British woman, 26, shares results of five-hour double jaw surgery to correct 3cm underbite

A 26-year-old woman from Bradford has shared photographs and details of a multi-stage treatment culminating in a five-hour double jaw operation to correct a 3cm underbite, saying the pain of recovery was "worth it."

Luisa McDermott told the news website NeedToKnow that her lower jaw began to protrude when she was nine, leaving her bottom jaw sitting beyond her upper jaw. She said the condition affected her confidence through adolescence, adding, "People would say 'your jaw is massive.' My jaw made me really unhappy, and I hated having photos."

McDermott underwent an initial procedure at 18, during which surgeons shaved down her jaw by 4 millimetres. She said the period leading up to the final corrective surgery involved frequent hospital visits every six weeks to monitor whether her teeth and bite were ready for the next stage. "I was desperate. I didn't go to university in case I needed surgery during that time," she said in the interview reported by the Daily Mail.

Her most recent operation, described as a five-hour double jaw surgery, corrected the remaining malocclusion and realigned her bite. McDermott shared images from her surgical journey and recovery and told reporters that despite the pain she experienced during the process, "it was worth it."

Double jaw, or bimaxillary, surgery typically involves coordinated orthodontic and surgical care. Patients often require preparatory orthodontic treatment to position the teeth before surgery, followed by a recovery period during which swelling and discomfort can be significant. McDermott’s account highlights the prolonged nature of treatment, the emotional toll of waiting, and the practical adjustments patients may make while planning for surgery.

Medical experts broadly describe corrective jaw surgery as a complex procedure used to address functional problems such as difficulty chewing or speaking, as well as cosmetic concerns tied to jaw alignment. Successful outcomes generally depend on pre-surgical planning, orthodontic work, and post-operative care, including follow-up appointments and rehabilitation.

McDermott’s experience underscores how skeletal differences can affect self-image and daily life, and how corrective treatment can be a lengthy process. She said that, after years of preparation and two operations, she is pleased with the result and that the recovery process ultimately justified the decision to undergo surgery.

The account was published by the Daily Mail on Sept. 2 and drew attention on social media as an example of the personal and medical considerations involved in orthognathic care. McDermott’s decision to share before-and-after photos and candid comments offers one patient's perspective on the physical and emotional course of corrective jaw surgery.