearance of the nose due to a change in proportions. The general oral hygiene is also assessed together with the state and alignment of the teeth.

3. Taking records….

After this preliminary assessment, I will have a rough idea of what kind of surgery may be needed. I can narrow down to several options. However, to work out a definitive plan, more information is needed. If the patient is still keen to explore further, records can be taken at the first visit. A full face CT scan and a set of facial and intraoral photos are needed. Impressions of the teeth will also be needed to make dental casts. A facebow transfer will then be done to mount the dental casts onto an articulator, which is sort of like a jaw simulator. Bite registration is also taken to relate the upper cast to the lower cast on the articulator.

4. In between visits….

Thereafter, an appointment is made one to two weeks later. During this period, I will load the CT scan data onto a planning and simulation software and map the photos onto the CT-generated soft tissue model of the patient’s face. Various surgical options are then tried out on the computer and the software will generate a prediction of the soft tissue facial changes that will accompany the respective bony surgeries.

5. Using technology …..

At the next visit, the various plans on the software are discussed so as to get an even better sense of what the patient prefers. There is no one plan that fits all. The surgical procedures may not differ significantly from patient to patient but the type and degree of movements of the jaws are unique to each patient. Sometimes, we cannot agree on a plan at this visit and I will go back to the drawing board and arrange another appointment to explore further. Each plan has its pros and cons and we need to spend adequate time to explore what the patient values. Most patients get more confident about what they like during the process and will increasing voice their opinions. It is then my job to assess what expectations are realistic and what are not. Only when we can come to an agreement, ie a plan that is workable and is able to achieve most of the patient’s treatment goals do we proceed to the next stage.

6. Success cannot be guaranteed….

Regardless of the care taken at this stage, communication is not flawless. There will be situations where the patient is not entirely happy with the outcome but through this protracted consultation phase, we hope to minimize such cases. I will write about what happens after a plan is agreed upon in the next blog.