FINALLY! --6 weeks post-operation.

Message

#1 Post by **carissa** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 1:42 pm

So, it's been three years since the day I got braces, and I finally had my oral surgery last wednesday (the 23rd). I am 22 years old. I was class III, where surgery was performed on my upper and lower jaws. I will be WIRED shut for 6 weeks. And in braces approximately another 6 months, which is perfect timing because my birthday is in december and wouldn't being debanded be the best birthday present ever? It's been 10 days and they haven't been easy ones, but I am a strong believer in how much this is all going to be worth it. Here are my before and after photos:

(i started a photo album)
http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/ ... rd%20face/

I look so different. Everyone I know says they barely recognize me. It's a really weird thing looking in the mirror right now.

These pictures were taken on day 7 post-op. I'm still swollen in the cheeks, nose, chin, practically my entire face. And I look pretty spaced out from all the medicine I've been taking.

But I hope that this turns out to be a good decision. We'll see in 5 weeks.

#2 Post by **carissa** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 2:53 pm

thank you so much!! i just wish i could find some patience to help me get through these six weeks...

the girls who work at my surgeons office told me i would look pretty different each week i come in to see them, so if i notice things changing significantly, i'll let you know.

#3 Post by **tortor** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:02 pm

What amazing results already!! I love seeing people's "before and afters" because they give me so much hope that I too could have as great results!

I'm 19 and I also have a Class III bite. I will be undergoing a Lefort I and BSSO in 4 days! My OS will move both jaws about 3mm. How much did your OS move your jaws? I'm going to be wired shut for around 4 weeks, since my OS doesn't use plates and screws on the bottom jaw. Keep us posted about your wired shut experience

I also love the change in your nose! I have a nose very similar to how yours looked in your "before" picture. My nose is pretty big with no real "definition", if that makes sense..no flare in my nostrils and it sort of droops down. However in your after picture, your nose looks great and the flare is balanced with your face. Im PRAYING I get some flare in my nose! lol

I also have a nose stud and I'm worried that I wont be able to get it back in after surgery. Did u have any problems with that?

take care and best wishes for a continuing great recovery!
Tori

#4 Post by **lueyfufu** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:12 pm

Wow, very good.

#5 Post by **chipmunkcheeks** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:26 pm

very cute! everyone is saying they dont recognize me either, when the swelling goes down youll see your old self a bit more. give it time.

#6 Post by **carissa** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:29 pm

both of my jaws were moved about 3mm, also. and he also didn't use screws on my bottom jaw. maybe there is a surprise early unwiring ahead for me in a few weeks? i wish. and yes my doctor told me about the change i would have in my nose, i love it! when i first woke up after surgery i felt change in my nose before my bite! as for the piercing, i haven't even tried getting it back in because my nose is still kind of swollen. i'm just going to have it redone when i feel like it's back to "normal". we have an awful lot in common!

as for being wired shut, i'm having a pretty hard time eating enough. i've already lost 8 pounds. all i ever think about is food, and how amazing it will be to have my first real meal.

#7 Post by **~danielle~** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:59 pm

WOW- you look amazing for only a week post-op! I wish I looked that good

#8 Post by **carissa** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:43 am

thank you all so much!!

#9 Post by **tortor** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:32 am

carissa wrote:both of my jaws were moved about 3mm, also. and he also didn't use screws on my bottom jaw. maybe there is a surprise early unwiring ahead for me in a few weeks? i wish. and yes my doctor told me about the change i would have in my nose, i love it! when i first woke up after surgery i felt change in my nose before my bite! as for the piercing, i haven't even tried getting it back in because my nose is still kind of swollen. i'm just going to have it redone when i feel like it's back to "normal". we have an awful lot in common!

as for being wired shut, i'm having a pretty hard time eating enough. i've already lost 8 pounds. all i ever think about is food, and how amazing it will be to have my first real meal.

haha wow, yeah alot in common! When my surgeon told me 3mm for each jaw, I got all worried and wanted to say "no no I actually WANT to look different!!". I thought that 3mm wasnt that much and wasn't going to fix my "manly" lower jaw and very recessed upper jaw....but seeing what a great difference 3mm made for you, I'm content and looking forward to my procedure.

#10 Post by **Steph-in-WI** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 7:34 am

Carissa, you look great! It is truly amazing the impact just a few millimeters can have. I look forward to seeing your progress.

#11 Post by **Munkys Girl** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:46 am

You look so good!! I can't believe those photos are just 7 days post-op, here's hoping the rest of your recovery is just as speedy. I think my boyfriend is also class III and having a similar procedure soon, so your success is an encouragement to us both.

#12 Post by **carissa** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 2:59 pm

as far as that goes, yes i suppose i am lucky. i am not having such good luck with eating, though. i have already lost thirteen pounds.. which, i can't say i don't enjoy, but i sure am hungry.

i'm just having a really hard time sucking anything besides water/juice/sodas through a straw. and pureed foods seem like a good idea, i just can't get them through my teeth. i'm starting to stress out over it. but i am still SURE than this was definitely worth it.

#13 Post by **Mimmy** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:54 am

Wow Carissa, you look absolutely amazing! What an inspriation to anybody comtemplating this sugery.

#14 Post by **Kerry** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:56 am

what a change ! you look so different but you look fantastic !!!

its amazing and i bet your confidence will soooooore now

Happy healing and keep coming with the pics xx

#15 Post by **Munkys Girl** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:05 am

carissa wrote:as far as that goes, yes i suppose i am lucky. i am not having such good luck with eating, though. i have already lost thirteen pounds.. which, i can't say i don't enjoy, but i sure am hungry. i'm just having a really hard time sucking anything besides water/juice/sodas through a straw. and pureed foods seem like a good idea, i just can't get them through my teeth. i'm starting to stress out over it. but i am still SURE than this was definitely worth it.

That's really rough, I'm sorry, I was just focused on how good your photos are! Have you tried using more liquid in your pureed foods? Have you read through the soft foods thread? Maybe someone post-op would have more advice, but I'm glad you still know it's gonna be worth it! Hang in there!