Exploring experiences of orthognathic surgery: A Reddit-based content analysis

Gaps in presurgical consultations may lead individuals to seek information and support on the internet. Social media, including Reddit, may offer emotional reassurance and peer-driven insights. This study aims to explore key themes, user sentiment, and Reddit's role in shaping orthognathic surgery experiences.

Content analysis of the "r/jawsurgery" subreddit was conducted to explore discussions on orthognathic surgery. The top 50 posts from the past year, along with 500 comments, were extracted and analyzed using NVivo 20 . Thematic coding identified key topics, while sentiment analysis and descriptive statistics were performed to analyze discussion trends within the dataset.

Most posts (96%) were shared postsurgery, often illustrating before-and-after experiences with photographs. Five key themes emerged: personal transformation, support and interaction, advice and guidance, practical concerns, and curiosity and planning. Sentiment analysis showed overwhelmingly positive engagement, with users offering encouragement and sharing insights. Discussions also addressed functional outcomes, financial aspects, and recovery experiences.

Reddit appears to act as an emotional support system and educational resource for orthognathic surgery patients, facilitating visual and narrative-driven knowledge exchange. The findings highlight gaps in traditional patient education, suggesting that integrating social media insights into clinical discussions may enhance informed consent and patient preparedness. Healthcare providers may benefit from digital engagement strategies to bridge communication gaps.