<Before Surgery>
It has already been one year since I underwent double jaw surgery.
For those of you who are considering the procedure, I would like to honestly share my experiences and changes over the past year in the hope that it may help you even a little.
One year ago, I had double jaw surgery along with three-way facial contouring (cheekbones, square jaw, and chin) at WHY Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Before the surgery, I suffered from severe malocclusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain for a long time. Eating and even having conversations were uncomfortable because my jaw didn’t align properly, and the asymmetry of my jaw and protruding appearance significantly affected my confidence.
I had often heard from people around me that “double jaw surgery is tougher than you think,” so it took me a long time to make the decision. I was deeply worried about the risks of surgery, the long recovery period, and the possibility that the results might not turn out as expected.
Looking back now, however, I feel that choosing to undergo surgery was truly a turning point in my life.
Right after the surgery, the swelling and pain were worse than I expected, so it was not easy to adapt. For a while, I could only eat soft foods such as porridge or soup, and even speaking or smiling felt uncomfortable.
However, thanks to the careful post-operative care from the medical team and my own determination to recover, my body improved steadily over time.
By around the three-month mark, most of the swelling had subsided, and my appearance started to look more natural. Eating and speaking no longer felt inconvenient, which made it much easier to return to daily life.
At six months, I was surprised at how natural my appearance had become, and my TMJ pain had almost completely disappeared.
Now, one year later, I feel that my quality of life has changed dramatically compared to before the surgery.
The most significant change has been in my appearance and self-confidence.
In the past, I disliked taking photos or meeting people, but now I no longer feel anxious about looking in the mirror or being photographed.
I can smile naturally, and I meet people with a brighter expression, which has been the most meaningful change for me.
From a health perspective, I have also seen many improvements.
Before the surgery, my jaw would often dislocate and cause pain, but those symptoms have almost completely disappeared. Eating and speaking are now much more comfortable.
With orthodontic treatment carried out alongside the surgery, my teeth are now well-aligned, and my overall oral health has improved, which I find very satisfying.
The reactions from those around me have also been very positive. Family, friends, and even acquaintances I hadn’t seen in a while all said things like, “You look much brighter and more confident” and “Your overall impression has become softer.”
Some people I met after a long time didn’t even recognize me at first because my appearance had changed so noticeably in a positive way.
Of course, the recovery process wasn’t always smooth.
In the early stages, I experienced numbness and had difficulty opening my mouth wide, but through consistent rehabilitation exercises and regular checkups, most of these issues resolved naturally over time.
As time passed, I became more comfortable, and now, daily life feels so natural that I sometimes even forget I had surgery.
Most importantly, I want to give myself credit for having the courage to make this decision.
Double jaw surgery is by no means a light choice, but for those who, like me, have struggled for a long time and finally take the leap, I believe you can experience very positive changes.
I hope my experience can be of some help to those considering surgery.
Once again, I want to emphasize that recovery requires consistent care following the guidance of your medical team, as well as looking after your body diligently. That, above all, is the key to successful healing.
