sarpe / same / upper jaw expansion - Melbourne, AU

Initially I went to an ortho and just wanted braces, they said it would be difficult because of my tiny top jaw, I would either need a lot of extractions, or an upper jaw expansion. I opted for the expansion, because even though it was more expensive I figured the longterm benefit would outweigh having 4 teeth removed. Luckily, my surgeon upon learning I didn't have private health got me into the public system as she is on the board at the hospital and is able to do this with a few patients each year - i got very lucky. I paid her fee directly, but everything else was covered by the public system. I spent a night in hospital, the swellling was at worse 3 days post, 5 days post I started to go for walks. By 7 days I was back at strength training. By two weeks I could eat most food and open my mouth enough. Within 3 months the bone had completely healed. I got braces three months after surgery. All in all, it wasnt too bad except for the speech impediment because of the expanding plate. Combined with braces, there was a lot happening in my mouth. It's now been 12 months since surgery and in a week im having my lower jaw advanced to correct my 8mm over bite. Braces will come off six months after this, so middle of 2017.