Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery: A Multidimensional Survey

Objectives: Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is performed to correct dentofacial deformities, improving both function and aesthetics. While prior research suggests positive impacts on quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, and psychosocial well-being, a comprehensive assessment incorporating emotional stability and depressive symptoms remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and social effects of OGS, including indication-specific QoL, self-esteem, depression, and emotional stability. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated questionnaires: the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), FACE-Q, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were collected from 90 patients who had undergone OGS at a single institution. Results were compared to existing normative data and reference studies on patients before and after OGS and purely aesthetic facial procedures. Results: Postoperative patients demonstrated significantly improved QoL across all OQLQ domains. FACE-Q scores indicated high satisfaction with facial appearance and function, aligning with reference studies. The study group exhibited higher self-esteem scores compared to the general population (p < 0.001) and showed predominantly balanced emotional stability. However, depressive symptoms were more prevalent in the study group compared to normative data, particularly among male participants (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that OGS leads to significant improvements in QoL, self-esteem, and emotional stability, reinforcing its positive psychological impact. However, the persistence of depressive symptoms in a subset of patients highlights the need for psychological support during treatment. Given the cross-sectional design, future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm long-term effects and optimize patient care.