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POSTED UNDER Jaw Surgery Reviews

My Jaw Reconstruction Journey

UPDATED FROM danicarenee
8 months post

Video

danicarenee
WORTH IT
Also! I forget to mention this with the last update but I will be answering all the questions I've gotten asked a lot about my surgery, in a Youtube video once the braces come off. It won't just be about my surgery, it will be a video on general tips everyone getting this procedure should know. Should be in about a month or so. I will definitely post the link on here when I do. I have been writing my best tips down in my notes ever since I woke up from my surgery. I am also a third semester BSN (nursing) student so I have a little bit of background knowledge up my sleeve ;) I look forward to getting my braces off and posting the video!! I will see you guys then :D

danicarenee's provider

William Bradford Williams

Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Replies (5)

February 3, 2020
Thank you for your story. This gives me hope except for the cost. I am worried about that. May I ask, what was the cost? Thank you.
February 4, 2020
You look amazing now. Do you still have to keep braces on? If yes, when you can get your braces remove? Thanks!
May 25, 2020
Do you go to SJSU by any chance? :)
July 19, 2020
@danicarenee I am so scared to go through with the surgery but I’m definitely considering it. I’m 23 - about to turn 24 & I’ve been mulling it over for the past four years. Now that I’ve finished uni I find myself still thinking about it. I know it’ll be a two year process - well one year until the surgery & two years braces all up. So by the time I’m 25 i will have corrected by jaw & 26 I’ll have no braces. It just seems like too late of a decision to have braces now. Like at 24 I would be pretty stupid. I regret not doing it all sooner, but I’ve been terrified of having operations because I have a fear of death particularly phobic of sickness/ things going wrong in the hospital. People say they don’t think there’s anyrhing wrong with my jaw, but I know I would feel more confident about the way I look if my jaw was different. At the same time I think my look gives me uniqueness. I truly just want to make a decision so I can stop looking back with regret & move forward with my life. If you have time, I would love to have a chat.

- shana
February 17, 2021
I am going to have surgery with Dr. Williams! Would love to pick your brain if you're open to it. I tried to find your youtube video but I can't seem to find it :(
May 22, 2022
Hey do you know what's dr williams address or more info where he is located. I cant find an accurate info about him. Thanks!!
UPDATED FROM danicarenee
8 months post

Final Update

danicarenee
Hello everyone! Long time since I have updated here. If I can reach any of you thinking about getting the same type of surgery as me for a similar bite, I would just like to tell all of you, it is worth it in the end. It's crazy to think back to the time I was in the same exact shoes as many of you- desperately wishing my jaw would look like the "after" pic of a person who got jaw surgery but being so scared to take the necessary steps for myself. This entire journey has been humbling to say the least, and I am filled with gratitude for the surgeon, nurses, and fellow patients I've connected with online throughout this course. Making my jaw look like everyone else's (and being able to close my mouth properly) was the one thing I always wanted, and with hard work I finally achieved it. What a journey well worth it. Please message me or leave a comment if you have any questions or would like to chat! This is your reminder that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Replies (5)

February 10, 2020
why you have make this surgery?i not understand about look more better or you have problem medical?
February 19, 2020
I am so depressed about my upper jaw. I am hesitant to start this process because braces are not something I'm comfortable with (for multiple reasons). You said it has been a humbling experience. How did you mentally handle this process?
February 28, 2020
Hi there I would love to chat about this! I just wanted to see if maybe what I’m experiencing is similar to what you had before, or if you think I would be a good candidate for this surgery?
April 5, 2020
Hi, did you have to have any premolars removed to improve the lip incompetence? Or did they move your top jaw back? Thank you for answering :)
April 9, 2020
No they actually didn’t remove any teeth. The orthodontist said she didn’t want my lip to sink in when I got older. But I have pretty decent sized lips for a white girl lol. They ended up trying to push my jaw forward with braces to fix my over bite. But when my mouth is at rest, My lips don’t touch. And I have irregular breathing. It started as a teenager. I have a hard time getting air in my nose.
April 10, 2020
Ah okay. I've had two of my bottom premolars removed because my bottom jaw needs to be moved forward. I also have lip incompetence that bothers me as I'm a chronic mouth breather. Do you still have lip incompetence now? Is your breathing better since your surgery? You look amazing by the way!
April 9, 2020
I’m not gonna lie my side profile looks a lot like your before pictures. My lips do the same thing in the before ones of you.
UPDATED FROM danicarenee
28 days post

4 weeks post-op

danicarenee
The swelling goes down more and more every day, and Ibuprofen has never been more useful. I have officially left my cocoon and feel like a new, fresh butterfly ready to explore the revitalized world around her. How could I have gotten through this process had it not been for the relentless support and encouragement gained from various jaw surgery groups online. Please join as many support groups as you can when you are going through ANY process, you will be amazed at how much they help. When you don’t know anyone in your real life going through similar circumstances, there are people there in that group to talk to, going through exactly the same things

Replies (5)

June 19, 2019
WOW!!!

You’re beautiful. I have a double jaw and sagital split in three weeks. I’m terrified. Any suggestions?
June 19, 2019
Can I ask what the mm advancement is? Sagittal split or no??
June 24, 2019
Hey, I also have Kaiser and been interested in the same procedure. How were you able to get surgery through keiser, If you dont mind me asking how much was the procedure and how how much did they cover for you? Last Would you recommend your doctor? So scared not sure if I should do it or not.
June 24, 2019
Looking great!! How does everything feel? Are you eating solids?
June 25, 2019
You look great! My almost 16 year old is having her surgery in 3 weeks. Thanks so much for sharing , you’re making it a little less scary for her.