Orthognathic surgery cosmetic

[puglover]

I am considering getting double jaw surgery and was talking to my sister about it (who has had her jaw broken so maybe that's why) and she referred to my surgery as cosmetic and a lot to go through financially and physically. I do need the surgery for sleep apnea and my joints. How do u guys respond to people with this opinion?

[CaliforniaKid]

Why does her opinion matter? Is she part of your treatment or financial plan? Recovery?

One of the greatest benefits of orthognathic surgery it is does improve symmetry and facial balance. There is nothing sinister about wanting to look better.

It's your face not hers...

[Bullfighter]

I am considering getting double jaw surgery and was talking to my sister about it (who has had her jaw broken so maybe that's why) and she referred to my surgery as cosmetic and a lot to go through financially and physically. I do need the surgery for sleep apnea and my joints. How do u guys respond to people with this opinion?

It is a lot to go through financially and physically. I would make sure you really need it. If you do need it, the cosmetic benefits are a nice side benefit.

Personally, if my bite could have been fixed through orthodontia alone, I would not have gone through major surgery. You will have the risks of general anesthesia and other complications that any competent oral surgeon can share with you -- nerve damage, sinus complications, infection, tooth damage/loss, need for revision surgery, etc.

As far as how to respond -- it's YOUR decision. You will be the one getting your bones sawed.

[Laundraholic]

I am considering getting double jaw surgery and was talking to my sister about it (who has had her jaw broken so maybe that's why) and she referred to my surgery as cosmetic and a lot to go through financially and physically. I do need the surgery for sleep apnea and my joints. How do u guys respond to people with this opinion?

Even though it's not a "secret", I've really only told a few friends and family, and only one had that opinion (or at least said it out loud).

I just looked her in the eye and said, "It's not cosmetic surgery. It's functional, which is why it's done by an oral maxillofacial {*knowing she had no idea what that meant} surgeon and not a cosmetic surgeon. And that's also why it's covered by OHIP" (which is our provincial health care plan).

And then I left it at that.

But even then I was a little miffed that I had to even explain ANYTHING to her -- it's really none of her business (this wasn't a close friend, just a friend that overheard someone who knew asking me about the upcoming surgery at a gathering).

[dtdtdt]

Ugh, sorry she is causing drama for you.

I would say tell her where to go
but that isn't always feasible. I think one option is to tell as few people as necessary in advance. Then, you can explain it as you have functional problem with your jaw. You wish you did not have to do this and have spent x time working with different drs trying to find another solution. There isn't one so you are forging ahead with dr recommendations.

Then do not talk to her about it again, unless she comes to you with some really good mushy food during recovery!

[Dani73]

Puglover - I had my surgery because of OSA. I've had many 'cosmetic' comments...

But my response is always 'It was for medical reasons, not cosmetic!'

People who do not require Jaw surgery assume people do it for cosmetic reasons and don't think that there could be medical reasons behind the surgery!

[smithie]

Of course it's cosmetic! But it's also for functional reasons, getting a better bite, having more consistent contact between top and bottom teeth, in some cases reducing the risk of sleep apnea and TMJ, and so on. I've generally explained it by saying that the surgery is to properly line up my two sets of teeth so that 1-they'll be parallel to each other and 2-they'll touch in front, instead of being off by several mm, and that doing this will have both cosmetic and functional benefits. Mentioning that my insurance paid for my surgery as medically necessary helps emphasize that there are non-cosmetic benefits.

[puglover]

Thanks for the support guys!

She is not part of my treatment plan, financially or recovery (although I should hit her up for some funds). But her opinion matters b/c shes my older sister and is just looking out for me. Her point was that I wont die if I don't get the surgery. I know its my decision but her opinion does make me think...

I do need it b/c I have really bad sleep apnea and my joints are pretty messed up b/c my bite it so off. I've always thought my chin was kind of weird looking and always hated my profile, but I didn't really know why until my new orthodontist told me about the surgery (my ortho in HS never mentioned it) My new ortho said he could not fix my bite 100% without the surgery. My teeth will probably just go back the way they were like last time I got my braces off if I don't get it.

Its just so much money, that's my one real hold up. I doubt my insurance is going to cover all that much of it (surgery with Dr. Gunson in SB with Anthem EPO).