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

September 29, 2004

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