What is Revision Jaw Surgery?

At the practice of Dr. Derek Steinbacher, our patients with specific facial surgery needs can obtain the care they require. This includes those who have had jaw surgery in the past and require revision orthognathic treatment. We treat patients from all over the country and the world in need of revision or “redo” orthognathic jaw surgery.  We are glad to speak with you about revision jaw surgery, continue reading to learn more about this procedure and determine if you could benefit.

What is revision orthognathic jaw surgery?

In some cases the jaw will “relapse” or move back toward the original position and undo some of the correction achieved at the original jaw surgery.  New onset growth or shifting can also account for this (such as a late onset growth spurt, or a TMJ condylar new growth – condylar hyperplasia during adulthood).  Additionally, jaw surgery can at times lead to a result that is less aesthetically / cosmetically favorable as initially anticipated, and needs to be redone or repositioned to optimize the form and function.  At times hardware may be palpable or cause irritation, and needs to be removed.  Asymmetry or residual defects or deformities can also be corrected via revision or redo jaw surgery.

Dr. Steinbacher is one of the few surgeons who has written extensively on, and has a population of patients traveling to see him to have their jaw surgery redone, or performed again to optimize position, cosmetics, occlusion, airway, TMJs, and function.  

As with anything in the human body – it is a biologic system, and not everything turns out exactly as planned, and cannot always be predicted.  It is important to know that it is not necessarily because the procedure was done incorrectly the first time, but that things can move, shift, and change, and tissue can respond differently in some humans compared to others.  

For whatever the reason, Dr. Steinbacher is uniquely qualified to perform revision jaw surgery and optimize your outcome and result.  Revision jaw surgery, or revision orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct problems that occur after initial jaw surgery. These problems can include:

  • Persistent/residual, or new onset mis-alignment of the jaws
  • Malocclusion, including difficulty chewing or biting
  • Persistent pain
  • TMJ issues
  • Sleep apnea
  • Asymmetry
  • Cosmetic concerns

Dr. Steinbacher is also extremely well-versed and understands the intricacies of the naso-maxillary complex, and nasal changes that occur following LeFort-I (maxillary / upper jaw) orthognathic procedures.  He performs rhinoplasty and nasal procedures to optimize the nasal appearance, nasal breathing, and correct and adverse findings that occur to the nose following orthognathic surgery.

  

Time for a touch-up?

Revision jaw surgery can improve your facial symmetry by correcting issues after jaw surgery, especially if features have changed over time.

Schedule a consultation to learn more today.

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Call Us (203) 453-6635

Why might I consider revision jaw surgery?

If you have any of the above findings, residual deformities, or irregularities, or are dissatisfied with the final results of your initial jaw surgery, revision jaw surgery can help improve your appearance and function. Revision surgery aims to achieve a harmonious balance between your facial bones and soft tissues, resulting in improved function and aesthetics.  It is more complex than the initial jaw surgery due to previous manipulation and scar tissue, presence of existing hardware (that may be embedded in bone), alteration of anatomy, amongst other reasons.  We will discuss your specific case with you in detail, and optimize your plan, and 3D planning will help us achieve the very best results we can.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

During your consultation, Dr. Steinbacher will perform a thorough examination of your face, mouth, teeth, and jaws and take x-rays and photographs. He will also ask you about your surgical history and what problems you are experiencing. He will develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs based on this information.

Revision jaw surgery is a complex procedure that requires careful planning. Dr. Steinbacher works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs and goals. If you are considering revision jaw surgery, it is important to choose a surgeon who is experienced in performing this type of surgery.

Dr. Steinbacher is also very experienced with primary and revision rhinoplasty, and rhinoplasty in concert with or following orthognathic surgery.  

Revision Jaw Surgery FAQs

Is it possible to improve results from a jaw surgery that healed unevenly or left asymmetry?

Yes, revision jaw surgery is often performed to correct asymmetries or uneven healing from a previous procedure. Sometimes the original surgery doesn’t fully address skeletal discrepancies, or healing shifts the jaw subtly out of alignment. Dr. Steinbacher uses advanced imaging and surgical planning to assess the existing bone and soft tissue structure, then designs a revision that restores symmetry, bite alignment, and overall aesthetics with precision and care.

Can revision jaw surgery help with persistent functional issues like difficulty chewing or speaking?

Absolutely. Some patients come to Dr. Steinbacher with lingering functional concerns—such as trouble chewing, jaw discomfort, or speech changes—that were not resolved, or may have worsened, by their initial surgery. Revision procedures are customized to not only enhance facial balance but also to restore function. Addressing occlusion, bite mechanics, and TMJ alignment are key elements of planning a successful revision.

How long should I wait after my first jaw surgery before considering a revision?

It is generally advised to wait at least 6 to 12 months following the initial surgery before considering a revision. This allows the bones and tissues to fully heal and stabilize, providing a clearer picture of what adjustments are needed. Rushing into a revision too soon can increase risks or lead to unsatisfactory results. Dr. Steinbacher will evaluate your healing progress and advise on the ideal timing for any corrective procedure.

Can revision jaw surgery fix numbness or nerve damage from a prior operation?

Nerve-related symptoms, such as numbness or tingling—especially in the lower lip or chin—can sometimes improve after revision; however, full recovery depends on the extent and nature of the original injury. If nerves were stretched or compressed rather than severed, there may be an opportunity to relieve pressure or adjust surrounding structures to promote regeneration. Nerve injury may never fully improve, however, and can even worsen with a subsequent jaw surgery.  Dr. Steinbacher will perform a detailed evaluation to assess nerve involvement and realistic outcomes.

Is revision jaw surgery more complex than a first-time procedure?

Yes, revision surgeries are typically more complex due to scar tissue, altered anatomy, or the need to work around prior hardware and surgical changes. Dr. Steinbacher’s training in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery makes him particularly qualified to handle these challenges. He employs 3D planning and digital modeling to prepare thoroughly, which increases the precision of the revision and improves the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Will I need new plates or screws removed or replaced during the revision?

It depends. Some patients require removal or repositioning of plates, screws, or other hardware if they’ve shifted, are causing discomfort, or interfere with the new surgical plan. In other cases, existing hardware can remain in place if it’s stable and does not contribute to the issue. Usually, at least some of the existing hardware needs to be removed, and we often prefer to do this as a step prior to the revision jaw surgery.  Dr. Steinbacher evaluates this on a case-by-case basis and discusses hardware management as part of the preoperative planning process.

Can a revision procedure improve the appearance of facial proportions even if the original surgery was “technically” successful?

Yes. Even if a previous jaw surgery corrected the bite or alignment, it may have fallen short in achieving a natural or attractive facial contour. Revision jaw surgery can refine proportions, improve facial harmony, and address aesthetic concerns that weren’t fully considered before. The facial bones can be repositioned more optimally to aid aesthetics and the airway.  Additionally, TMJ considerations or changes may be in play during the revision procedure.  Dr. Steinbacher takes a holistic approach, balancing both function and appearance to deliver outcomes that feel complete and satisfying.

Request an appointment with Dr. Derek Steinbacher

Dr. Steinbacher is exceptionally trained and has artistic vision to achieve great facial balance, and harmonize your results.  He is both a plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, craniofacial surgeon, rhinoplasty surgeon, and oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive talent and experience performing revision jaw surgery. He will work directly with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals while addressing the issues that brought you to the office. To learn more about revision jaw surgery or schedule a consultation, please contact the office by calling (203) 453-6635 and visiting the office at 5 Durham Road, Suite 1-8, Guilford, CT.

Dr. Derek Steinbacher MD, DMD, FACS

Dr. Derek Steinbacher has devoted his life to aesthetic and life-changing surgery. He is an artistic and meticulous surgeon who draws patients from around the world due to his perspective, unmatched skill, and exceptional results. He is able to uniquely address the face (facelift + rejuvenation), jawline (orthognathic; chin; contouring; implants), nasal (rhinoplasty), eyelids, profile, neck, breast, and body with one-of-a-kind results.

He is a multiple Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic, Cosmetic, and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. He is Fellow of the most prestigious surgical organizations, including the Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, Societies of Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Aesthetic Society, and the Rhinoplasty Society. He has served as Full-Professor of Plastic Surgery at Yale, including Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, and Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steinbacher has unparalleled training at premier institutions, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins. His perspective brings together the best aspects of many distinct – but related fields – and it is this intersection of scope and expertise, in addition to an artistic eye, which enables excellent comprehensive results.

Dr. Steinbacher's approach: technical acumen, meticulousness, and penchant for combining art and science, together with his eye for balance, beauty, and harmony, helps achieve outcomes that greatly improve a person's confidence, health, and overall quality of life. Patients can trust that they are always in good hands!