Since I was young, my jaw was asymmetrical and protruded, so I always had a complex about my appearance. Whenever I took photos, my face looked long and my jaw stood out, so I naturally developed a habit of lowering my head or covering my face, and I lacked confidence when talking with people. I was especially bothered by my side profile and felt stressed whenever I looked in the mirror. Eventually, I seriously considered double-jaw surgery, and on February 14 last year, I had double-jaw surgery and 2-part facial contouring surgery (square jaw, chin) at Y Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Concerns before surgery Because double-jaw surgery is not simply cosmetic surgery but a major operation involving cutting and repositioning bone, it felt very burdensome. I was worried about side effects and sequelae, and I wondered whether I could handle the pain during the recovery period. I was also concerned about whether the result would look natural and whether my face would change too awkwardly. But after receiving a dental consultation, I became firm in my decision because, in my case, the surgery would help not only for cosmetic purposes but also functionally. Changes after surgery The biggest change I feel is my face shape. In the past, my face felt long and my jaw protruded forward, but after surgery my face became shorter and slimmer. People around me often say, “Your face got smaller,” “You look so much more refined,” and “You became handsome,” so I felt that I was glad I had the surgery. Especially before, I was self-conscious whenever taking photos, but now I can naturally take photos confidently from both the front and side. My pronunciation became more accurate, and chewing food became much more comfortable. Before, because my jaw was asymmetrical, force would go to only one side when chewing or strain my temporomandibular joint, but now both sides are balanced, so I can eat much more comfortably. I am also highly satisfied with the functional aspect. Recovery process Honestly, the recovery process was not easy. Right after surgery, my face was severely swollen and bruised, and the first week in particular was the hardest. I could not eat properly, and speaking was difficult too. But I steadily alternated cold compresses and warm compresses, and followed the care instructions given by the hospital well, so after about a month the swelling went down a lot. After about two months, it became fairly natural, and between 3 and 6 months, the swelling was almost gone and the final facial line started to appear. It will differ by person, but for me, after about 1 year it felt completely stable. Satisfaction Personally, I am 100% satisfied. At first, the recovery process was hard, so I even regretted it, but as time passed and I saw my changed face, I felt that all the hardship had been rewarded. In the past, I used to shrink back even when speaking in front of people, but now I can talk and smile naturally, so my quality of life has definitely changed. Reactions around me The reactions around me were also better than expected. My family worried a lot at first, but after seeing the result, they were pleased and said, “It really turned out naturally well.” My friends told me, “Your face got smaller,” “You look so refined,” and “You totally have a celebrity vibe.” Especially people I met after a long time said my impression had changed so much that they almost did not recognize me. Changes in daily life The biggest change is that I gained confidence. In the past, I was always conscious of my face when I was with people, but now that those worries have decreased, my social life has become much more comfortable. I am so happy that when taking photos, I no longer worry about my face angle and can smile naturally. Also, as my pronunciation improved and my temporomandibular joint became comfortable, small inconveniences in daily life disappeared. There are probably many people considering double-jaw surgery, and if you have functional problems or a severe appearance complex due to your jaw structure like I did, I really want to recommend it. Of course, because it is a major surgery, the burden is big and the recovery process is not easy, but ultimately it was an experience that improved my quality of life. If you are considering surgery, it is important to receive sufficient consultations at several hospitals and make a plan that suits your face and goals. Looking back now, I think making this decision was one of the best choices of my life.
This is a surgical review pursuing natural beauty.