Weight Loss in Orthognathic Surgery: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective

To analyse weight change, body composition change and Body Mass Index change in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

Design

A service evaluation was undertaken in orthognathic patients pre-operatively and at 4 weeks post-surgery.

Setting

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham outpatient department.

Subjects

Thirty-one patients scheduled for single- or two-jaw orthognathic surgery and rigid internal fixation.

Methods

Immediately pre-operatively and at 4 weeks post-surgery the following information was gathered: (1) patient height; (2) patient weight (kg); (3) Patient Body Mass Index; and (4) patient body fat percentage.

Results

In the 4-week post-operative period, the average weight loss was −4·96 kg (range: −9·6 to +3·0 kg), with a body fat reduction of −3·07% (range: −5·80% to +2·30%) and an average reduction in Body Mass Index of −1·63 (range: −3·4 to +0·8). There was no statistically significant difference in weight loss (P = 0·1562) or body fat composition change (P = 0·2391) between single- or two-jaw surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in weight loss (P = 0·4858) or body fat composition change (P = 0·5321) between male and female patients.

Conclusions

Weight loss observed was similar to that reported in studies using inter-maxillary fixation. Closer psychological and dietetic support is needed for patients who have a low normal or underweight Body Mass Index. Better and more bespoke tailored Oral Nutritional Supplementation must be provided for all orthognathic surgery patients to potentially reduce this significant weight loss.