Re: Anyone see significant cosmetic improvement in their face from surgery?

[Guest guest]

Sam,

I am four months post op and there us a significant cosmetic improvement in my

appearance. I had upper jaw surgery, major nose reconstruction and cheek bone

surgery. So there was a significant change for me.

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[Guest guest]

Hi Sam

Yes, I've seen significant cosmetic improvement as a result of my

surgery. I am very pleased with my results. Interestingly, everyone

that knows me well can tell the difference, but I don't look so

different to those who didn't know me very well or didn't see me very

often. Personally, I think the surgery has created a dramatic change,

yet I still look like me- just a lot better! It's subtle, but at the

same time a big difference. Does that make sense?! Everyone I know

has agreed that the surgery has improved my appearance. No one has

thought the change wasn't for the better. Of course my family and

boyfriend loved me regardless, but they agree that it's been an

improvement. Of course mine is only one experience....

Katja

> Hello All-

> So as some of you may know, I am having this surgery primarily for

> cosmetic reasons (I have lower face assymetry, and a long chin) I

> wanted to know if others have had significant cosmetic improvements

> from the surgery. I really hope to see an improvement in my

appearance

> after all of this is over. I don't want to be disappointed and

look in

> the mirror and feel that nothing has really changed after the

surgery.

> I do however have realistic expectations.

>

> Thanks!

> Sam

[Guest guest]

Hi Katja-

Do you mind me asking what your main cosmetic concerns were prior to

surgery, and also what procesdures you had done?

Thanks,

Sam

> > Hello All-

> > So as some of you may know, I am having this surgery primarily

for

> > cosmetic reasons (I have lower face assymetry, and a long chin) I

> > wanted to know if others have had significant cosmetic

improvements

> > from the surgery. I really hope to see an improvement in my

> appearance

> > after all of this is over. I don't want to be disappointed and

> look in

> > the mirror and feel that nothing has really changed after the

> surgery.

> > I do however have realistic expectations.

> >

> > Thanks!

> > Sam

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam,

I don't mind you asking.... I think our " cases " are very different

though.... I had a retrognathic (short) and assymetrical lower jaw

and a long, assymetrical, canted upper jaw. I had an overbite as a

result. The lower jaw was left of midline, my chin was even more left

and assymetrical too! My upper jaw (and slightly my nose) were right

of midline. I sound like I must have looked like a disaster!

Anyway, six months ago, I had upper jaw surgery LeFort 1 2 piece- jaw

vertically shortened, rotated, palate split & expanded (and one

wisdom tooth out!). Lower jaw surgery was BSSO- where my lower was

extended, and rotated, and I had a genioplasty with bone graft to

extend and align my chin to my midline. I left my nose untouched, so

it still is ever so slightly over to the right, but I don't care.

Before the surgery, it looked particularly huge because my lower jaw

was non-existent (practically!) and my upper jaw was long. My nose

was really emphasized. The surgery ended being like getting my nose

worked on too without actually having it touched- all because now all

of my facial proportions are so much more balanced. My nose does not

appear so large. And now I actually have a lower jaw and chin, they

also help balance my appearance and proportions and prominent nose!

So, I know this isn't at all what your case is, but for what it's

worth, I've been so pleased with my cosmetic improvement. I couldn't

say that enough. My motivations for surgery weren't solely cosmetic,

but that aspect was definitely very important to me as well. My

cosmetic concerns were the terribly assymetry of my facial midline-

the practially non-existent lower and crooked jaw, and I hated my

crooked chin.... I hated that there was no lower jaw to define my

head from my neck! The upper part didn't bother me so much

cosmetically- although, I was aware that it was off midline and it

was canted which I didn't like. But I hated the lower part far more!

Regardless, the upper needed to be corrected as part of the whole

package. For functional improvement, it was necessary to do the upper

part. I am happier to have aligned midlines, no longer a crooked face

that looks dreadful in photos particularly, and my nose no longer

looks ultrahuge, and I actually have a chin and lower jaw! " So now I

can stick out my chin and grin.... " And I had a whole 'nother slew

of functional problems and concerns! Yikes, huh?!

Katja

> > > Hello All-

> > > So as some of you may know, I am having this surgery primarily

> for

> > > cosmetic reasons (I have lower face assymetry, and a long chin)

I

> > > wanted to know if others have had significant cosmetic

> improvements

> > > from the surgery. I really hope to see an improvement in my

> > appearance

> > > after all of this is over. I don't want to be disappointed and

> > look in

> > > the mirror and feel that nothing has really changed after the

> > surgery.

> > > I do however have realistic expectations.

> > >

> > > Thanks!

> > > Sam

[Guest guest]

I had some pretty significant change, although I wasn't doing this

for cosmetic change at all. I really didn't expect the change that

ocurred, and I don't know if anyone could have predicted how I'd

look.

My family said they wouldn't have recognized me on the street, out

of context. My mom told me a few weeks ago that she's used to it

now, but that it took quite awhile (3 years post-op now) as she

doesn't see me that often. She also had my old face to look at for

almost 47 years ...

You can see my photos (before/after etc) on site 2 at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthognathicsurgerysite2

see Fiddlesticks folder. You have to join to see photos.

While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons, I

would suggest you discuss this aspect with your surgeon to be sure

they are aware of your expectations and can tell you whether or not

they are realistic.

> Hello All-

> So as some of you may know, I am having this surgery primarily for

> cosmetic reasons (I have lower face assymetry, and a long chin) I

> wanted to know if others have had significant cosmetic

improvements

> from the surgery. I really hope to see an improvement in my

appearance

> after all of this is over. I don't want to be disappointed and

look in

> the mirror and feel that nothing has really changed after the

surgery.

> I do however have realistic expectations.

>

> Thanks!

> Sam

[Guest guest]

> While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank you

for your honesty.

I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Actually, a lot of people do get this surgery because of cosmetic reasons, and

even my orthodontist and surgeon assured me of this and recommended the surgery

to me. Every medical professional I have seen has recommended that I get this

surgery even though I do not currently have functional issues, nor am I in any

pain. And they have also made me aware that I do have underlying issues bc of

my bite. Having a jaw deformity is not a good thing. Having an open bite, over

bite, under bite, cross bite, etc. can be pretty destructive if you let it go

long enough without correcting the problem.

gene23baltimore wrote:> While I don't recommend

having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank you

for your honesty.

I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I know we have had these discussions around here for some time, but I

really don't understand how there could be such a thing as having this

surgery for simply cosmetic reasons. Are there people out there who

have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a functional

bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately lead to

problems if left untreated?? I mean, a jaw that is so receded that

jaw surgery would address, isn't that a medical situation that will

produce problems down the road that will only be more difficult to

treat if left alone??

That is my situation. I didn't have functional problems when I was

younger, but since I have a complex jaw problem, leaving it alone has

created excessive problems with correcting it down the road. My teeth

have deteriorated to nubs, which are hardly large enough to hold kids

brackets let alone adult brackets. My teeth have shifted, I choke, I

have developed a hernia in my throat from the abnormal swallowing. etc

etc etc. Since this will have a cosmetic effect for me, if I had done

it at a younger age, would it have been simply for cosmetic reasons??

For someone with an underbite or open bite, isn't that going to impact

the ultimate function and thus medical condition of the person as they

age? I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does not

have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent surgery,

that isn't looking at future problems medically and functionally if

this not treated? Maybe there are a few borderline cases, but it

seems to me that if the jaw problem is large enough to cause cosmetic

concern, it is probably a jaw that will lead to problems if problems

are not already aparent.

There is so much discussion about this, but has anyone really had a

handle on just who a person would be that would be recommended for

this surgery, that was not also a dental or medical condition waiting

to happen? I haven't really seen that situation myself. Just asking.

Hugs,

Fran

> > While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

>

> Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank you

> for your honesty.

>

> I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

>

> Gene

[Guest guest]

I had my lower jaw moved forward due to a receeded chin (on July 23)

for cosmetic reasons only. I did not have any functional issues

(except for occassional lock-jaw which I don't think was related)..and

as far as I know, I wouldn't have encountered any problems down the

road if I had not had it fixed.

All my life I have had an extremely low self esteem. I have battled

anorexia and bulimia due to my distorted body image and self hatred,

and I had cried so many times over my teeth sticking out too far due to

my massive overbite.

While I am getting impatient with the numbness, I don't regret this

surgery. I definitely like how I look and I am happy to see my bottom

teeth FINALLY resting against the back of my top teeth..where they

should be...instead of sitting so far back.

-Ash

[Guest guest]

> Are there people out there who

> have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a

functional

> bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately lead to

> problems if left untreated??

Yes there are! Lots of them, who live their entire lives with it.

> I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does not

> have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent

surgery,

> that isn't looking at future problems medically and functionally

if

> this not treated?

Yup! Most certainly. Just read this:

http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/dentistry/1564/Underbite-surgery-

necessary

Pay special attention to what M. Eichen DDS says -- an

orthodontist (DDS) from Pennsylvania -

" >>If you have an underbite, and it does not cause any pain, is there

>any reason to get surgery?

**Nope.**

>>My friend has an underbite and an OMFS(?) has been urging him to

>> accept surgical treatment in order to correct it.

**Ugh.**

"

very instructive

[Guest guest]

Gene,

Beauty is in eye of the beholder. True ugliness comes from inside.

There are people that perceive themselves as being good looking, but

they have no real substance. I can look past a less than attractive

feature more so than arrogance. That's just my thought on the

situation.

> > While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

>

> Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank you

> for your honesty.

>

> I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

>

> Gene

[Guest guest]

I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks for the insight.

Rene`

> > > While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

> >

> > Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> > especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank

you

> > for your honesty.

> >

> > I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> > medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

> >

> > Gene

[Guest guest]

Gene,

I have to wonder if this is a difference in surgeons. Maybe old

school verses new. Not sure. At 20, a military doc offered the

surgery and said the I would have problems later. I was scared to do

it because I did not want to change cometically. I was afraid that

this would decrease my attractiveness to men. Now I think, " how

shallow " .

At 27, my dentist recommended that I see the OS. This was a

different OS and an older gentleman. His thought was that he would

not put me through this type of surgery if I was not having any

problems. I joyfully went on my way.

At 32, the pain is horrible. The headaches are almost daily. I have

gained weight because I don't feel like doing anything due to the

headaches. My life is not what it was. The assymetry is new. Maybe

it was there before, but you would have had to be an OS to see it.

You can now. I think I look like someone that has had a CVA. I know

this is in my mind. Most people don't notice it, but can see it if I

point it out. I now have internal derangement of the TMJ (this is

new). Apparently, this has happened because my jaw was compensating

for the impairment. A lot changed in five years.

My point is anything misalligned and used incorrectly will eventually

have problems. I think what differs is the degree of problems you

may have. I'm not trying to convence you to have the surgery.

Honestly, your decision does not effect me and I will be happy for

you no matter what you decide.

Rene`

> > Are there people out there who

> > have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a

> functional

> > bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately lead to

> > problems if left untreated??

>

> Yes there are! Lots of them, who live their entire lives with it.

>

>

> > I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does not

> > have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent

> surgery,

> > that isn't looking at future problems medically and functionally

> if

> > this not treated?

>

> Yup! Most certainly. Just read this:

> http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/dentistry/1564/Underbite-

surgery-

> necessary

>

> Pay special attention to what M. Eichen DDS says -- an

> orthodontist (DDS) from Pennsylvania -

>

> " >>If you have an underbite, and it does not cause any pain, is

there

> >any reason to get surgery?

>

> **Nope.**

>

>

> >>My friend has an underbite and an OMFS(?) has been urging him to

> >> accept surgical treatment in order to correct it.

>

> **Ugh.**

> "

>

> very instructive

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam,

I definitely saw a cosmetic improvement as a result of surgery. First

of all my long face has been shortened by about 9mm as a result of my

lower jaw being brought forward and having genioplasty. Secondly I now

have a real chin. Prior to surgery you could see that my chin was sort

of drooping back and it was all puckered up in holes from many years of

my muscles straining to try to compensate for a weak chin. Now all the

holes in my chin have gone (minus 2 which can't be helped because the

muscles there have atrophied (sp?)) and I have new found respect for my

new chin. I love it! Third cosmetic difference which I was not

expecting but am very pleased about is that my eyes are less droopy

than they used to be. It's as if lifting up and back my upper jaw

pushed up my eyes too. I've always had very big eyes but they used to

droop down. Now they look more normal to me and I like the new look.

Fourth cosmetic change, my smile just looks so much better and

balanced. No over bite /open bite messing things up. Fifth cosmetic

change and the only one I'm not so pleased about is the fact that my

nose has tilted up slightly. Very slightly. In fact with every day that

passes (I.m still only 3 months post-op) it looks better and better to

me. This was a change that my doctors had warned me about pre-surgery

and I was very worried about it since I'd already had a nose job when I

was 17 and was reluctant to perform a surgery (performed when I was 27)

that would risk changing my cute nose. Now when I look at the overall

result I think to myself that having a slight change to my nose was a

small price to pay for all the other cosmetic and functional

improvements I got out of this.

I didn't decide to do the surgery for cosmetic reasons. Mine was purely

for functional reasons. I had severe TMJ problems and had the pain not

been so big I doubt I would have ever had the courage to go through

with it. But now that I see the cosmetic improvements I can say that at

least from my experience, even just doing it for cosmetic reasons is

worth it. I have to also add however that post surgery, as several of

the members of this board will remember, i did have a hard time dealing

with people's reactions to my new look. Some people when they would see

me would say in shock " my gosh, you look like a totally different

person. you look great! " I guess I didn't take to this kind of comment

very well at first because I felt like it implied that I looked like

crap before while I hadn't thought I looked all that bad. Secondly I

still felt like the old me and being told that I looked like a totally

different person felt strange, disconcerting. I got over this

eventually and learnt to embrace my new look and most of all, realized

that while I may have changed the way I looked on the outside, in the

inside it was still good ol' me!

Good luck Sam!

Sara

[Guest guest]

Gene, I don't think it a very good idea to take my words and turn them

around in that way. You've really distorted what I said.

Yes, it's my belief that one's functional needs should be the primary

motivation. There is really no such thing as an ugly person, though.

Would you say the same thing if you were blind? It's only from a

distorted perspective that we believe such things.

Once again, I would recommend that you reconsider having this surgery

if you are so negative or, as you say, conflicted about it. Or talk to

a professional about it. We are not professionals, only people

supporting one another in this process. You should not be making a

decision based on this forum, but only after careful consideration

with professional assessment and recommendations. We can't help you

with that here, just point you in the right direction. It's up to you.

Otherwise this forum just becomes a place to argue and insult, and I

don't think that particularly helpful.

> > While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

>

> Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank you

> for your honesty.

>

> I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

>

> Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Fran,

I know that there are people sufficiently motivated to want small

change in their appearance and seek this surgery out to solve that

problem (which is really an internal and not an external problem).

But I believe you are right, in most cases that really do require

orthognathic surgical intervention, there are functional issues that

should be the main focus. Cosmetic change is a byproduct of that,

and it may be more or less, depending on the individual's condition.

> > > While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic

reasons

> >

> > Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> > especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank

you

> > for your honesty.

> >

> > I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> > medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

> >

> > Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Gene,

I did go to that site and I did find it informative. However, the

person that was discussed would apparently not have been doing it

for cosmetic reasons either - it was not a cosmetic problem for this

guy. It was not cleared up that he clenched at night. And the

person described was not someone who had been researching this

procedure or had gone to other consults to establish the

appropriateness of this surgery.

I do understand that there may be some referrals that are not

ultimately determined insufficient to have the surgery, but I am

asking about the objectively obvious cosmetic challenges that some

people really do have with their jaw, and that go through sufficient

review and are still recommended surgical intervention.

IF, and this is an important " if " I am talking about, it is a jaw

problem (not just a minimal bite problem which is something

different I think), and that jaw problem is significant enough to

cause an obvious cosmetic challenge for the person, then I cannot

imagine that it will not ultimately cause functional problems. I am

not talking about someone who has it mentioned as a possibility in a

casual dental review, but someone who has cleared the hoops of their

dentist, OD, OS, second opinions, insurance etc and who now are

faced with that choice.

There will always be marginal cases that can seem to refute an

obvious truth, but does that really mean that the more central types

of cases are also refuted? I don't think so, or at least cannot

imagine it to be so.

I think that if a jaw is so obviously receded or jutting that it

causes an objective cosmetic problem, then the likelihood of the

surgery ultimately being merely or only cosmetic is probably nil. I

do think that down the road there will be functional problems. The

forces exerted by the jaw in chewing in less than acceptable

patterns would seem to be destructive to supporting structures and

teeth. Still thinking out loud here. Any thoughts?

Hugs,

Fran

> > Are there people out there who

> > have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a

> functional

> > bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately lead

to

> > problems if left untreated??

>

> Yes there are! Lots of them, who live their entire lives with it.

>

>

> > I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does not

> > have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent

> surgery,

> > that isn't looking at future problems medically and functionally

> if

> > this not treated?

>

> Yup! Most certainly. Just read this:

> http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/dentistry/1564/Underbite-

surgery-

> necessary

>

> Pay special attention to what M. Eichen DDS says -- an

> orthodontist (DDS) from Pennsylvania -

>

> " >>If you have an underbite, and it does not cause any pain, is

there

> >any reason to get surgery?

>

> **Nope.**

>

>

> >>My friend has an underbite and an OMFS(?) has been urging him to

> >> accept surgical treatment in order to correct it.

>

> **Ugh.**

> "

>

> very instructive

[Guest guest]

Hi Rene,

This is exactly what I was getting at. I think there are many many

more situations like yours and mine that are initially described as

more cosmetic in nature, but then end up functional. I think in

fact, that if there is an obvious cosmetic jaw problem, that the

percentage of future problems is incredibly high, not just more

likely.

I am not trying to split hairs here. But we seem to discuss this

topic so often, and of those people who really and truly have a

cosmetic outcome, I think they tended to have more severe jaws to

begin with. And the more severe jaw problems tend to lead to

functional problems. Do you know of anyone who has done this for

cosmesis alone for an obvious jaw insufficiency or overjet, who was

told it would not lead to future problems if left alone? Still just

asking. Sorry!

Hugs,

Fran

> > > Are there people out there who

> > > have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a

> > functional

> > > bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately lead

to

> > > problems if left untreated??

> >

> > Yes there are! Lots of them, who live their entire lives with it.

> >

> >

> > > I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does

not

> > > have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent

> > surgery,

> > > that isn't looking at future problems medically and

functionally

> > if

> > > this not treated?

> >

> > Yup! Most certainly. Just read this:

> > http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/dentistry/1564/Underbite-

> surgery-

> > necessary

> >

> > Pay special attention to what M. Eichen DDS says -- an

> > orthodontist (DDS) from Pennsylvania -

> >

> > " >>If you have an underbite, and it does not cause any pain, is

> there

> > >any reason to get surgery?

> >

> > **Nope.**

> >

> >

> > >>My friend has an underbite and an OMFS(?) has been urging him

to

> > >> accept surgical treatment in order to correct it.

> >

> > **Ugh.**

> > "

> >

> > very instructive

[Guest guest]

Hi Sammy,

Yes that is what I was getting at...even if there is not an

immediate functional problem, if there is enough jaw misalignment to

cause an obvious jaw deformity that several OD's agree with, there

is likely to be, if not currently, future jaw problems that are far

more likely to occur without the surgery, and if they occur later,

they are more difficult to correct. Exactly! Thank you for posting

this.

I do think there are cosmetic motivations especially for younger

patients. But for those who do not do the surgery when it is

primarily for cosmetic reasons then, does that mean they will

probably have functional problems later in life. Your post

specified that was given to you as a consideration as well.

Hugs,

Fran

> While I don't

recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

>

> Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank

you

> for your honesty.

>

> I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

>

> Gene

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well, in my case, I am having the surgery for cosmetic reasons. But I was told

that if I don't have the surgery, I may have functional problems in the future,

I may not. I do know that if I don't have the surgery it will have an effect on

my teeth.

fran wrote:Hi Rene,

This is exactly what I was getting at. I think there are many many

more situations like yours and mine that are initially described as

more cosmetic in nature, but then end up functional. I think in

fact, that if there is an obvious cosmetic jaw problem, that the

percentage of future problems is incredibly high, not just more

likely.

I am not trying to split hairs here. But we seem to discuss this

topic so often, and of those people who really and truly have a

cosmetic outcome, I think they tended to have more severe jaws to

begin with. And the more severe jaw problems tend to lead to

functional problems. Do you know of anyone who has done this for

cosmesis alone for an obvious jaw insufficiency or overjet, who was

told it would not lead to future problems if left alone? Still just

asking. Sorry!

Hugs,

Fran

> > > Are there people out there who

> > > have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a

> > functional

> > > bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately lead

to

> > > problems if left untreated??

> >

> > Yes there are! Lots of them, who live their entire lives with it.

> >

> >

> > > I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does

not

> > > have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent

> > surgery,

> > > that isn't looking at future problems medically and

functionally

> > if

> > > this not treated?

> >

> > Yup! Most certainly. Just read this:

> > http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/dentistry/1564/Underbite-

> surgery-

> > necessary

> >

> > Pay special attention to what M. Eichen DDS says -- an

> > orthodontist (DDS) from Pennsylvania -

> >

> > " >>If you have an underbite, and it does not cause any pain, is

> there

> > >any reason to get surgery?

> >

> > **Nope.**

> >

> >

> > >>My friend has an underbite and an OMFS(?) has been urging him

to

> > >> accept surgical treatment in order to correct it.

> >

> > **Ugh.**

> > "

> >

> > very instructive

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Well said! I agree completely. There are always marginal cases in

any primarily functional procedure. I think sometimes the reason

that this surgery comes under fire as cosmetic so often is that

there actually is a cosmetic outcome for many of us. I just think

cosmesis is the entire story. Thank you for your post!

Hugs,

Fran

> > > > While I don't recommend having this surgery for cosmetic

> reasons

> > >

> > > Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> > > especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I

thank

> you

> > > for your honesty.

> > >

> > > I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> > > medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good

idea.

> > >

> > > Gene

[Guest guest]

Yes! I'm glad we are on the same page I think that if something doesn't

look right or looks deformed on the outside, that there are for sure underlying

problems that should be taken care of.

fran wrote:

Hi Sammy,

Yes that is what I was getting at...even if there is not an

immediate functional problem, if there is enough jaw misalignment to

cause an obvious jaw deformity that several OD's agree with, there

is likely to be, if not currently, future jaw problems that are far

more likely to occur without the surgery, and if they occur later,

they are more difficult to correct. Exactly! Thank you for posting

this.

I do think there are cosmetic motivations especially for younger

patients. But for those who do not do the surgery when it is

primarily for cosmetic reasons then, does that mean they will

probably have functional problems later in life. Your post

specified that was given to you as a consideration as well.

Hugs,

Fran

> While I don't

recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

>

> Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank

you

> for your honesty.

>

> I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

>

> Gene

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know no one that has an obvious jaw abnormality that was told it

would not eventually lead to problems. I think everyone in that

situation will have some problem. The degree of the problems are the

only unknown.

Rene`

> > > > Are there people out there who

> > > > have cosmetically impaired jawlines that does not have a

> > > functional

> > > > bite problem or a situation that will probably ultimately

lead

> to

> > > > problems if left untreated??

> > >

> > > Yes there are! Lots of them, who live their entire lives with

it.

> > >

> > >

> > > > I guess what I am asking is, do you know of ANYONE who does

> not

> > > > have a dysfunctional bite/jaw deformity serious to warrent

> > > surgery,

> > > > that isn't looking at future problems medically and

> functionally

> > > if

> > > > this not treated?

> > >

> > > Yup! Most certainly. Just read this:

> > > http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/dentistry/1564/Underbite-

> > surgery-

> > > necessary

> > >

> > > Pay special attention to what M. Eichen DDS says -- an

> > > orthodontist (DDS) from Pennsylvania -

> > >

> > > " >>If you have an underbite, and it does not cause any pain, is

> > there

> > > >any reason to get surgery?

> > >

> > > **Nope.**

> > >

> > >

> > > >>My friend has an underbite and an OMFS(?) has been urging him

> to

> > > >> accept surgical treatment in order to correct it.

> > >

> > > **Ugh.**

> > > "

> > >

> > > very instructive

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I can't understand why people are spending so much time discussing

whether there has to be a functional reason underlying a cosmetic

unbalance.

It's as if the originator of this question is trying to justify

having the surgery done purely for cosmetic reasons, and that

everyone else feels better about their surgery by mentioning that it

has to be functional!

I'm one week post op and did if purely for cosmetic reasons to begin

with. It also happens to be functional, but not anything that was

ruining my life, or would necessarily cause problems later in life.

Admitedly as time went on, the functional thing came into

consideration, but my main motivation was cosmetic.

Too early to say, whether there is a significant improvement or not

as obviously there is a whole lot of swelling. Will let you know as

time goes on.

If someone decides that surgery is right for them, have done their

research, and are willing to put in the time and commitment, then I

would say go for it!

If it's gonna make you feel better, then you're worth it...

Suzy

x

> While I don't

> recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

> >

> > Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> > especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I thank

> you

> > for your honesty.

> >

> > I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> > medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good idea.

> >

> > Gene

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I think the debate is if there is a truely cosmetic only need for

this surgery. I do see what you are saying and completely agree that

if the surgery is right for you then do it. Your right, you don't

know if any future problems would be severe enough to lead you to

surgery. Again, if you have the surgery for cosmetic reasons that is

no different than any other cosmetic surgery.

Rene`

> While I don't

> > recommend having this surgery for cosmetic reasons

> > >

> > > Sorry to intrude but this was really important for me to hear,

> > > especially coming from someone as experienced as you, so I

thank

> > you

> > > for your honesty.

> > >

> > > I've basically come to the same conclusion. Unless there are

> > > medical/pain issues OR you're very very ugly -- not a good

idea.

> > >

> > > Gene

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >