Re: Anyone regret having their surgery done ?

[Guest guest]

Personally, I would never have done this for cosmetic reasons, only

functional. lThe movement you are talking about is minimal, and yes,

things may not turn out the way you want. There's no guarantee. There

are also other risks associated with this surgery that you should

discuss with your surgeon. It's a major surgery not to be undertaken

lightly.

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

> Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

> Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

thx

>

> Rick

[Guest guest]

Last night was the first time since my surgery that I saw friends I

have not seen since before the surgery. My lower jaw advancement was

only minor- my boyfriend claims he sees no difference but he's been

looking at me from day 1 of surgery and my co-workers all saw me when I

was still rather swollen so they have said nothing about the physical

changes. My friends last night were almost weirded out by the subtle

changes and told me that before, they were not sure why I was doing

this. Now they could see and they thought it was an improvement. That

made me feel good. They also assured me I did not have angry chin-

which I have worried about.

Would I do it again?...I think so- though it's still a little early to

say. I, like you, did not feel I desperately needed it from a cosmetic

standpoint. To keep myself motivated, I focussed on the health benefits

which were also borderline in my case. I'd also look into the

insurance... if they hadn't paid, there is no way I would have forked

over $20,000.

Good Luck with your decision!

T.

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

>   Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

>   So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

>   Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

>   Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and thx

>

> Rick

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had my upper and lower (forward) done on Dec. 22. One of my

plates broke (somehow) and I had to have a second surgery on

Thursday. Even without having to go through the second surgery I

would not have done this for cosmetic reasons. I had a pretty big

overbite, but I don't think it made me look awful or anything. I

also had a gummy smile, but again, I didn't scare young children.

This is something I would seriously consider if it is just for

cosmetic reasons. I would predict everything will go great for you,

but really, really consider before you go through with it.

One more consideration, with an overbite they have to cut a nerve

that makes your chin and bottom lip numb and there is a chance that

it will not regain feeling. I would definetly discuss this with

your OS as well. I have gotten a little feeling, but I still worry

I won't ever be able to kiss boyfriend and feel it again.

Sorry to sound so negative, I am glad that I had the surgery, but

not because I think it makes me look better. (I actually look worse

right now).

HTH,

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something

I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

> Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

> Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

thx

>

> Rick

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I agree with you about doing it for cosmetics alone but they did not

have to cut my nerve and I have lost no feeling in my chin. It might

depend on how many mm they are moving you.

T.

>

> I had my upper and lower (forward) done on Dec. 22.  One of my

> plates broke (somehow) and I had to have a second surgery on

> Thursday.  Even without having to go through the second surgery I

> would not have done this for cosmetic reasons.  I had a pretty big

> overbite, but I don't think it made me look awful or anything.  I

> also had a gummy smile, but again, I didn't scare young children. 

> This is something I would seriously consider if it is just for

> cosmetic reasons.  I would predict everything will go great for you,

> but really, really consider before you go through with it. 

>

> One more consideration, with an overbite they have to cut a nerve

> that makes your chin and bottom lip numb and there is a chance that

> it will not regain feeling.  I would definetly discuss this with

> your OS as well.  I have gotten a little feeling, but I still worry

> I won't ever be able to kiss boyfriend and feel it again.

>

> Sorry to sound so negative, I am glad that I had the surgery, but

> not because I think it makes me look better. (I actually look worse

> right now). 

>

> HTH,

>

>

> >

> > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something

> I

> > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

> just

> > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

> not

> > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

> as

> > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> >   Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

> here

> > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> > many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> > before ?

> >  I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

> me

> > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

> with

> > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> >  I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

> to

> > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> > months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> > through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> >   So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> > is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

> anybody

> > thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> >   Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> >

> >   Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

> thx

> >

> > Rick

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hmm, this is an interesting question. I think I would have gone

ahead and done it for cosmetic reasons alone (assuming I could have

afforded it without insurance), because I was *so* self-conscious of

my profile and smile (long upper jaw, slight overbite, weak chin).

Then again, it sounds like my problem was more severe than yours (and

had a definite functional component in terms of my bite). It sounds

like you feel pretty good about your appearance, and not as

interested in the " perfect " outcome that the orthodontists have

mentioned.

Would braces at least be able to fix some of the overbite? My ortho

was very honest with me from the start -- at our first consultation

he basically said " I can definitely correct a certain amount with

braces alone, and if that's all you want to do, that's fine with me.

If you want your bite fully corrected, it will require surgery, and

I'll support you through that process as well. " He was very clear

about my options and potential outcomes, but didn't try to pressure

me into taking one route or the other.

It's not an easy surgery for anyone, though in my case I seem to have

been having a longer/slower/harder recovery than most (tomorrow will

be 6 weeks post-op for me -- I had upper + genio) -- I had a ton of

bleeding and still have some bruising and noticeable swelling,

which is somewhat unusual. I do like certain aspects of how my

appearance has changed already (I'm very happy with my profile) but I

have mixed feelings about my frontal appearance (my smile seems alien

to me) -- that may improve both as the swelling goes down and as I

get more used to it. So yeah, I'm definitely *not* one of those

cases where I was dancing around at 2 or 3 weeks saying " I love what

I see " , but neither would I say I regret it. I feel that down the

road, with patience, I will ultimately feel satisfied.

Sara

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

> Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

> Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

thx

>

> Rick

[Guest guest]

I am three days post-op, I had upper and lower jaw surgery and a

chin reconstruction. It is a pain being banded together right now,

but I am not regretting it yet. I have been off of the pain med

since Friday night. I have not had a lot of pain, just the

frustrations of drooling all over myself whenever I try to sit up

straight. I get these rubber bands off tomorrow, though, and I am

really excited about that. I had joint surgery about a year and a

half ago, so I am already familiar with eating only mushy foods,

which isn't so bad. My favoriate is the cauliflower mashed potatoes

that I found in a low-carb cook book. Just remember, if you are

post-op, the worst of it is behind you. Just getting to that point

was so difficult for me.

> >

> > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is

something I

> > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

> just

> > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so

that

> > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an

overbite

> > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

not

> > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit

high

> > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always

see

> > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said

I

> > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the

front

> as

> > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> > Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

here

> > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering

how

> > many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were

better

> > before ?

> > I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have

said

> > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

me

> > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

with

> > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but

some

> > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> > I think like most of us out there considering it its the

wanting

> to

> > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> > months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> > through all this to look better and come out worse then before

and

> > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> > So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if

they

> > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear

anything

> > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their

nose

> > is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

> anybody

> > thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> > Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> >

> > Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and

problems

> > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to

write

> > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

> thx

> >

> > Rick

[Guest guest]

I am 2 months post La Forte I surgery. I am still very numb and have

days of regreting having this done. I didn't realize I would be this

numb for this long. I occasionaly have sharp pain in my lip but

nothing else. My speach is effected my the palatel wire because my

tongue is raw from hitting it everytime I swallow. I have lost 15

pounds and eating is still soft and mushy. I right now don't know if

I would do it again. My nose runs and I can't feel it, my lips are

like hamburger still. Give it a lot of thought before you do

anything.

> > >

> > > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is

> something I

> > > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok

now

> > just

> > > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so

> that

> > > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an

> overbite

> > > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look

better

> not

> > > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit

> high

> > > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always

> see

> > > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both

said

> I

> > > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the

> front

> > as

> > > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> > > Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

> here

> > > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering

> how

> > > many regret having it done and think either they look worse

then

> > > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were

> better

> > > before ?

> > > I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have

> said

> > > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that

worries

> me

> > > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

> with

> > > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but

> some

> > > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> > > I think like most of us out there considering it its the

> wanting

> > to

> > > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse

even

> > > months or years later because at least for me I dont want to

go

> > > through all this to look better and come out worse then before

> and

> > > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> > > So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if

> they

> > > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear

> anything

> > > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their

> nose

> > > is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

> > anybody

> > > thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> > > Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others

who

> > > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> > >

> > > Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and

> problems

> > > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to

> write

> > > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care

and

> > thx

> > >

> > > Rick

[Guest guest]

I had the surgery exclusively for cosmetic reasons...

I don't regret the surgery, but I wouldn't have the surgery if I had

to do it again...

I had an 11mm overjet, which was corrected to 5mm overjet with

orthodontics... later, the surgery gave me a perfect bite...

in hindsight, i think i would have been very happy with the 5mm

overjet....

there are risks to the surgery: permanent numbness, asymmetry, and

other complications....

although, i don't have any numbness, I believe I have a bit of

asymmetry, which was not prevalent before the surgery....

it's all about risk vs. reward...

by the way, i paid for the whole process. The total cost for me was

only about $13,000 (which included the surgery and orthodontics).

That $13K was the best investment i ever made, even though i still

contend that would not have done the surgery - only the

orthodontics....

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something

I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

> Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

> Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

thx

>

> Rick

[Guest guest]

I thought this was a good question and I was waiting to here someone

say " No " I don't regret it, however I haven't heard it. Well this

surgery was the worse decision I could have ever made and if its not

for health reason than I would never, suggest it and your looks may

be better but all my friends said I look like a diferent person. One

lady said to me " you use to be such a pretty girl " well I don't

thinks that was necessary to say but it's true.

My nose, lips and cheeks have settled differently on my face. I

still have a little swelling so maybe things will get better. You

ask for different opinions and this is mines, hope it helps.

> >

> > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something

I

> > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

> just

> > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so

that

> > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

not

> > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit

high

> > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always

see

> > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said

I

> > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

> as

> > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> > Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

here

> > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering

how

> > many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> > before ?

> > I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

me

> > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

with

> > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> > I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

> to

> > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> > months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> > through all this to look better and come out worse then before

and

> > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> > So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear

anything

> > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their

nose

> > is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

> anybody

> > thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> > Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> >

> > Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and

problems

> > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to

write

> > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

> thx

> >

> > Rick

[Guest guest]

I'm in the same boat as you pretty much. I may have to have my

upper jaw moved slightly higher and perhaps a little forward, my

lower jaw forward and my chin maybe a bit. Despite all this, my

bite is fine. Although the main concern for me is cosmetic, I also

experience a breathing impediment (if you want to call it that)

because of my jaws being back to far or angled incorrectly or

whatever is wrong. I know this because when I thrust my lower jaw

forward I can breath much easier. Anyway, if I could improve my

appearance and breathing I would be a very happy person.

I am also worried about getting an undesirable result but I think

with a good surgeon the risks can be minimized. I've seen a lot of

great before and after pictures. I think if you ask around on a

board such as this the answers will be skewed in favour of regret.

First of all a lot of people who respond will be still in the early

days of their recovery. Swelling may not be down, there may be

discomfort etc. People in that position are less likely to be in

good spirit about the surgery and what they look like. Another

reason would be that many people may not put as much weight on their

appearance as your or me and have undergone this surgery purely for

functional reasons. Also some people may have wanted this surgery

for functional and cosmetic reasons, yet maintain that they only

wanted to improve the function of their jaws to avoid some sort of

guilt of being vain. Lastly, I think a lot of people who get this

surgery done and over with and have good results tend to move on

with their lives and leave these boards. We don't get to hear from

them. With that said, there are no doubt people who have had bad

results, but I seriously can't imagine thousands and thousands of

these procedures being performed where most of the people turn out

uglier than they were before. Oral-Maxillofacial surgeons not only

fix jaws, but also have a keen sense of aesthetics.

Believe me, I really don't want to have to go through all this, but

I think the results may definately be worth it. If I can get to the

point where I'm comfortable with my future orthodontist and surgeon

then I will definately go for it.

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something

I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

> Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

> Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

thx

>

> Rick

[Guest guest]

Hey Rick - I know I am late on this post but I haven't been on for a

few days and I wanted to add to this. I am 4 weeks post op today, had

upper and lower done. Upper came out about 5mm, lower went back about

4 mm (I had a heavy Jay leno type jaw). I can't even express how

happy I am with the results. I didnt have TMJ or any problems but I

did have a small upper jaw and my orthos had suggested that if I

didnt get the surgery done my teeth would shift as soon as the braces

came off. I am THRILLED with my new profile. Yes, my chin and lower

lip are still a bit numb but I know that will pass with time and

really it isnt such a big deal. With millions of people suffering in

the world it is pretty miniscule in comparasion :0) I try not to let

myself become wrapped up in the small details.

In terms of cosmetic reasons, I don't look down on that. It all

depends on your self esteem and what makes you feel good. If it

really bothers you than yah I would get it done. But if it doesnt

than you may just be fine the way you are. But if you were fine with

it, then maybe you wouldnt even be considering it, so deep down some

part of it must bug you - and trust me that isnt' going to change. It

took me 10 years to go through with it, god I wish I would have done

it earlier.

I didnt have a bad recovery at all, it was much, much easier than I

expected. Yah it sucks for the first few days but I wasnt wired, only

banded and I was eating pasta and other foods in the middle of week

2. Didnt even lose any weight. One 22 year old guy who had his

surgery the same day as me did even better recovering than me. His

swelling was 95% gone by day 9.

The decision is yours. Where do you live? I live in Canada and the

cost was quite small - if it was like $20k I may have had second

thoughts.

cheers, Jen

>

> Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is something I

> want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

just

> a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so that

> wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an overbite

> but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better not

> sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit high

> so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always see

> my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said I

> needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the front

as

> they have shifted over the years a bit.

> Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on here

> who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering how

> many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> they did or they totally regret have it done and they were better

> before ?

> I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have said

> they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries me

> a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me with

> getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but some

> also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> I think like most of us out there considering it its the wanting

to

> hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> through all this to look better and come out worse then before and

> on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if they

> regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear anything

> people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their nose

> is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

anybody

> thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

>

> Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and problems

> on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to write

> here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

thx

>

> Rick

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen, I just was wondering.. I'm in Ontario and orthognathic

surgery is covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan.. I think

that's how the acronym goes).. anyways just curious, what province

are you in and why you had to pay? Thanks

> >

> > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is

something I

> > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

> just

> > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so

that

> > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an

overbite

> > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

not

> > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit

high

> > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always

see

> > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both said

I

> > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the

front

> as

> > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> > Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

here

> > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering

how

> > many regret having it done and think either they look worse then

> > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were

better

> > before ?

> > I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have

said

> > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that worries

me

> > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

with

> > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but

some

> > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> > I think like most of us out there considering it its the

wanting

> to

> > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse even

> > months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> > through all this to look better and come out worse then before

and

> > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> > So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if

they

> > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear

anything

> > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their

nose

> > is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

> anybody

> > thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> > Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others who

> > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> >

> > Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and

problems

> > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to

write

> > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care and

> thx

> >

> > Rick

[Guest guest]

Hey there - you are lucky!! BC Med used to cover it but a few years

ago there were some cutbacks so now they only subsidize a certain

percentage (still the majority). I think we have to pay for the

splint and incidentals. I paid $4500 for double, but I think it goes

up to about $8000. AB and SK also are covered :0)

Cheers, Jen

> > >

> > > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is

> something I

> > > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks ok now

> > just

> > > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling so

> that

> > > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an

> overbite

> > > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look better

> not

> > > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a bit

> high

> > > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you always

> see

> > > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen both

said

> I

> > > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in the

> front

> > as

> > > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> > > Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've seen on

> here

> > > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im wondering

> how

> > > many regret having it done and think either they look worse

then

> > > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were

> better

> > > before ?

> > > I have to be honest I havent read very many people who have

> said

> > > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that

worries

> me

> > > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything for me

> with

> > > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people but

> some

> > > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> > > I think like most of us out there considering it its the

> wanting

> > to

> > > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt worse

even

> > > months or years later because at least for me I dont want to go

> > > through all this to look better and come out worse then before

> and

> > > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> > > So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and if

> they

> > > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear

> anything

> > > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying their

> nose

> > > is not straight and things like that so just want to know of

> > anybody

> > > thinks they looked better before and regret having it done.

> > > Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps others

who

> > > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> > >

> > > Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and

> problems

> > > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother to

> write

> > > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take care

and

> > thx

> > >

> > > Rick

[Guest guest]

Hey guys, thanks for the information its really great hearing the

honest truth , needlesst to say I havent went back to the

orthodontist to get started its been a few weeks now , guess im so

worried I will end up being one of the people who people say looked

way better before the surgery .

I have to be honest and say this is one of the hardest choices I

think i've had to make and it always seems to come down to the same

result basically no matter what anyone says you either have to take

a chance and see how the outcome turns out live some shifted teeth

so feels stressful but at the same time if the surgery made me look

worse then that would just kill me and if im not happy now imagine

how I would feel looking wierd or disfigured geeeeeeeeeze, and you

know if you ask to see pics they only going to show you the best

case ones and as was said you are going on what your OS says looks

good so got to hope he or she has good taste hehe.

Im in Ottawa, Ontario Canada so im lucky that if I want the

surgery done its covered by OHIP here and the surgeon told me that I

would have to pay and extra $1100 to $1500 so thats not too bad but

that's on top of the $6200 for the orthodontic work but as much as

the money is , that means nothing compared to how I will look after

and will I make a few crooked teeth a crooked face etc . I guess

most people are more concerned with the outcome over money and

believe me I only work a reg job and dont have any insurance so its

a lot but I look at it like its your smile and you have it a

lifetime so you cant put a price on that really.

I have also gone through thoughts of like if I do get surgery done

(nowhere near sure yet hehe) do I get the chin made more prenounced

because I dont want one of those " jay leno " chins after so maybe

its better to get the upper done and see how the lower looks

before ? mind you that way if I decided to get it done later I would

have to pay for it because its considered cosmetic so that sucks but

you dont know until you see it after and the more things you get

done im sure the more drastic the change of your appearance is so

thats something to consider also.

When I saw the surgeon he was and is the only one i've spoken with

to date but he wasnt too old and not too young(around late 40's i

say) but i have to say he reminded me of one of those coroners you

see in the movies eating a sandwich while cutting out organs ewwww

hehe so needless to say professional didnt pop into mind but he

seemed nice enough and straight to the point not very social

person , not that means anything but just makes you wonder more. He

never offer to show me pics or anything of past operations done and

When I asked if a lot of people get it done he just said its major

surgery and most people have a good outcome and recover nicely but

its like anything your always going to find somebody who went bad ,

so basically he may as well said could turn out good or not .

I'm at the point where im thinking maybe I should get my wisdom

teeth out because the dentist and orthodontist both said I should

get them out and I know thats only a pain issue so I will look the

same after and im not looking forward to doing that but at least

that you know the end result , and do I need them out who knows I

mean dentists and orthodontists seem quick to say get them out A

because they make money on it and B im sure it cant hurt to get rid

of them and cut out any chance of overcrouding or whatever.

Well I've talked my butt off again and got to cut it off before

people need to pull up fire with my message and settle in for the

night with some long reading material hehe .

Thanks for the messages guys I never get tired of talking and

learning about it if you dont hehe and I like to talk in general so

hey Take care talk to you soon im sure

Rick

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi guys im still in the deciding stage of if surgery is

> > > something I

> > > > > want to do seeing how its only for cosmetic and it looks

ok

> now

> > > > just

> > > > > a slight gummy smile but only like a cm when fully smiling

> so

> > > that

> > > > > wasnt a concern of mine for me it was I have a bit of an

> > > overbite

> > > > > but everyone thinks i look normal but maybe i would look

> better

> > > not

> > > > > sure , guess I've always had one of those lips that are a

> bit

> > > high

> > > > > so unless I actually close my mouth on purpose then you

> always

> > > see

> > > > > my front teeth a bit . The two orthodontists i've seen

both

> > said

> > > I

> > > > > needed surgery to make the front teeth perfect again in

the

> > > front

> > > > as

> > > > > they have shifted over the years a bit.

> > > > > Basically I was wondering out of all the people I've

seen

> on

> > > here

> > > > > who have had the surgery or some form of it done, im

> wondering

> > > how

> > > > > many regret having it done and think either they look

worse

> > then

> > > > > they did or they totally regret have it done and they were

> > > better

> > > > > before ?

> > > > > I have to be honest I havent read very many people who

have

> > > said

> > > > > they look great and it was a big improvement and so that

> > worries

> > > me

> > > > > a bit. For me its cosmetic only so looks are everything

for

> me

> > > with

> > > > > getting surgery done etc as im sure with a lot of people

but

> > > some

> > > > > also have pain related issues and other major stuff.

> > > > > I think like most of us out there considering it its the

> > > wanting

> > > > to

> > > > > hear if people regretted it after and looked and felt

worse

> > even

> > > > > months or years later because at least for me I dont want

to

> go

> > > > > through all this to look better and come out worse then

> before

> > > and

> > > > > on top of that pay lots of money and go through hell .

> > > > > So any opinions as to how their surgery overall was and

if

> > > they

> > > > > regretted getting it done etc I really would like to hear

> > > anything

> > > > > people have to say I mean you hear lot of people saying

> their

> > > nose

> > > > > is not straight and things like that so just want to know

of

> > > > anybody

> > > > > thinks they looked better before and regret having it

done.

> > > > > Thanks for the opinions and stories it really helps

others

> > who

> > > > > havent yet had surgery done and thinking of doing it.

> > > > >

> > > > > Maybe its just you only hear the worst case stories and

> > > problems

> > > > > on here and maybe the ones that turn out fine dont bother

to

> > > write

> > > > > here? Im not sure so trying to get a feel for it , take

care

> > and

> > > > thx

> > > > >

> > > > > Rick