Patient experiences of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient experiences of adapting to life following orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry
IRAS ID
232617
Contact name
Nicholas Lee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
The aims of this study are to understand patient experiences of undergoing orthognathic surgery for facial asymmetry and adapting to everyday life after treatment. Orthognathic treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances (braces) and jaw surgery to correct major skeletal irregularities in a person's jaw. Facial asymmetry is a notable difference between the left and right sides of the face which affects a person's facial appearance. Symmetrical and asymmetrical faces have particular social meanings. There is a need to better understand patient experiences of facial asymmetry and adapting to facial change post-treatment.
The research will use interviews and photos to explore patient experiences before, during and after treatment. Patients of different ages and genders who have undergone orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry will be recruited to the project. Participants will be encouraged to talk about their experiences of facial asymmetry, undergoing orthognathic treatment and their experiences of adapting to life since surgery. They will be encouraged to provide photos to illustrate their experiences and talk about these in their interviews. This project will allow us to develop recommendations for orthodontists and jaw surgeons on meeting the needs of their patients with facial asymmetry.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0633
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion