Expectations of patients from orthognathic surgery

Fifty-two patients were interviewed before and six months after corrective orthognathic surgery. These patients expected either a functional (39%), esthetic (17%), or combined functional and aesthetic (44%) outcome. All were satisfied with the functional change and 92% were satisfied with the esthetic change. Because almost all patients reported that the outcome of surgery was as expected, it seems unnecessary for the surgeon to be concerned about not recognizing hidden motives on the part of the patient. Some dissatisfaction was expressed with certain unexpected happenings during the surgical experience. If surgeons provide more detailed explanations of what to expect from the process of surgery, they can decrease this type of psychological trauma and increase the satisfaction of their patients.