<Before surgery><Before surgery><After surgery><After surgery>>Before surgery story< The reason I decided to have double-jaw surgery was because of a long-standing complex about my lower face and problems with malocclusion. From the front, my face simply looked long, but from the side, my jaw protruded, making my impression look strong.
I first tried orthodontic treatment in elementary school, but because I was growing quickly, I did not see results, and I was diagnosed as having a genetically unavoidable tendency toward malocclusion. I tried orthodontic retreatment in my 20s, but treatment was delayed due to various circumstances and COVID-19, so I eventually chose surgery as a fundamental solution.
I mainly looked into hospitals centered on oral and maxillofacial surgery, and during the consultation, I liked Director Lee Seok-jae’s clear and trustworthy explanation, so I chose an oral surgery hospital. After one year of presurgical orthodontic treatment, on July 16, I underwent double-jaw surgery together with two contouring procedures: square jaw and chin contouring surgery.
>Surgery and early recovery< Right after surgery, there was swelling and pain, but thanks to the medical team’s attentive care and help from my guardian, I was able to begin recovering steadily. For the first month, I managed the swelling with cold and warm compresses and a triangular cushion, and mainly ate soft foods. After 4 weeks, the major swelling went down, and people around me said, “Your impression has become softer,” so I was able to return to daily life.
*Month 2 – A period when recovery became noticeable
From the second month after surgery, the range of foods I could eat became wider. Except for carrots and pickled radish, I was able to carefully eat most foods, such as gimbap, eggplant rice bowls, finely cut pork cutlet, boneless chicken feet, chicken, and pizza.
A lot of the swelling had gone down, but residual swelling remained between my cheeks and jaw. I was still wearing elastics, and sometimes I felt an itchy sensation inside my jaw muscles. It was not very uncomfortable, but I felt it was a sign that sensation was gradually returning.
The sensation in the center of my chin was still dull, and when I was stressed or tired, I felt as if facial pressure was building up. Around mid-September, sensation had mostly returned on the left side of my jaw, but the right side was still recovering more slowly. There were tingling and itchy sensations, but I accepted them as part of the recovery process.
*Month 3 – Stage of returning to daily life
From the third month, I became able to eat most foods. I am still careful with hard foods, but regular meals such as gimbap are possible without much difficulty.
Sensory recovery has improved noticeably. Based on the center of my lips, the left side has almost completely recovered, while on the right side, some areas still have a numb and itchy feeling. However, all muscle movement is normal, and I have no discomfort with facial expressions, speaking, or eating.
In particular, sensation in my gums is also gradually recovering. In the early stage after surgery, I could barely feel the toothbrush touching them, but now sensation has returned, so I am brushing gently and carefully.
When I drink cold beverages, my muscles feel tight, so I mainly drink warm beverages. At my second-month outpatient visit, the elastics were changed, and we proceeded with the stage of fine-tuning my occlusion. After living with malocclusion for nearly 30 years, every time I see my normal occlusion in the mirror, it feels newly fascinating and satisfying.
>Reactions from people around me< People I meet for the first time say I look so natural that they would never know I had surgery. People who already knew me said my impression became much softer and that I became prettier, showing positive reactions. Acquaintances who knew I had surgery were amazed and said it turned out really well.
Before surgery, because my jaw protruded, if I did not consciously raise the corners of my mouth, my expression looked strong when my face was expressionless, but now that my jawline has been refined, the corners of my mouth naturally lift, and my impression has changed to a brighter one.
>Satisfaction< Having a normal occlusion alone was already very satisfying, but I am even more satisfied because my overall impression changed as well. My impression, which used to look older, feels like it has changed to a more youthful one, and I have none of the side effects I was worried about, such as sagging skin. Most of the swelling has gone down, but I am even more looking forward to the change once all the remaining residual swelling subsides.
>Return to daily life< Currently, I can do most daily activities, including work, going out, and eating. My facial expressions are not completely natural yet, but when taking photos, I can approach it with a much more comfortable mindset than before. Thanks to that, I took new graduation photos and ID photos, and when I went out with friends, I took photos with them, so I can now stand in front of the camera with more confidence than before.
>Recovery tips< Drink warm beverages rather than cold ones to relieve muscle tension Practice opening your mouth consistently Use warm compresses on areas where swelling remains Gradually eat hard foods while prioritizing occlusal stability When sensation is returning, care for your gums with a soft toothbrush
>Closing< Now that 3 months have passed since surgery, I feel confident that the surgery has settled well. At first, it felt overwhelming, but as time passed, my facial lines became more natural and my impression became softer. I am truly satisfied!
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This review is a surgical review that pursues natural beauty.