It affords many patients excellent results without moving the entire upper and lower jaws. Hendler makes an incision inside the lower lip, saws across the bottom of the chin from the corner of the right mouth to the corner of the left, and makes a box cut above. This approach sections off the chin, leaving the lower jaw and teeth intact. Next he slides the chin forward 10-12 mm and secures it with a titanium bone plate, which is left permanently in place after the bone has healed, a matter of four to six weeks. Possible complications are infection or discomfort from the plate, but Hendler said they are rare.
Immediate recovery requires a hospital stay of only one to two nights.
Full recovery of the palate takes about 10 days during which the patient moves gradually from a diet of liquids and soft foods toward regular intake and activity. The combined procedure is not used when the palate or tongue is obstructive but Hendler and Goldberg recommend this approach when both areas show obstruction. It's usually not a complete success unless we attack both restricted areas.