concerned about orthognathic surgery as an older adult

[grin61]

I have been wearing braces for the past 11 months to correct my class 2 maloclussion. My orthodontist is recommending lower jaw surgery . Lately, I have been feeling hesitant towards the surgery. Worried and wondering if it will enhance my looks or age me ? Also, I wonder if I would recover in text book time or longer based on being older. I am 52 and most blogs I have read are from patients who are on average in their 20`s and 30`s. I`m sure my orthodontist wouldn`t suggest surgery if he felt I wouldn`t be a candidate. I welcome any feedback to help me through this. Thanks

[djspeece]

I am an RN and have been in charge of an inpatient ENT/Dental unit that routinely cared for patients undergoing various orthognathic surgeries. There is no easy answer to your question as you likely know. Every case is different, and recovery times vary based on a number of factors, including of course your current physical (and emotional) condition (e.g., cardiovascular health, respiratory issues, obesity, tobacco use and history, compliance with postop routine, and so forth). Age 52 is not particularly old for any sort of surgery in this day and age, but it is just a number and there are many other factors to consider, as I mentioned. Due to your concerns, I would recommend that you undergo a thorough physical exam by a physician, and make it clear that you are a surgical candidate also. Best of luck to you.

[grin61]

Thanks Dan for your response. I would consider myself to be physically as well as emotionally healthy. Not a smoker and eat fairly healthy. I am not overweight (5`6" 130 lbs.) .My down fall may be that I don`t exercise near enough as I should be.

Thanks again. I appreciate your feedback.


Sincerely

Darlene

[KeepSmilingg]

You should be fine, I'm sure he would not recommend the surgery if age was an issue, i recommend going over any potential issues.