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Facial Profile Design

Paradigm Shift

Orthognathic, Maxillofacial, and Sleep Apnea Surgery

Devoting to the art and science of facial plastic surgery

What procedures do I need?

Beauty is the Promise of Happiness!?

There is a very subtle relationship connecting between orthognathic, maxillofacial, and sleep apnea surgery. The facial bones include the upper jaw, lower jaw, zygoma, and nasal bone, of which the upper jaw and lower jaw cover an area of 85% of the facial bones. These two areas contribute greatly to the aesthetic appearance; whereas the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connect the two parts, allowing the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw.

The definition of a delicate facial shape
The facial bones are like a frame structure, and our refined facial features could be complimented with a delicate face frame. The interesting part is that based on contemporary perceptions of aesthetic values, a "delicate" facial structure means a facial contour that is smooth and less sharp - soft delicate cheekbones, smooth clean jaw line, and refined lips. Why is it so? I think "perhaps" it is because we no longer require a strong and sharp jaw that are crucial in jungle survival, or "perhaps" our genes are striving to prove that we are no longer primal, but a highly evolved breed.

In the old days, maxillofacial surgeons are trained to restore the bone structure shattered by the mighty kick from a horse. However, these surgeons nowadays are devoted into reconstruct the face, giving everyone a "delicate" facial shape.

The connection between facial bones and sleep surgery
In recent years, studies have proven that orthognathic surgery is the most successful treatment in “curing” obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These exciting findings have led Dr. Xie, who holds great passion as well as excel in orthognathic surgery, to devote into the field of sleep surgery.
 

Simply put, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which pauses in breathing occur during sleep because the airway muscles collapsed. The airways function with the aid of these muscles, which are also linked to the upper and lower jaw. Therefore, by moving the upper and lower jaws forward during orthognathic surgery, which in turn, would move the tongue muscle forward and open the airway, curing the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.