Face value: an exploration of the psychological impact of orthognathic surgery

We explored the experiences of a group of participants with craniofacial conditions before, during, and after orthognathic surgery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, and purposive sampling focused on a homogenous group was selected. Participants described unpleasant experiences related to their appearance, the difficulties they had in adjusting to facial changes as a result of surgery, and the differences these changes had made to their body image. The superordinate themes identified after interpretive phenomenological analysis were: self-awareness of facial appearance; attitudes of others and facial appearance; treatment issues; impact of surgery; and support and coping. The accounts provide information about living with an unusual appearance, medical aspects of facial operations over time, changes in body image before, during, and after operation, and the effects of support and coping styles on resilience.