It has already been eight months since I had double-jaw surgery with Dr. Kim Jong-yoon at Iyu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. At first, I counted the recovery days one by one, but now I simply go about my usual routine and occasionally realize that quite a lot of time has passed since surgery haha. I spend my days naturally eating and exercising.
Since childhood, I had an open bite in which my upper and lower teeth did not meet properly. It was especially inconvenient when eating noodles or meat because I could not bite through food with my front teeth, and chewing mainly with my molars put strain on my jaw. Along with functional problems caused by malocclusion, I also worried about my appearance because my jaw looked prognathic, so I began considering double-jaw surgery.
My younger brother’s experience played a major role in choosing Iyu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He had double-jaw surgery first, and watching his results and recovery from the side gave me confidence in the hospital. During my consultation, I also received a sufficient explanation of my condition and surgical plan, which helped me decide.
At eight months, the thing I am most satisfied with is still eating. At first after surgery, I mainly ate New Care nutritional drinks and porridge, then gradually expanded to rice, noodles, bread, and soft meat. Now I can eat most foods without much difficulty. My chewing has also become much more natural than before.
I especially love that I can bite through noodles with my front teeth haha. With an open bite, noodles would not cut easily between my front teeth, which was inconvenient, but after double-jaw surgery I can eat using my front teeth. I remember noticing the change the first time I ate pho. These days, I sometimes remember how things used to be while eating without thinking and realize, “This really has become so much easier.”
I am still continuing orthodontic treatment, so I am careful with foods that are very hard or chewy. Still, I can eat my usual rice, noodles, and meat well, so I feel much more satisfied during meals. For me, this change in dental occlusion is just as meaningful as the change in my face.
The swelling in my face has decreased a lot compared with the early stage, and my facial line has become more natural. Since I see my face every day, I cannot easily notice daily differences, but when I look at photos from before surgery or the early recovery period, the change is clear. It is also fun to compare photos and see how things gradually settle over time.
I exercise consistently as well. After starting again, I gradually increased the amount of exercise, and as my strength recovered, I have been returning to my old routine. As I spend ordinary days eating and exercising, there are more moments when I do not think much about having had surgery.
I had many doubts before deciding on double-jaw surgery, but now, eight months later, I am satisfied with my changed appearance and more comfortable meals. Looking back on the process since my surgery with Dr. Kim Jong-yoon at Iyu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, I have somehow made it this far haha. I will continue my remaining orthodontic treatment and record the changes ahead!