Re: Hair Loss after surgery !??? Did I read that correctly ?

September 29, 2004

I completely understand you concern about the hair loss issue. It's

called telogen effluvium (do a google). It's not something that can

be predicted, it occurs rarely, and your hair almost always (as in

99%) grows back within a year (often less).

Basically, your body goes into survival mode after the truama of

surgery and your hair goes from roughly 10-20% in resting phase (your

hair is always falling out) to up to %80 resting phase (that rarely

happens). More often that not, other people won't even notice

(although you might).

I have not yet had my surgery, but I have had telogen effluvium

before from something else and it did scare me - but it did grow

back!

Talk to your doctor about it and express your concerns. It is one of

the much smaller issues with surgery, but one that can be nerve

racking if you aren't prepaired.

September 29, 2004

I completely understand you concern about the hair loss issue. It's

called telogen effluvium (do a google). It's not something that can

be predicted, it occurs rarely, and your hair almost always (as in

99%) grows back within a year (often less).

Basically, your body goes into survival mode after the truama of

surgery and your hair goes from roughly 10-20% in resting phase (your

hair is always falling out) to up to %80 resting phase (that rarely

happens). More often that not, other people won't even notice

(although you might).

I have not yet had my surgery, but I have had telogen effluvium

before from something else and it did scare me - but it did grow

back!

Talk to your doctor about it and express your concerns. It is one of

the much smaller issues with surgery, but one that can be nerve

racking if you aren't prepaired.

September 29, 2004

HI,

Yes you read hair loss...nothing to fear...promise.

It is a side effect of anesthia...any surgery from a c-section to jaw

surg---anything where you are put under causes some hair loss.

How much?

no worries, it basically (w/o scientific terms) causes your body to

react to the slowing of your system...and you end a cycle of hair

growth and begin a new one...you see loss a little more than normal,

like you would in cold regions as the new season starts (yes like

shedding-not all pep exp this) but think of the difference like

rather than 5 hairs stopping and 5 new ones starting, its a bigger

group in this cycle. You may notice it showering or brushing...no one

else will have any idea by looking at you. And you can just try and

be more gentle when washing or brushing, but just like a finger nail,

if it's dead and another one is about to grow, that's the cycle of

life!

I had a little from a out patient surg I had in feb, around

april...lasted about a week or 2 tops...and again, only I noticed.

Got a hair cut as it started to level off and my hairdresser didn't

notice either...

2. I had upper (+genio) and I am looking the same on my right and

left sides.

3. I had genio and a few have said my face looks longer, but as I see

it, nope...just more defined...so it calls attention to the chin, in

a good way.

4. I am 7 wks post op and have most of the feeling bk, I started

early at 2 wks...

5. went back to work 3.2 wks..desk job bu ttalking and not easy at

all!

6. Blender is best as I see it, then you can eat what you want. As to

soft that depends, as to steak 8-10 wks min!

GOod luck, JO

> I'm 25 years old and have been recommended upper jaw advancement

> (just 4-5mm). My profile is perfectly fine and you cant even tell

> that I have a typical cross bite. For those of you that don't know,

a

> cross bite is one wherein the upper teeth do not meet with the

> corresponding lower teeth that they should be touching (instead,

the

> molars meet the pre-molars, for example). A perfect bite is one

> wherein the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth slightly.

> In my case, my upper and lower teeth meet end-end (dead on). This

is

> causing a slow rubbing away of my teeth, BUT I am considering

surgery

> PRIMARILY for cosmetic reasons.

>

> My upper teeth arent seen when I talk, ONLY when I smile real wide.

> After surgery I hope to have more of my upper teeth visible when I

> talk/smile. I am sure a wider smile will improve my confidence. I

> feel that my smile (or lack thereof) is holding me back.

> But most people can't even tell I have an improper bite (its so

> insignificant). Heck even I didnt know till I was told by my

> orthodontist that I had a cross bite. But I have ALWAYS been

> conscious of my SMILE, and the fact that my UPPER TEETH ARENT SEEN

as

> much as they should be.

> After reading a couple of emails posted on this group, I am having

> second thoughts. Here are some of the questions lingering in my

head.

>

> 1) Someone here mentioned hair loss after surgery ! I couldnt

believe

> my eyes. Its something I would have NEVER thought about or

> considered. Has ANYONE had orthognathic surgery and experienced

hair

> loss ? Please speak up if you have, I'd appreciate it!

>

> 2) Someone here mentioned asymmetry after surgery. Has anyone had

> upper jaw surgery alone (mine would be an upper jaw advancement),

and

> experienced asymmetry ?

>

> 3) Someone mentioned that a lower jaw advancement would cause the

> face to look thinner and longer. And the nose would appear smaller.

> What about an upper jaw advancement..does anyone know for certain

> what effect that could have on my facial appearance ? Would my nose

> look bigger, or smaller ? Hey I have a fairly big nose already. Oh

> well.

>

> 4) Numbness....has anyone experienced permanent numbness or nerve

> damage from surgery ?

>

> 5) How long does it take after surgery to get back to work (a desk

> job) ?

>

> 6) How long would I have to be on a liquid/semi-solid diet after

> surgery ?

>

> If anyone has some info to share, or has answers to one or more of

my

> questions, I'd appreciate a response. Thank you and good luck to

all

> of you!

September 29, 2004