Can Redo Double Jaw Surgery Be Done Under Local Anesthesia?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had double jaw surgery on June 3 and am unhappy with the results. I feel like my maxilla was not moved forward nearly enough, and my bottom jaw keeps trying to move further forward but the maxilla is in the way. The surgeon brought the maxilla down when I think it should have been brought up and forward. I am interested in fixing the issue but really don’t want to do another full hospital stay- are you able to do an in-office le fort I with local anesthesia? I know this is possible in other countries. Otherwise, what options do you think I have? I am concerned with both function and aesthetics, and I feel that both are lacking.

A:I would never do or even attempt jaw osteotomies under local anesthesia. Now that the bone cuts have been made and plates applied you could do the procedure under general anesthesia as an overnite patient in a surgery center.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon