Face Contouring & Jaw Surgery · Gangnam, Seoul

Jaw advancement surgery for sleep apnea in Seoul

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) moves the upper and lower jaw forward to widen the airway behind the soft palate and tongue base. It targets obstructive sleep apnea at the bone level.

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ClassificationA second-stage (final-stage) sleep apnea surgery
PlanningSleep study, airway analysis, sleep endoscopy when needed
Lead surgeonDr. Choi Jin-young, oral & maxillofacial surgeon

Operating room monitoring equipment at Pascal Clinic

The story

Worried about sleep apnea that a CPAP machine has not solved for you?

Sleep apnea happens when the airway narrows during sleep. For some people, the cause is the shape of the jaw, and the soft palate and tongue base close the airway from behind.

Jaw advancement surgery, known as MMA, moves the upper and lower jaw forward to widen the airway at the bone level. It is a demanding operation, so it begins with a sleep study, airway analysis and, when needed, sleep endoscopy.

Dr. Choi Jin-young leads the planning for this procedure. The plan also considers facial balance, so breathing and appearance are reviewed together.

Planned around your face

Pascal Jaw Advancement Surgery for Sleep Apnea (MMA)

What the treatment involves

It is a demanding operation. Pascal bases the plan on sleep testing and detailed analysis, and involves sleep endoscopy and other specialists when needed, while keeping the face natural.

Individual results vary. Your surgeon confirms suitability at an in-person exam.

Is it right for you?

Who it is for

01
Severe sleep apnea, and you cannot use or adapt to a CPAP machine
02
Both the soft palate and tongue base are narrowed
03
A jaw structure such as a recessed lower jaw causes your apnea
04
You want to improve facial balance (bite, asymmetry) together with sleep apnea
05
Sleep apnea appeared or worsened after standard two-jaw surgery

Approaches

Traditional advancement
Modified advancement, which advances the jaws less to avoid an over-protruding look
Counter-clockwise rotation of the lower jaw for a recessed chin with excess gum display

Results you can expect

What to expect

The airway space is widened by advancing the upper and lower jaw
Breathing improves while facial balance is considered

Individual results vary. Your surgeon confirms suitability at an in-person exam.

Before you book

The facts at a glance

Classification: A second-stage (final-stage) sleep apnea surgery
Planning: Sleep study, airway analysis, sleep endoscopy when needed
Lead surgeon: Dr. Choi Jin-young, oral & maxillofacial surgeon
Price: Quoted after your exam

Duration, anesthesia and recovery are confirmed after your work-up.

After the treatment

Aftercare

Recovery room with beds at Pascal Clinic

01
Aftercare and follow-up sleep testing are planned individually.

Your doctor

Dr. Choi Jin-young

Representative Director, Pascal Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery · MD, PhD, DDS · Oral & maxillofacial surgeon

Two-jaw surgery
Bimaxillary protrusion
Facial contouring
Sleep apnea jaw advancement

Representative Director, Pascal Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Clinic
Emeritus professor, Seoul National University
Chairman, Ilwoong Cleft Lip and Palate Medical Volunteer Association
President, Society for Jaw and Facial Aesthetic Surgery

Read Dr. Choi Jin-young's full profile →

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Why is experience important for this surgery?

Pascal notes that sleep apnea jaw surgery needs different skills and team support from soft-tissue surgery, and that Asian facial structure can look unnatural after a large advancement unless the plan is precise.

Is MMA an alternative to CPAP?

It is considered when CPAP is difficult to use or when first-stage surgery is not enough, as decided after your sleep study.