Psychological factors in orthognathic surgery

27 patients subjected to various orthognathic surgery procedures were studied preoperatively and during a period of 18 months postoperatively by a team of psychologists to evaluate the patients' own opinions concerning the indication for surgery, information about the surgical procedure, the postoperative period and the long-term aesthetic and functional results. The patients were interviewed 5 times: 2 days before surgery, 2 days after surgery and 2, 6 and 18 months after surgery. The decision to undergo surgery was taken after a long period of time, 4 years on average, and half of the patients were influenced by their family or dentist before they made their decision. 60% gave three or more reasons for surgery, 85% mentioned functional problems, 74% facial appearance and 59% craniomandibular symptoms. 63% indicated that the facial appearance problems had negatively influenced their personal life and 44% their social life. Women experienced this problem more often than men. The results showed that the overall majority of patients were relieved of their presurgical problems. The aesthetic improvement was better than expected. It was found that improvements in facial features had a beneficial influence on the patients as individuals and also on their social life situation.