3 weeks after lower advancement - (long)

[Guest guest]

Hey all, its been a long time since I posted. First found this site

back in 2002 after my first surgery. Thought I would just add my

experiences to the group now that I am in the home stretch.

I had SARPE in June 2002, followed by braces to get me to the point of

lower advancement May 2004, probably 6 more months of braces before I

finally have nice straight shiny teeth (I'm now saving for laser

whitening). Over 3 looooong years - originally told done in 2-2 1/2

years. yeah right.

SARPE in 2002 had some frightening unexpected bleeding complications

and ended up 2 night hospital stay, massive face swelling and

bruising. I didn't like how my surgeon handled it and began to have

doubts about how well the surgery was performed. So I dumped him for

a different surgeon and I am so glad I did. If in doubt, go ahead and

change surgeons, orthos whatever you need.

Lower advancement 9 mm done May 3rd. One night in the hospital, some

swelling, still numbness in lip and chin, but really getting the

tinglies so hopeful everything will come back. No complications,

fairly easy recovery, everything I could have hoped for. I love my

new profile, keep looking sideways in the mirror, can't believe how

well it looks. Still have the ugly elastics on, soft food only, no

chewing yet but I can finally see the end in sight.

Would I do it again? Yes, but I have had a good result and I was

fully aware of what the risks were - I refused surgery the first time

it came up and did nothing for 3 years until I was sure this is what i

wanted. And after all the yada yada yada about function and chewing

improvements, my bottom line was I hated the way I looked and I wanted

it fixed. So yes even though insurance paid, my ultimate goal was

that dirty little word " Cosmetic " . Anyway I'm happy its almost over,

good luck to everyone considering this, and its heart breaking to read

some of the not good results, I wish I could change things for you.

Hannah