Hi Willow. I am six days post-op so I will try to answer best I can:
1. The numbness is mostly in my cheeks, chin and under my eye & nose area. I barely even noticed it until I touched those areas in front of a mirror and didn't feel anything. I still feel my lips (they just feel bee-stung) but the meds help with that.
2. This was a concern of mine as well. I have never heard of anyone not recovering from jaw surgery. There will be a full medical team to monitor your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and all your vitals while your surgery is being done. But of course you won't even know whats going on as the anesthesia knocks you out cold
3. ICE, ICE & more ICE. The first 24 hours after surgery the hospital gave me a large ice pack that when around my head. I suggest you make use of, or order a jaw bra which is hands-free way to reduce pain/swelling. Here is the website: http://www.therapacer.com/craniorehab/products/jaw-bra.html
4. My nose barely changed. It looks more symmetrical at the bottom now that my upper jaw was lifted and straightened. I love it!
5. I was able to talk right out of surgery because I wore elastics. I could also open my mouth 3/4 an inch. Some of my words were unclear because my mouth was so swollen (plus I had a tube in my throat) but I was suggest you talk minimally for the first few days anyway because it exhausts the jaw and makes you really tired
6. I have had no asymmetric problems so far. My left side is slightly more swollen than the right but I know its because of how I sleep. Aside from the swelling, everything looks even and proportioned. I am extremely happy with my results. Good luck to you!
