I had a malocclusion since childhood, and my dental midline was also misaligned, which always stressed me out. It was not very noticeable in daily life, but in regular-camera photos or ID photos, my jaw looked deviated to one side and the protruding jaw bothered me, so I gradually began avoiding photos. I had orthodontic treatment as a child, but my lower teeth became misaligned again. While looking into retreatment, I came to think that double-jaw surgery was the only answer for my deviated jaw. After considering the surgeon’s experience, one-surgery-per-day policy, and reviews, I chose Y Orthognathic Clinic because the surgeon’s aesthetic sense was not excessive and suited me perfectly.
I started presurgical orthodontics and underwent treatment planned for at least six months. Once my teeth were aligned to a certain degree, I scheduled double-jaw surgery and three-part facial contouring—cheekbones, square jaw, and chin. I passed the preoperative tests at once, haha. The coordinator also adjusted the date I wanted as much as possible.
Surgery day) I changed clothes, washed my face, and completed mouthwash disinfection. Finally, I tried in the wafer that had been made for me. Once everything was done, I signed the preoperative consent form with the coordinator. I still did not feel it was real and was not nervous, but as soon as I entered the operating room, my heart started pounding. The anesthesiologist kept teaching me how to breathe, and when I opened my eyes, the surgery was over.
That day, nasal congestion, a swollen throat, a drainage bulb, a urinary catheter, swelling, and a nosebleed made things miserable. My throat was dry, breathing was difficult, and time passed painfully slowly. T_T Surprisingly, I had no pain at all.
Day 2) Once I got through the surgery day, the second day was okay. In the morning, the nurse removed the urinary catheter and the tube inserted into my nose. It did not hurt at all. The surgeon removed the drainage bulb, and I began wearing the wafer from then on. On day two I had to breathe through my mouth because my nose was blocked, and I could not keep my mouth closed properly, so even with the wafer in, I could not bite down on it. The surgeon said that was okay. From then on, I walked around the hospital diligently and drank New Care diligently too.
Discharge) The third day was discharge day. I had one final examination by the surgeon, had the IV removed, received my prescriptions, and went home. As soon as I got home, I slowly showered and washed my hair. The hardest part was that I could not remove the wafer at all during the first week, so swallowing pills was very difficult. But you get the hang of it as you keep eating, lol.
Week 1) After one week, I started sleeping lying down instead of sitting up the whole time. My nose was completely clear and the nosebleeds had stopped, so I felt much more human. The huge swelling that had been severe through days 3–4 began to decrease little by little. That means it had reduced relatively—it was still very swollen, like someone who had obviously undergone major surgery. But if I wore a mask and went out, nobody could tell, haha. I also took walks diligently every night. With double-jaw surgery, I think life really becomes bearable once you get through the first week.
Week 2) From week two, I could put the wafer in and take it out, and after finishing all my prescribed pills, I felt much freer, lol. I also had my follow-up appointment and had the stitches inside my mouth removed. I was nervous because everyone says suture removal makes them cry, but it did not hurt at all—if anything, it felt refreshing, lol. You do not need to be afraid >_<.. From week two, I could also swallow soft foods such as soft tofu and steamed egg, which made me very happy. Life quality and happiness rose even more from week two.
One month) It has now been about four to five weeks. I have regained almost all sensation, restarted orthodontic treatment that had paused because of surgery, and can open my mouth enough for about two fingers. I can chew, so I eat soft meats such as Salisbury steak, fried rice, braised fish, and the tender meat in gamjatang. The swelling went down faster than expected, to the point that people generally cannot tell unless I mention it. I look a little plump like a squirrel, which gives a youthful impression and I like it. So I go around without a mask, lol >_<
The awkward muscles around my mouth have relaxed a lot, so conversation is not affected at all and my pronunciation has fully returned. Of course, I will know more once the swelling decreases further, but I already like it. If I had known it would turn out this way, I would have done it sooner. Thank you, Director Lee Seok-jae ❤️❤️❤️