Metal Mouth Message Board

Going into surgery 6 weeks ago, I was ecstatic to correct my bite and asymmetry in my face. In the back of my mind, I was concern that my surgeon would only take into consideration the correction of the bite without consideration for the cosmetics. He didn't do a lot of pre-op things that I read about on here but then again I know all surgeons do things differently. Now 6 weeks post-op, when most of the swelling has subsided, I can see he could have done a lot more to fix the asymmetry. For one, he could have fixed my upper jaw and level it out. He only did my lower jaw and although he did fix my bite, my facial feature is still asymmetric since he is lining my lower jaw up with my upper jaw, which is somewhat tilted judging from the X-rays.

Sigh. it seemed like a one shot deal and I was expecting everything that could be done to be done. My justification for the insurance to cover it the first go around was my bite. Now there's really nothing else I can do unless I want to fork over the cash. Quite depressing.

Well, you know some of my story. I have pretty marked asymmetry now, along with a host of other issues. I know disappointment well, so I certainly know how you must feel. Try to hang in there. Being only six weeks out from your surgery, I know that swelling is still a factor. It took a good 9 months to a year for it to subside in my case. Perhaps this is making your jaw appear more asymmetrical. Can you post your xray? What does you surgeon say about your concerns?

I am having my surgery in approx 18 months time (purely for medical reason) and my surgeon is aware that he wishes to 'just' fix my bite. Like you, he is planning on moving my lower jaw back only and nothing else. I have made my surgeon aware that I am not bothered about my appearance currently (which isnt entirely true), HOWEVER, ive told him i am concerned about the post-surgery look.

Therefore I would hope he is to take into consideration the cosmetic factor with the surgery. Anyone surgeon who doesn't is being selfish in my opinion... Have you looked elsewhere for surgery, in regards to other countries. There are many surgeons based in Europe for example (romania, bulgaria) whereby surgery is much cheaper and they are 'cosmetic surgeons'. They are by no means less quality because of the price, they are just not as well marketed as say the central-london based surgeons. Hope you get your problems fixed.