Has anyone ever had jaw surgery?

[Mill1119]

Going to be having jaw surgery very soon, I’m having my lower jaw cut and moved forward with metal plates (I think they’re metal plates) and my lower jaw pushed down but the surgeons are taking bone out of my hip to fill the gap in my upper jaw. Has anyone had or knows anyone who have had this experience? How did you feel after it? How long did you take to recover? I know everyone is different but I want to know what I’m in for. I am very nervous but I think reading other people’s experience will give me some sort of comfort whether they experienced good, bad or ugly recoveries. Won’t need a costume for Halloween is the only positive thing I can think of during recovery.

Anyone??

Yes, I had the same surgery 22 years ago. It was kind of a painful recovery at first. Do not let them send you home without serious pain medicine. After a few days the pain will subside. You might find yourself unable to swallow saliva due to swelling so have tissues around for spitting. You will probably eat lots of soup. It will be worth it in the end! Try to have someone stay overnight with you for the first couple of nights; you will feel vulnerable, like we do after most surgeries. Best wishes! 🌷

I had what is called a short mid-face, so my upper jaw was brought down and forward about 4mm? In 6 months you will see the results without the swelling, and will hopefully be very pleased with the results.

Thank you for the replies! God im so nervous! Will I be able to talk after it?

Ah yes, talking. I think I remember mumbling for the first few days. And no big yawns! Your mouth will feel a bit gross for a couple of weeks and you will have swelling. Are you taking time off work?

It’s so normal to be nervous. I had mine done at the start of a snowstorm and barely got to hospital on time. 😳 But these jaw surgeons, sorry I can’t spell maxillofacial correctly, are hugely specialised. You will wake up with ice packs on your face and a nurse sitting with you to make sure you’re okay. You might be able to even manage a bit of Christmas dinner if you celebrate.

I’m on maternity leave so not due back until after Christmas anyway. I think I have a very good pain threshold, I’ve had multiple c sections without needing pain relief after it but this is a completely different operation, the unknown is very unsettling but I am a wimp when it comes to anything related to hospitals 😂 I hope I can have Christmas dinner, I will not be happy if I can’t have a roast 😂 thank you for getting back to me, really appreciate it 💕

Why are you having it OP? I know someone who had jaw surgery privately as she disliked her jaw.

I’m having mine through the nhs. I have a 9mm overbite which couldn’t be corrected with braces, I have been self conscious about it since I was around 13 which is when I realised I had an overbite. I’ve been waiting for this surgery for 9 years, tomorrow is my surgery day! I’m excited but very very anxious about it.

Good luck op, !

Oooh! I used to work in a max tax hospital and then a practice. It is painful but SO worth it! No one has ever ever said it wasn’t’ stock up on lots of liquid foods! Take loads of pics! Good luck!

Good luck OP, it’s totally ok to be nervous tonight but think about how pleased you’ll be in a month. It’s exciting it’s finally here

Yes I had it done ten years ago, it was painful but so worth it, feel free to message me if you have any questions! The only thing I was annoyed about is my nose looked bigger afterwards.

Thank you for all the replies! My mind has been drifting off in the night overthinking about waking up in the middle of surgery or being able to feel what’s going on but not being able to move, I watch too many horror movies! But at the same time it doesn’t feel like it’s actually happening because I’ve been waiting so long! I just hope I feel able to be able to tolerate the pain and put on a brave face for my little ones!

Pm if helpful
dd had surgery 3 yrs ago… cooling mask for face used asap really helps keep swelling down … swelling awful
but subsides…ice cream / liquids essential plus beakers/ straws… elevated wedge again to help with swelling.
Worth it but a tough couple of first weeks
good luck 💐

I had double jaw surgery on the NHS a couple of years ago. It was fine - no pain at all at any point, amazingly. You need someone else to do everything for you for a couple of weeks after the surgery. It was sort of like being a baby - sleep, wake, drool, drink liquids, repeat (my top tip is to get a squeezy plastic condiments bottle - much easier to use this after the op to take in water than syringes). You're extremely swollen after the op but it does start to go down within a few weeks/months. I still have a bit of swelling two years on. Reading lots of people's stories and watching 'jaw surgery journeys' on Youtube beforehand helped me to know exactly what to expect. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions X

Ps Although what they do during the op does sound extreme, remember it's actually very routine and safe surgery.

My bestie had this surgery so whilst I can’t tell you exactly what it felt like, I know she was delighted with the result. I remember she had liquid food only to begin with, so if any of your friends can cook, ask them to make you some smooth soup. Good luck 💐

Thank you everyone! I’m on my way to the hospital now, probably gonna cry before I get out to sleep 😂

Good luck

I’m home now and I’m so swollen, my hip is very very sore too!

I had similar when I was 18. My jaws were then wired, which was the worst bit. Are yours wired? I had a rib taken rather than a bit of hip. Take the painkillers and don’t worry. This bit is gruelling but you are doing so well. Just focus on the next minute, or the next hour. Who is looking after you?

i didn’t realise they took bone from elsewhere! makes complete sense

.

No my jaws aren’t wired shut thank god! I have my partner to look after me but I can’t wait to feel more myself! I didn’t think the swelling was going to be so bad!