Orthognathic surgery is surgery of the upper and lower jaw with the aim of creating a harmonious facial profile. A team approach involving the surgeon (trained in either plastic and reconstructive surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery), an orthodontist and a dentist is the best way to achieve the best results.

A harmonious facial profile involves getting the balance right between the upper and lower jaws, the teeth, the chin and the nose. Depending on what a patient's particular wishes are, any combination of upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery, rhinoplasty and genioplasty (chin surgery) may be required to achieve the goals.

Careful planning by the surgeon and the orthodontist, which involves computer modelling and simulation, ensures that every step is planned to the nearest millimetre. The process from start to finish can be lengthy as it involves orthodontic treatment both before and after surgery, however patients are given as much support as they need to ensure they feel empowered along the way.