Patient motivation and response to surgical correction of prognathism

Twenty-five patients operated upon between 1969 and 1973 for correction of mandibular prognathism were recalled in 1975 and asked to evaluate their attitudes toward the procedure and the postoperative results. All but one were satisfied with the results. Postoperative numbness of the lip and chin lasting more than 6 months was commonly noted following the intraoral sagittal split method. This did not influence the patient's satisfaction with the operation. The minimal postoperative scar following the extraoral oblique osteotomy was not a negative factor. Most patients underwent the surgical procedure for esthetic reasons. A large number (68 per cent) noted a change in personality postoperatively. A rationale for selective preoperative psychologic counseling is suggested.