Cross Bite Causing Chronic Pain, Interrupted Sleep and Issues with Self Confidence. Jaw Reconstruction - Santa Monica, CA

I finally got my braces off a few weeks ago after 4 years almost to the day. Looking back on this journey it did make a huge difference in my appearance and I am 80% happy. Now I just have some dental work to complete, a few veneers and a replacement of one that I hate from many years ago (2004). Also the Genioplasty that was added onto the jaw operation kind of last minute, I'm not sure if I'm fully happy with that. My chin does still look a bit crooked, like maybe not much was done there. I am getting a few more opinions and going to see the surgeon to ask him about it in Oct. Just wanted to add more photos for anyone who is interested. These are all but one after my surgery(the one with fully blonde hair is prior). Let me know what you think. Also considering getting fillers in cheeks because I feel like they sunk in a tiny bit after surgery.

Hello Real Self!
So as you know going through anything medical is an emotional roller coaster and although I meant to keep up I was so stressed mentally and physically after the operation I chose to wait so I could write a helpful and (hopefully) unbiased update.

I went through with the operation having a Lower Split of Mandible, Lefort 3 Piece and Genioplasty. All in one she-bang. A team of talented surgeons did everything possible to straighten my bite and face aesthetically. Cutting edge technology was used to scan my face and complete a virtual surgery before gate time. Writing this is difficult because it closed many doors but opened some new ones. I wonder throughout my recovery, during the weight loss and hunger, the claustrophobia, the moodiness and pain, what I did to myself? How could I have volunteered for this?
Real Selfers, if I am standing on a cosmetic side, I think my decision was a wonderful one. My face is much more symmetrical, my teeth and smile have a shot at actually being beautiful. Did I feel beautiful before? Yes. Did it come for a price? Yes, doesn't everything. Both financially and physically. On the other hand, my teeth fit together beautifully more and more each day and I know this will help my overall comfort with daily activity, but a surgery I was told could be intended to alleviate pain in my severe TMJ was a flat out lie. This sped up erosion of my joint, I am 25 and my left joint now looks like an 80 year old with arthritis. It hurts. It was almost unbearable for about 6 months after surgery. I was told this is very uncommon but who knows? I must say I thought this was what the computers were used for. Doctors: can't you see if bone is going to collide? I hope one day there is a drop down menu to add X amount of wear and tear years left in lifespan to a joint to see what could possibly occur. On the bright side... I have had great relief with Botox into my masseter, pteragoid, and temporal muscles and !!acupuncture!! (I was a skeptic, not anymore!)
During recovery I lost 24 lbs taking me from 125 at 5 ft 7 in to 101 lbs, which after 9 months I am at 116 lbs and comfortable with that. I was difficult to deal with and stubborn with food I think it would be possible to stay at a healthier weight. Also some people will shed 24 lbs easier if there is any extra weight.
I want to go on record saying that I would still have done surgery. I wish we could have been more aware of the pain I would endure and ways to avoid it. Maybe we wouldn't have moved my jaw quite so far. Maybe I had a bit too much work for one session.
My advice is to ask way too many questions even if you feel you are annoying. Get a second, third or forth opinion. Trust your gut. Tell yourself you are beautiful every damn day and don't go under the knife for a very traumatic surgery for only cosmetic reasons because with the price tag I could've had full veneers and just the genioplasty. I had pain half my life and getting worse, I was brave and chose to make a change and my only regret was not exploring EVERY SINGLE OPTION.

I will post more pics or updates if this is helpful to anyone! I have lots to share but my fingers are sore.
Cheers and God bless!

Love,
Brittany