THE IMPACT OF INTERPERSONAL SUPPORT ON PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY

Purpose: This prospective longitudinal study examined the relationship between interpersonal support and patient satisfaction with orthognathic surgery. Patients and Methods: Fifty-five adult patients were assessed with two questionnaires measuring the level of general social support they perceived receiving from significant others during treatment, and the level of perceived support specifically for their decision to undergo orthognathic surgery and the treatment results. Results: Availability of support and satisfaction with support from specific members of the patient's support group were found to be related to satisfaction in the early postoperative period. Support of close friends for the patient's decision to undergo surgery was found to be associated with satisfaction in the early postoperative months. Further, reactions of the patient's support group to his or her postoperative appearance was found to be highly related to satisfaction in both the early and late postoperative stages.