How old is too old for orthognathic surgery?

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#1 Post by **Scout5353** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:33 pm

I'm contemplating orthognathic surgery, but I'm 57 years old. I haven't heard of anyone over, say, 47 having this surgery. Anyone out there who had the surgery in their fifties or older?

#2 Post by **daffodil** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:51 pm

Have you asked your surgeon? Maybe they could put you in touch with someone who's had the surgery in that age range. My former dentist mentioned someone who was about 54 who had the surgery. I think it's harder to heal and your bones are more brittle as you get older, but if you're healthy enough, it's probably possible.

#3 Post by **fromjersey** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:29 pm

I was 79 a few years ago when I had sliding genioplasty. I'm now 81. I had some numbness for a year. A year after surgery I had gingevectomy and all new dental crowns. My maxillofacial surgeon told me I was a "good 80", meaning better than average. I'm in bettter health than average according to all my doctors. My healing was no slower than a much younger person. To me being in the 50's is young!

I got a sore throat from the tube during surgery, barely any pain afterwards other than that. I was out walking the next day. I did have a reaction to tape and got big red itch under the jaw wrap.
Helen

#4 Post by **Scout5353** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:42 pm

Well, Helen, I am impressed! But what is a sliding genioplasty? By the way, I'm "from Jersey," too.

#5 Post by **Noam** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 1:59 am

When I browsed the internet for before/after pics, I saw people over 60 who did jaw surgery to correct overbite/underbite.

#6 Post by **Scout5353** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 3:51 am

Hi Noam, would you happen to know where I could see those pics? I've been searching the internet and couldn't find anything like that?

#7 Post by **Noam** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 5:31 am

Scout5353 wrote:Hi Noam, would you happen to know where I could see those pics? I've been searching the internet and couldn't find anything like that?

Sorry, I didn't save what I saw then...

From a quick look now I saw this example:

http://www.facesurgeon.com/proc/proc_orth.html

#8 Post by **theKurp** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 7:11 am

I'm 51 and two weeks post-op for mandibular advancement surgery.

My swelling is down about 90% and I started lifting weights yesterday and am resuming my normal exercise routine of cardio/weights will the blessing of my surgeon.

IMHO, the effect surgery will have in terms of success and recovery is a factor of overall health more so than age.

#9 Post by **iBorg** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:23 pm

I was 51 when I had the surgery. I'll agree your general health is a factor. Also, try to be active after the surgery. I was told to walk as soon as I could. I think it made a great improvement in my recovery.

Mike

#10 Post by **freakyteeth** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:03 am

fromjersey - you rock!! I'm 36 and I feel kind of old.