Jaw Surgery Forums » Pre-Surgery Questions

Advice for Upper Jaw Surgery on August 15th

(16 posts)
  • Started 9 months ago by MKal25
  • Latest reply from jawbreaker911
12

  1. AKG1996
    Member

    Hi there :) I just made the decision the get upper jaw surgery done about four months ago, and we've already found a great surgeon and meeting him really eased a lot of my worries. We have plans to do it either this Christmas or next summer, but then... my dad went on YOUTUBE and watched a video of the actual surgery being performed and has started to waver about all this. Unfortunately, seeing how badly he has reacted has caused me to have a few doubts as well. My mom agreed to watch the video, but she's a little more levelheaded and decided that no matter how gruesome the video, she's not going to change her mind about how necessary it is for me to get this procedure done. I really want the surgery because I have a severe openbite and know that getting it will not only help me chew all those hamburgers so much better, but because I don't want to look like this forever :( so, basically, I just want to know if those who have gotten this surgery done honestly believe it is worth it, and how do you get through passing out and watching your parents freak out just before you go under the knife? Out of all my concerns, this may be the biggest.

    Posted 9 months ago #

  2. RachelM
    Member

    Don't watch anything more on youtube until AFTER the surgery! I had double jaw surgery and have can only watch about 20 seconds of a lefort on youtube as it's so brutal. I'd rather not think about the actual process, just the recovery. Parents freaking out isn't helpful and you need to tell them it isn't. That what happens in surgery looks brutal but all you'll be left with is some stitches on your mouth, a bit of bruising and swelling. You won't be in any pain (just a bit incomfortable due to swelling).
    I had my surgery eight weeks ago and would absolutely have it done again, even knowing what I do about the lengthy recovery and possible risks.

    I doubt your parents will be allowed to be with you when you have your anaesthetic to be honest but the rules are different at different hospitals. I didn't have anyone with me the morning of my surgery and just chilled out, walked up to theatre and was excited more than anything. Your surgeon won't let you freak out!

    I no longer sit with my hands in front of my face at work and I love my profile. I'm not back to full chewing yet but everything feels so much better in my mouth.

    It's natural to have doubts. It's major surgery. It's personal choice of course but I would do it.

    Posted 9 months ago #

  3. AKG1996
    Member

    Thank you so much for your response :) It was incredibly helpful, and did help even out some of the doubts that I have been having. It's wonderful to hear that you are so confident about the procedure, and that it was so successful for you. My surgeon has been talking about this with me since I was about nine years old, but only until now have I agreed to do it, so some of my doubts are going to be present all the way until I get into the ER. It makes me feel more assured to read what you wrote, so thank you so much!

    Posted 8 months ago #

  4. jawbreaker911
    Member

    Hey AKG, it looks as though both you and I have big open bites but I also have an underbite. So anyhow my surgery is supposed to be Oct 4th it may get changed to Oct 25th not sure yet. However, my surgeon told me as long as she doesnt have to move my top jaw more than 8mm forward Ill have the lefort 1 osteotomy like you. I asked my dentist to measure my gap and she said was 6 mm lol i suppose you also have to account for the 2mm overjet thats supposed to occur infront of ur bottom teeth. Anyhow going to see surgeon on the 28th will keep you posted! Oh and by the way, looks as though I ll have to be picking my kids up from school after week 2! How freaky is that.

    Posted 8 months ago #

  5. jawbreaker911
    Member

    By the way, like Rachel mentioned your parents will be waiting for you in the waiting room, and will be able to be with you up until they take you to the OR where you will wait outside probably until theyre ready for you inside. Your anesthesiologist will be with you and talk to you etc and nurses. There is a strict rule no one but necessary surgeons medical team in the OR, because of the hygiene and bacteria etc aspects of it, after all they are opening up people and everything must be extremely sterile. Other than that also the fact that the surgeons and medical team look at you first as a person but most importantly as a medical patient and they need to concentrate on the procedure 100%. They dont need people around confusing the situation or asking questions that nureses in teh waiting room can answer, and theyre opening you up! What parent can actually witness that!

    Posted 8 months ago #

  6. jawbreaker911
    Member

    Rachel, I watched both the Lefort 1 and the BSSO! LOL I suppose because Im into medical studies etc I can seperate my feelings for the procedure, but even for me it was hard to see. I ve seen procedures where theyve peel off someones face to fix the shape of their skull. That by far was the worst. This seems like a piece of cake, If I make it back!

    Posted 8 months ago #

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