Re: Top jaw surgery - wiring? - SARAH

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had upper jaw surgery about 4.5 weeks ago to correct an open

bite. I was banded shut (more flexible) for a week. At my one-week

post-op appointment, my surgeon removed the bands and I was given

rubberbands to keep my bite in place while I slept. At my three-

week post-op appointment, my splint was removed. Later in the day I

saw my orthodontist who changed my brace wires and gave me

rubberbands to wear 20 hours/day to keep my bite in place.

I have experienced very little change in appearance (I looked normal

pre-surgery) - in fact, my friends and family say I look exactly the

same! I would say my swelling is about 90% down. Right now my nose

is slightly wider and more upturned than usual, but I am hoping this

will fall into place in the coming months. My upper lip is also

slightly slimmer and feels " tight " from the stitches. Other than

that, there hasn't been much difference - except now my bite is

correct!

I hope this helps - wishing you lots of luck on your surgery!!!

Meredith

> Hi everyone,

>

> I've been a member here for a while, but haven't posted much,

because

> of the long wait it has been to get ready for surgery. But I love

> reading the posts, and all the great advice.

>

> It looks like they've finally decided to just do my top jaw. My

> question is for those of you who have had this surgery - did you

have

> to be wired after it? And what was the difference in your

appearance?

>

> Thanks so much,

>

[Guest guest]

I am 1.5 week post-op from upper jaw surgery. I had a 3 piece Le

Fort 1. I had an overbite and a gummy smile. Here's the scoop:

First and foremost, have a support structure. Have someone you are

very close to and can tolerate you at your lowest point with

you...you will need it. First week is rough and there is no way

around it. Sleeping in an upright position will hurt your back,

neck and you will be tired and EXTREMELY swollen. The swelling does

go down, but with upper jaw the sweeling around the sinus cavity

lingers. I am 10 days post-op and still a lot of swelling in that

area.

I was banded shut, but it is not much different from being wired...I

am on a completely liquid diet. GO TO THE STORE BEFORE SUGERY AND

STOCK UP ON SOUPS, etc!! When you are banded, swalling will be

difficult at first and you will feel scared...BUT IT DOES GO

AWAY!!! The biggest hurdle are the deamons in your head! Please

email me if you would like to discuss more.

I will be posting my journal over the next week detailing the first

two weeks.

> > Hi everyone,

> >

> > I've been a member here for a while, but haven't posted much,

> because

> > of the long wait it has been to get ready for surgery. But I

love

> > reading the posts, and all the great advice.

> >

> > It looks like they've finally decided to just do my top jaw. My

> > question is for those of you who have had this surgery - did you

> have

> > to be wired after it? And what was the difference in your

> appearance?

> >

> > Thanks so much,

> >