Facing Change: A Phenomenological Analysis of Experiences of Radical Facial Change after Orthognathic Surgery
Date
2025-08
Authors
Dempsey, Holly
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
This study explores the lived experiences of individuals who underwent radical facial change after orthognathic surgery, with a particular focus on those who had mixed or negative feelings about the aesthetic outcome. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach grounded in van Manen’s four lifeworld existentials (corporeality, relationality, spatiality, and temporality), the research examines how four participants made sense of their altered appearances. Central themes include loss and grief, seeking validation, preoccupation with facial features, a distorted and evolving self-concept, resilience and becoming experts in their own experiences. While participants described significant emotional and relational challenges, they also demonstrated remarkable adaptability and personal growth. These findings highlight a critical gap in academic literature around dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes after orthognathic surgery and stress the importance of holistic, patient-centered care. This research also contributes to the field of adult education by offering insights that can inform healthcare professionals' training and deepen their understanding of the psychological and social impacts of radical facial change. Ultimately, this study calls for increased empathy, comprehensive informed consent practices, and integrated mental health support for individuals undergoing radical facial change after orthognathic surgery.