get jaw surgery

I was supposed to have jaw surgery as a teenager, as soon as I was done growing. But when my mom took me to see the surgeon when I was 16, I got scared about the idea of having surgery and refused to go through with it. Now, many years later I realized that it really is a medical necessity and I’m tired of having to deal with my jaws that don’t meet up and all the problems that come from it.

I had a consultation with a surgeon and x-rays recently. Apparently I will need both upper and lower jaw surgery :/ The surgeon’s office is supposed to ask the insurance company for pre-approval and then once that is taken care of, I need to get braces on so that my teeth can be placed into position for the surgery.

I’ve always been told that I need the surgery and I’m pretty sure I fit all the “medical necessity” criteria. It sounds like insurance will cover it, but I’ll be on pins and needles until I hear whether it’s approved—there’s no way I could afford to pay all the hospital expenses, etc. on my own.

I had braces for about a year and ahalf from when i was about 14-15 or so.. and when i took them off my under bite felt great and it was gone. my underbite was never really serious but my face still looks weird. I’m 17 now and it looks like my chin grew? I recently found out i have TMJ so that explains all the really bad aches i get in my jaw. I really want to do the jaw surgery but i know its expensive and some say i don’t need it but you know when something isn’t right with yourself …. My mom had it done too when she was 18 and I really want to do it. Is it worth it?

I’m getting a consultation with a surgeon on Tuesday, 29th… I’m so nervous. I’m afraid of what they’re going to say. Like that I’m not fit for it, or that the cost is too high. Maaan, but I’m glad I’m going. The psychology test will be awkward. How ironic, a psychology test of a wannabe psychologist.

Currently, I am on my 9th day of recovery and really could not be happier with the results and the swelling is not even completely gone yet. I was mostly pain free after the 3rd day following surgery. One piece of advice if you do go through with it… ice CONSTANTLY for the first 72 hours. It definitely helps with the swelling like crazy.

If anyone is undecided and wants to talk about the surgery/recovery and see some pictures of before, during, and after let me know. my e-mail is jollymiester26@aim.com. I would be glad to help you out since I went into this kind of clueless as well. I found all these type of posts and videos on youtube.com very helpful and reassuring.

I have a slight underbite or overbite (I really can’t tell much) and my jaw is shifting to the left. The Dentist says it’s not necessary to get it fixed but I’m selfish… I want to look better, or normal, or “pretty”. I don’t really know what people call it anymore. Thing is, I’m only sixteen. Not finished growing, but still want to fix it. I’ve actually been complaning about my jaw for three years, and finally decided to pressure my mother into agreeing to see someone about my reasons for it, ever since I learned that the Dentist’s aid’s niece had gotten the surgery at 16… I don’t think it was for medical reasons either. Some people are telling me: “you shouldn’t do it! You’re not done growing!” or: “that’s plastic surgery!” Which it is, since it’s not medical.

But those comments kind of sicken me. It’s not like most people understand. You can just tell someone something is wrong just because you don’t agree with them, especially if you’ve never been in their situation…

Out.

Make sure you go into surgery prepped mentally for it. Keep your sense of humor, as it’s one of the things that will help you through this hard time. Don’t be afraid to cry! You will get depressed, that is normal; just remember this is only temporary. Think about the results! Living pain and brace free!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

hugs

its been a week and two days now since my surgery now and things are going great.the first few days were hell on earth. my lips and cheeks were huuge. the swelling has gone down alot from what it was. does anyone know when the swelling is pretty much gone? my mouth has been wired shut the whole time too and i am starving!!! all i do is watch tv and it seems that everyother commerical on tv is some kind of FOOD advertisement. i went to see my surgeon on wednesday and she said next week they might cut my wires depending on how im doing. im crossing my fingers i get them cut!! i cant do this any longer.all in all im really happy i did this because my underbite was so bad. my self confidece was so low and i never smiled with my teeth.now im gonna feel really good about myself and thats amazing!

I haven’t heard any good things from people who’ve done it. I’ve heard about pain that wasn’t there before the surgery, and I’ve heard about all kinds of problems, though.

I’m ready to accept myself now, and to love myself and feel beautiful without modification.

okay… so im getting the surgery september 29th.thats about 6 weeks from now! im pretty scared, but super exited at the same time!

i have a horrible underbite and ive been made fun of because of it for a long time. so finnaly this summer im getting surgery to get it fixed.= ) hopefully it turns out good. i know its gonna be painfull, but i hope not tooo much!