Mandibular Distraction

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a powerful surgical technique used to lengthen the lower jaw (mandible) and correct conditions that affect breathing, feeding, and facial symmetry. Dr. Reza Jarrahy is a highly experienced craniofacial surgeon with extensive expertise in this procedure, offering advanced, patient-centered care for children and adults who require jaw lengthening as part of their overall craniofacial treatment plan.

Conditions treated with mandibular distraction include

  • Pierre Robin sequence

  • Craniofacial microsomia

  • Treacher Collins syndrome

  • Obstructive sleep apnea due to mandibular hypoplasia

  • Hemifacial microsomia

  • Post-traumatic or post-surgical jaw deficiencies

Surgical Process and Recovery

The surgery is performed in a hospital setting with pediatric anesthesia and specialized postoperative care. Most patients remain in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and support during the activation phase of distraction. Families are trained on how to turn the device (if external) and provided with detailed recovery instructions.

Swelling and mild discomfort are expected in the first few weeks, and regular follow-up visits with Dr. Jarrahy ensure that bone lengthening is progressing as planned. Once the distraction is complete and the bone has healed, the device is surgically removed. Long-term follow-up may include orthodontic work, speech therapy, or additional surgeries if needed as the child grows.

  • “Dr. Jarrahy is the most exceptional teacher, mentor and physician I have had in my career.His dedication to his students and patients is unparalleled. He deserves every accolade known to mankind. I cannot endorse him enough. I owe him so much of my career. He enabled me to match into plastic surgery at Stanford and has guided my career like a guardian angel.”

  • “Thank you so much for the excellent care.

    With much gratitude”

  • “Dr. Jarrahy, there are very few people I would consider both personal & professional mentors/role models. I greatly appreciate your guidance in the technical arts of surgery, but maybe even more so, admire your genuine passion for connecting deeply & authentically with others.The value you place on relationships/human connection was clearly evident and I aspire to bring this element to my future endeavors, regardless of the setting. I admire your life priorities & balance, which I think very few in medicine, let alone surgery, do well.”

  • “Dr. Jarrahy is the best!! As a medical student Dr. Jarrahy was my mentor and he cares so much about education and the well-being of his students. Amazing teacher and great person to be around.”

  • “Excellent teacher, takes time to teach residents, allows autonomy to improve surgical education while providing adequate supervision.”