Can Jaw Surgery Correct Protruding Outer Eye Bone? Risks and Costs Explained - Plastic Surgery

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Jaw surgery, particularly for correcting protruding outer eye bones (often associated with the zygomatic or cheekbone area), can indeed be performed through an intraoral approach. This method has its advantages, such as minimizing visible scarring, but it also comes with specific risks and considerations.


Risks of Jaw Surgery
1. Facial Nerve Injury: One of the primary concerns during any surgery in the facial region is the potential for injury to the facial nerve. While the risk of damaging the facial nerve during intraoral surgery is generally low, it is not negligible. Surgeons are trained to navigate around these critical structures, but individual anatomy can vary significantly, which may increase the risk in certain patients.

2. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Proper pre-operative assessment, sterile techniques, and post-operative care are essential to minimize this risk.

3. Bleeding and Hematoma: There is a possibility of bleeding during or after the surgery, which can lead to hematoma formation. This may require additional intervention if significant.

4. Anesthesia Risks: Any surgery requiring anesthesia carries inherent risks, including allergic reactions or complications related to the anesthesia itself.

5. Aesthetic Outcomes: There is always a risk that the aesthetic outcome may not meet the patient's expectations. This can lead to dissatisfaction and may necessitate further surgical procedures.


Costs of Jaw Surgery
The costs associated with jaw surgery can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, the geographic location of the surgery, and whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
- Surgical Fees: The surgeon's fee can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of the case.

- Facility Fees: If the surgery is performed in a hospital, there will be additional facility fees, which can also be substantial.

- Anesthesia Fees: The cost of anesthesia is another factor to consider, which can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars to the total.

- Post-operative Care: Follow-up visits, medications, and any necessary additional treatments should also be factored into the overall cost.

In total, patients should prepare for a budget ranging from several thousand to potentially over ten thousand dollars, depending on the specifics of their case and the healthcare system in their area.


Conclusion
In summary, jaw surgery can be a viable option for correcting protruding outer eye bones through an intraoral approach. While the risks, including potential facial nerve injury, are present, they can be managed with careful surgical planning and execution. The costs associated with the surgery can vary significantly, so it is crucial for patients to discuss their specific situation with their surgeon to get a clear understanding of the expected expenses and risks involved. Consulting with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.