POSTED UNDER Jaw Surgery REVIEWS
I Feel I Have Lost the "Me" by Having Jaw Surgery and Look Worse - Canada
ORIGINAL POST
I had double jaw surgery and genioplasty 4 weeks...
$1,000
I had double jaw surgery and genioplasty 4 weeks ago. I know i am still swollen, but I feel like I barely recognize myself and I wish I had more control in how things turned out. My chin seems to angle upwards now, my face seems very short and my nose is now more crooked. A few weeks ago I was starting to like the results, but now...I am not so sure. I do not feel pretty anymore. Instead I feel quite unattractive and no one has even commented on my new look - which leads me to believe that I look worse.
kathleenbrodie's provider
Replies (38)
May 2, 2013
Hi kathleenbrodie, I also had double surgery and genioplasty 2 weeks ago and am a little 'disappointed' with the changes. It's important to realize those negative emotions come from a very basic level -- our trusty mental map of our face no longer matches what we see in the mirror.
This disharmony between the eyes and brains is a real physiological phenomenon that results in distress and depression. Fortunately, the brain is plastic enough to adjust given enough time and positive reinforcement.
And f*ck what everybody else thinks. People are stupid, they're afraid to say the 'wrong' thing to someone they care about. I look forward to strangers I'm meeting for the first time never knowing I had a funny-looking big chin and long face.
May 2, 2013
Hi Stephen!
Thank you so much for your response! I agree, it definitely takes a toll on the brain! What I am used to seeing may not have been the "best version" but it was what I was accustomed to, and it takes time to adjust to something new. I hope that you're healing well and also adjusting well to your new reflection :)
Also, the swelling seems to mess with my head a lot...largely because I am looking "normal" to most ppl around me, but I notice the parts that still (hopefully) need to come down, plus I am only 1 month post-op! Plenty of time.
Thank you. I am glad I found this site!
May 2, 2013
You're right about what other people would see, you look "normal" to me after just a month, I'm jealous of your super healing powers.
That's what's so frustrating about this experience. Even when the surgery is a 100% technical success and we make so many personal sacrifices, the best outcome is that that we look perfectly normal... and nobody notices! The rest of the world takes normal for granted. You ever hear of a prize for a 'Miss Completely Average' beauty pagent?
What does your surgeon say about the swelling you see, are you still numb? It's impossible to address all my concerns in 5 minute, weekly post-op consults and his staff are useless on the phone. But I'm trying to stay on good terms with his office because he promised to throw in a rhinoplasty when the swelling goes down.
And your new pics are nice, you should feel pretty again.
Maybe post some updates sometime.
May 10, 2013
Who was your surgeon?i actually love the turn out.
May 24, 2013
Hi Chase1987
Sorry for the delay in responding. My surgeon was Dr. Lapointe in London, Ontario. He's a really great guy and great surgeon!
May 13, 2013
I like your change.. Week 1 you were swollen.. But it looks much better.. You look probably look in the mirror & maybe don't see a change.. Its subtle but nice different... I want to do it .. I didn't think it would be so inexpensive.. Thanks for the info
May 24, 2013
Hi Leea2000,
I am lucky in that Ontario health insurance covers the procedure :) Otherwise it wouldn't have been an option based on some of the prices I've seen in the states for the same procedure - eek!
Thank you for response :)
May 17, 2013
Hello: First off, you look better in my opinion. It seems normal to dislike such a change in appearance at first, after all, it is a major change. We all need time to adjust to appreciate what we have. And I'm sure that appreciate will come as the swelling slowly subsides.
How many millimeters were your jaws advanced?
May 24, 2013
Hey Nate92 - thanks! I am slowly adjusting to the changes. It's weird because some angles I like and others seem totally bizarre to me..but yes, swelling needs to continue to subside before I can say anything really. I also need to give my muscles time to readjust and learn to smile, again! I actually just saw my surgeon this week and totally forgot to ask. The plan was minimal movement...so it wouldn't have been by much.
UPDATED FROM kathleenbrodie
2 months post
9 weeks post surgery
Well, it has been 9 weeks and I am feeling SO much better about my face. I know there's still a long recovery ahead, but I truly am feeling much more confident about what was done.
Thank you to everyone for your kind words...it's hard to put yourself out there!
Thank you to everyone for your kind words...it's hard to put yourself out there!
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM kathleenbrodie
2 months post
Hope this link to my videos of my recovery works...
A few videos to show the transition
Replies (14)
June 9, 2013
I am so glad I read some of this site's comments - the man I originally replied to looked nice I felt but maybe I should not have commented because everything looks so different from the person's own point of view of course and I do not know the full story. I am thinking of getting jaw reduction just because I think it would improve how I look but, from comments I have read, often the patient feels they look worse (well at first anyway). The lady from Toronto looks very pretty before and after and it is helpful to see photos. I hope the man who was not pleased with his result feels better about it or else finds a surgeon to somehow improve what he does not like.
June 18, 2013
hi I'm Roel! I'm looking for a surgeon expert in orthognathic, rhinoplasty, otoplasty and necklift. I want to have both surgery at the same time. Please help me. I need an information.
July 5, 2013
Hi Roel,
It would be amazing to get all of that done at the same time, but I am not sure if anyone does that as often the jaw surgery alone can be 4 hours or more! As well, sometimes jaw surgery eliminates the need for rhinoplasty - if it is upper jaw surgery.
June 22, 2013
Why did you have the surgery done in the first place? I wish I could send you a pic and you could tell me if you think I'd benefit from it. I have a class 2 upper jaw protrusion. My uper mouthsicks out and I've been wanting ro so this badly.
July 5, 2013
Hey!
I had the surgery on April 4th, 2013 and I had it to correct a underdeveloped lower jaw and to help with grinding, chewing, breathing, etc. So far I would say it is worth it, but I do have my good and bad days still! I would definitely suggest consulting with an oral surgeon or an orthodontist and see what they say :)
June 24, 2013
omg you look far better. No way can you judge even 9 weeks. I had jaw surgery 2 months ago im still swollen and my face changes every week. Its scarey to see your face changing and people noticing. However you will love the final result. Your cheek bones look great and profile aswell.
July 5, 2013
Hi Daniels17,
You're so right. My face changes all the time still and I just cannot wait for it to be finally settled. Some days still hurt, too! Thank you so much for the cheekbone compliment :)
July 8, 2013
You look soooo gorgeous I love how it makes your cheeks look alot more toned. You look alot better than before dear!!!
July 18, 2013
Hi Dragonborn476
Thank you so much! it's funny how other ppl can see the things we do not - cheekbones! I like :)
I think you look great in all 3 shots, especially for saying how soon after surgery you are!! I would have still expected some bruising and more swelling. Do you happen to have any profile shots you feel comfortable sharing? Its somewhat hard to see/appreciate jaw changes from the front view.
Also, I know you didn't have the specific procedures in these Q&As but I think you might find the answers helpful to see that going through a down period after surgery is fairly common:
Why Do Some Doctors Say to Expect Feeling Depressed After a Full Face and Brow Lift?
After Rhinoplasty I've Been Really Depressed, Is it Possible to Reverse Surgery?
Thanks so much for adding the profile shots. I love the change! I don't think it looks overdone at all. I would love it if you added your youtube videos!! Hope you decide to. :)