<Before surgery (front)><Before surgery (side)><Recent after-surgery appearance (front)><Recent after-surgery appearance (side)>4th-week review after double-jaw surgery & recovery tips *Before surgery I decided to undergo double-jaw surgery because of a lower-face complex I had carried for a long time. From the front, my face simply looked long, but from the side, my jaw looked protruded. I first tried orthodontic treatment in elementary school, but because I was growing quickly, I did not see much effect, and I was told that, genetically, malocclusion was unavoidable. I tried orthodontic retreatment in my 20s, but due to various circumstances and COVID-19, treatment was delayed, and I eventually decided, “I’d rather just have double-jaw surgery.” I mainly looked for hospitals specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and I chose my current hospital because I liked Director Lee Seok-jae of Y Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s concise and accurate explanations and case-by-case customized guidance. I trusted him because he clearly presented the treatment direction without unnecessary embellishment. After about one year of presurgical orthodontic treatment, the surgery date was set. Because my impression was quite strong, I was told that double-jaw surgery + two types of facial contouring (square jaw & chin tip) would likely be better to make my appearance softer, so I decided to do that. Surgery day (July 16) I arrived at the hospital at 9:30 a.m., completed the consent forms and preoperative photo shoot, then moved to the hospital room. After lying down on the operating table, I inhaled the white gas through an oxygen mask, lost consciousness, and when I opened my eyes, the surgery was already over. Right after surgery, my body felt cold and my breathing was rapid, so I received help from my guardian. At that moment, I realized that “a guardian is absolutely necessary.” I could not open my mouth, so intake was difficult, but thanks to the medical staff’s careful guidance and management, I was able to begin recovering stably. Week 1 (July 17 ~ July 22) On day 2, after gargling with Hexamedine, I had New Care for the first time and gradually regained some energy. After the urinary catheter and blood drain were removed, movement became much more comfortable, and I walked around the hospital hallway to loosen up my body. After discharge, I lived leaning against a wedge cushion and managed swelling by alternating cold and warm compresses. At the outpatient visit on day 7, I was told that the swelling had gone down more than expected, and I was allowed to brush my teeth. It was a small change, but it was an important step in preparing to return to daily life. Week 2 (July 23 ~ July 29) As my sleep time increased, my recovery speed improved. There was still swelling, but the balance between the left and right sides of my face gradually settled, and nasal congestion and phlegm almost disappeared. In the latter half of week 2, the stitches were removed. There was some discomfort during the process, but from this point on, I was able to eat soft foods. Week 3 (July 31 ~ August 7) At the outpatient visit on the 31st, the director told me to start practicing opening my mouth, so I gradually widened the range of jaw movement. As my facial contours became clearer, the swelling changed so quickly that it looked different morning and evening. As sensation returned, I felt tingling in my cheeks, jaw, and lips, and I took this as a sign that recovery was progressing. Sensation recovered faster on the right side, but muscle movement felt a little more natural on the left. During this period, I also went to work while paying attention to recovering my stamina. Week 4 (August 14 ~) At the point when four weeks had passed after surgery, much of the major swelling had gone down. People around me often said, “Your impression has become softer,” and while comparing before-and-after photos, I also felt satisfied myself. Eating mainly soft foods made me realize anew how precious chewing movement is, and I was able to return to daily life. Sensory recovery is still ongoing, and currently, tingling in the jaw area is the main recovery signal. Warm compresses are essential whenever I get cold from the air conditioner! Recovery tips & recommended supplies Items and care methods that helped during the recovery period Guardian accompaniment is essential: Since you cannot move in the recovery room immediately after surgery, having a guardian helps much more. Wedge cushion: Sleeping with the upper body elevated is effective for reducing swelling. Daiso sauce bottle: When drinking New Care or liquid foods, the narrow opening makes it easy to eat without spilling. Alternate warm and cold compresses: Use cold compresses in the early stage, then switch to warm compresses afterward to relieve swelling and muscle stiffness. Hexamedine gargle: Essential for maintaining oral hygiene. Soft food list: New Care, thin rice gruel, finely mashed porridge, soft tofu, steamed egg, etc. Final thoughts I think double-jaw surgery can produce highly satisfying results only when supported by sufficient information, preparation, and consistent recovery care. The first few days required adjustment, but as time passed, the changes became clearer and my quality of life improved. Even with the changes so far, I feel certain that I made the right choice, and I look forward even more to my continued recovery.
Y Y Oral Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Clinic Y Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Double-jaw surgery Facial contouring
This review is for surgery pursuing a natural look.