Hello! Since childhood, I’ve struggled with malocclusion and facial asymmetry, even trying acupuncture at a traditional clinic. Finally, on July 6th of last year, I underwent double jaw surgery and two types of contouring (square jaw and chin) at WHY Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic. 😊
<Before Surgery>
I was told to fast for 8 hours before the surgery, so I ate everything I wanted to beforehand (I regret not eating more…). After starting the fast, I packed my things. There wasn’t much to bring since the private room had everything I needed.
Surgery Day (7/6)
Due to a delayed train, I arrived a bit late. After changing into patient clothes and organizing my belongings, I met with the doctor and then headed to the operating room. I was told the day would be challenging, which made me a bit scared, but I entered the OR. After taking deep breaths, I lost consciousness. I woke up around 2:30 PM, but it felt like evening. I was more sleepy than in pain due to the anesthesia. Around 7 PM, I became more alert. Breathing was uncomfortable, and I had a lot of phlegm. The hardest part was breathing; I kept taking deep breaths through my mouth. I think I eventually fell asleep. The nurses were very kind, continuously replacing the ice packs for me.
Day Two (7/7)
In the morning, my urinary catheter and nasal tube were removed. I also received anti-swelling laser treatment. The doctor showed me how to align my bite with the wafer. I could finally go to the bathroom by myself, my bottom hurt from lying on the bed for too long. so i moved around in the hospital room. My throat was swollen, making it difficult to drink water. I was given nutritional care, but my swollen throat made it hard to consume. I napped throughout the day due to the fatigue from the previous night. By evening, I was walking around the hospital. The night nurse often replaced the ice packs and explained post-discharge care. Though it was hard to believe I’d be discharged the next day, I felt a mix of disbelief and anticipation for the comfort of home. I slept relatively well that night.
Discharge Day (7/8)
My father came to pick me up since home was far away. Around 11 AM, I changed clothes and packed. Before leaving, I had one more anti-swelling laser treatment. I felt more at ease at home, but taking the medications orally, which I had received through an IV at the hospital, was challenging. I crushed the medications and mixed them with a sports drink, but it was tough. Sleeping was uncomfortable, causing frequent waking.
Day Four (7/9)
The doctor had mentioned that swelling peaks by the fifth day, and it was indeed intense. Looking at my swollen face in the mirror made me laugh. I felt very weak, spending most of the day sitting. Swollen throat pain made drinking painful, causing dizziness when I stood up. Swallowing the medications brought tears to my eyes from the frustration. I sipped almond milk in the evening. Drinking frequently helped soothe my sore throat, and I slept better with a clear nose.
Day Five (7/10)
This was the peak swelling day, with bruises worsening. I briefly wondered if the surgery had gone wrong but reassured myself after reading other patients' reviews. I started using warm compresses despite the hot weather. Walking around the house and watching TV in the living room helped a bit.
Day Six (7/11)
To reduce swelling, I started using the treadmill, walking at a speed of 2 for 10 minutes at a time, resting, and repeating four times. Despite the minimal exertion, it was tiring due to my lack of nutrition. My throat swelling had reduced, making it easier to take medications and eat thin rice porridge. Eating the porridge was a tearful, emotional experience. I found a small ice cream spoon very useful. Eating ice cream to raise my sugar levels felt great.
Day Seven (7/12)
I weighed myself for the first time and found I’d lost 5-6 kg. Despite my puffy face, I watched mukbang videos to vicariously satisfy my cravings. I ate broth-based soups like ox bone soup and seaweed soup with thin rice porridge. The slight reduction in swelling was encouraging. Although I never thought I had a big appetite, not eating was tough. Watching mukbang videos and listing foods I wanted to eat a month later helped keep me motivated. Taking a shower for the first time since surgery felt incredibly refreshing.
Day Eight (7/13)
At the hospital, I saw the doctor, received anti-swelling laser treatment, had my sutured sites disinfected, and checked the wafer alignment. A CT scan showed improved symmetry and a shorter chin, which was fascinating. I was thrilled to learn I could now remove the wafer to eat and brush my teeth. I diligently continued the facial exercises and warm compresses.
 
 
 
Two-Week Check-Up (7/20)
Finally, the sutures were removed! The doctor was pleased with the improved lip symmetry. Daily walks reduced the swelling noticeably, making me happy. Although my chin still had significant swelling, the improved symmetry and shorter chin were delightful.
I kept a daily log until the eighth day. After that, feeling better, I stopped documenting. Given my severe asymmetry, the immediate post-surgery symmetry overshadowed the swelling. I’m extremely satisfied with two weeks post-surgery!
One Month (4-Week Check-Up)
Due to my schedule, I had my 4-week check-up a bit early. I thought it was mandatory to have it on time, but there was flexibility. During the check-up, we took a CT scan and photos, comparing them to pre-surgery images. The corrected asymmetry was amazing. The reduced square jaw and retracted front jaw made my nose appear higher. People even commented that my nose seemed more prominent. I’m still working on fully opening my mouth, and I’ve been given exercises to improve this.
<One Month (4-Week Check-Up)>

Two Months (8-Week Check-Up)
A bit over a month later, I had my orthodontic appointment. I can now chew much better, excluding very hard or chewy foods. I had meat for the first time post-surgery!
Although opening my mouth is still a bit uncomfortable, I’m practicing diligently and plan to try eating a burger soon. People often tell me my face looks much smaller and prettier, which I do notice myself. 😊
 
Three Months

Three months have flown by! I feel almost back to my pre-surgery state. I’ve adapted to my smaller face and even bought a beanie, which I never dared to wear before due to my prominent jaw. Combining double jaw surgery with jaw contouring created a perfect V-line, which I love. During the korean thanksgiving holiday, even relatives remarked how beautiful I looked and how successful the surgery was. I’m so satisfied that I recommend this to anyone with similar concerns. I still need to be cautious with my jaw to avoid overuse, but I’m reassured by the doctor’s advice to practice carefully.
 
Six Months
Three months post-surgery, I felt the swelling had plateaued, but looking at photos showed gradual reduction. During my monthly orthodontic check-up and six-month follow-up with the surgeon, I was reassured that the surgery had healed well without complications. Comparing pre-surgery photos made me realize how much my asymmetry had improved. 
❤️❤️
I now enjoy taking photos, especially during my first overseas trip post-surgery, where everyone complimented my improved looks. The symmetrical and enhanced side profile is particularly pleasing.
 
❤️❤️One-Year Review❤️❤️
A year has passed since my surgery! The memories of last year’s surgery are still vivid, but the satisfaction remains. If asked whether I’d undergo the surgery again, my answer would be a resounding yes! I’m so pleased with the results that my old face is now a distant memory. 
I chew normally and sometimes look at pre-surgery photos, marveling at the improved symmetry. A recent passport photo session revealed a perfectly symmetrical face, which amazed me. Compliments from the photographer about my small face made me very happy.
Now, I’m considering skin tightening treatments post-orthodontics. Due to significant asymmetry correction, my left face bone was extensively trimmed, making recovery slightly slower on that side, but I plan to manage it continuously.
For anyone considering asymmetry correction or double jaw surgery, I highly recommend discussing it with a trusted surgeon at a reputable clinic. If you’re struggling with similar concerns, I encourage you to consult with WHY Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic. I’m deeply grateful to the surgeon and staff for their excellent care.
 
 
<Before Surgery>