15 Days since surgery!~

Before Surgery

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I always suffered with malocclusion and a lantern jaw since I was young.

I was teased often and I was self-conscious about my appearance. Whenever I took photos, my chin would protrude so I would try to cover it or always try to go hide behind other people. Taking pictures was becoming a burden to me so I avoided it. I’m not sure if my stress was becoming noticeable but my parents suggested getting braces. We went to the orthodontist and I was told that my chin would advance forward even more if I got braces. I remember kicking the chair and being really upset when I heard that. That’s when I started to research double jaw surgery. I was really careful when picking a clinic and visited many clinics. This was my checklist for the clinic:

-Oral & Maxillofacial Clinic that specializes in treating lantern jaw

-The surgeon’s experience and knowledge of surgery

-A surgeon who understands which surgery would be appropriate for me and thinks about a beautiful face ratio.

-A place where problems such as TMJ, Occlusion, and orthodontic treatment can be solved.

I was trying to factor in those things when finding a clinic and I found out about EU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. After having a consultation with the doctor, I made a reservation for surgery immediately by paying a deposit.

The doctor had 10 years of experience at the most famous plastic surgery hospital in the past and operates on only one to two people a day. My trust increased since they would be responsible for 1~2 patient(s) and focus on them during surgery. Also, I saw him at a program called “Let Me In” on tv. I feel like this was the best decision I ever made! Thank you very much Dr. Kim!

Day of Surgery

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I had to fast on the day before. So I had more thoughts about being hungry than feeling nervous for the surgery. When I was getting ready for the general anesthesia, I felt cold and maybe it was because I was getting nervous. The anesthesiologist was trying to cheer me on and make me feel less nervous. When I woke up, I realized the surgery was over.

Dr. Kim told me that the surgery went well and I felt at ease and was glad. I remember that I unconsciously reached for his hands and shook them, telling him that I was thankful. The surgery didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. My mom stayed with me and I asked her for a mirror. I wasn’t as swollen as I thought and I couldn’t feel my face. It felt kind of weird since I finally got the surgery that I wanted. Also, in order to wake up fully from the anesthesia, I was told to constantly take deep breathes. I wasn’t allowed to sleep so the nurse and my mom kept waking me up. It was also difficult for me to breathe so I had to practice breathing.

Next Day

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My face felt so hot that I thought it was going to explode. I could see that my face was starting to swell. I kept using the compression band and ice pack. Today was much more difficult than yesterday. I also had a slight nose bleed and when the blood dries, my nose gets clogged from it. Breathing was starting to become more difficult so I remember that I had to press the bell to call the nurse. I thought the nurse would get irritated or annoyed if I called her but she always smiled and talked gently to me. I want to thank the nurse who was sincerely worried about me. Also, she showed me how to use the syringe tub to feed myself so that I wouldn’t starve. The strawberry flavor of New Care is very delicious. I also walked around the clinic so that my swelling could decrease.

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3 Days Post OP​

It’s finally the day of discharge! Today, my nose feels clear and my mood is better. When I looked into the mirror, I could see my face was really swollen. When I was hospitalized, I felt kind of stuffy and I wanted to go back home since it would be more comfortable. However, I was a bit worried that something would happen if I wasn’t at the clinic. In the morning, I got my mouth disinfected and they took out the injection in my arm. I also received de-swelling laser treatment. The clinic is pretty close to my house so I’m planning on getting laser treatment as much as I can. I also got 1 week worth of medications. As soon as I got home, I put the ice pack in the fridge and I made sure to drink pumpkin extract.

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4 Days Post OP

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As soon as I woke up, I felt hungry. No matter how much “New Care” I drink, I don’t feel full. In order to take my medications, I have to take care of my liquid intake. It’s pretty difficult for me to take medications 3 times a day. I don’t feel much pain and the angle of the bed at the clinic was okay. But trying to sleep upright at home feels awkward. My glutes feel uncomfortable. I kept using the ice pack at home. I hope my swelling decreases soon.

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5 Days Post OP

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When I woke up in the morning, I tried to drink a can of New Care but I felt nauseous.

I wasn’t able to consume anything. Because I didn’t drink anything, I had no energy to stand and taking the medication was really difficult. I even threw up. It was like that throughout the morning.

My mom felt bad so she wanted to see if I could get hospitalized again. She took me to the clinic to see if we could see the doctor. There wasn’t a big problem but I still acted up to my mother at the clinic. The doctor scolded me. I’m supposed to try to take care of my liquid intake and stay positive but I didn’t feel good in the morning because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was told to try to intake as much liquids as possible at home and that I should try to walk around the house. While I was at the clinic, they let me get the de-swelling laser treatment and they gave me an injection since I didn’t consume anything.

6 Days Post OP

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I had diarrhea all night long. I didn’t really eat much either..

I’m not sure why I had diarrhea so I asked the staff through kakaotalk.

I’m glad that they are able to answer my questions whenever I’m curious about something. They also reply back pretty quickly. The swelling has been decreasing slightly! I went outside and bought a porridge for take-out. If the porridge isn’t blended finely, then it’s difficult to eat it. I mixed it with some water and pretty much drank it. I also used the mouth wash that the clinic provided me with. I now try to consume a variety of different foods (soft). I still feel uncomfortable because I can’t take a shower yet. I will try to wash myself by filling up the tub half way.

7 Days Post-OP

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I’m not sure if I slept in an awkward position, but I can feel a tingling sensation on my neck.

The bottom of my eyes is also bruised and the tape is making it itchy. I’m finally able to take off my bandages and tape tomorrow. The bruising above my philtrum went down to my jaw. I feel that my swelling is decreasing slowly? When I read other double jaw surgery reviews, they say that they have temporary loss of sensation or that the sensation on their jaw is dull. But for me, I can feel everything, it’s similar to how it was before surgery. In order to make my mood better, I came out on a drive. It’s the first time I came out pretty far after my procedure. I went to the beach and took a walk. I took all of my medication.

8 Days Post-OP

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Today is the day where I can get my bandages removed. My skin started to break out because of the bandages T__T. I disinfected the inside of my mouth and received de-swelling laser treatment. I used a warm towel and pressed it on my face. Now that the bandages are taken off, I look much more presentable. I saw my whole face for the face time after surgery. I can see that I look different already. I like my jawline already. I’m not experiencing any discomforts other than the fact that my face is swollen and I can now sleep with two pillows piled up.

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9 Post-OP​

I’m able to walk around with a mask on. I met my relatives today. Everyone is amazed with how my appearance changed. I’m glad that I chose the right clinic. There are no side effects so I’m glad that the surgery went well. I want to thank the doctor again one more time.

I went to the grocery store and bought different types of soups. I’m making sure that I eat well now. My mom was the first person who recognized that my swelling decreased. It seems like it decreased today compared to yesterday. I’m using the compression band less now.

10 Days Post-OP​

I want to go to the clinic to receive de-swelling laser treatment but since I don’t live in Seoul, I’m resting at home. I’m watching movies that I wasn’t able to watch before. Oh right, and since I had cheekbone reduction surgery, I still can’t wash my face properly. Since there is an incision scar near the ears, I’m refraining from washing my hair and face (I was told that I have to wait for 10 days). Also, when I bend my head down, I can feel the blood rushing to my face so I won’t try to wash my hair by myself soon. I tried to wipe my face with, warm towel and it felt refreshing. I will try to wash my hair tomorrow.

11 Days Post-OP

I felt like I was going to die when I tried to wash my hair by myself. I was able to finish washing my hair with by asking my mom for help. Since I wasn’t able to wash my hair for ten days, I shampooed my hair twice. Then, I went to the convenience store and bought cup noodles!~ I bought one with thin noodles and was able to eat it by cutting it up into small pieces. I felt so much better by drinking the ramen broth. My swelling is decreasing and I’m looking forward to see my face line.

12 Days Post-OP

Today is the first day of the Korean New Year “Seollal.” I followed my mom to the hair salon and asked for a hair wash. I had to tell them to be careful since I had double jaw surgery. One of the staff there was also thinking of doing double jaw surgery and asked me a few questions about it. Of course, I recommended EU. I wanted to help the clinic somehow! After she blow dried my hair, I realized that my face looked different. It seems like my appearance improved! I’m really happy of how my jawline changed. I hope the swelling on the side decreases quickly!

13 Days Post-OP

It’s Seollal! I’m sad that I couldn’t eat anything. Where was there so many delicious foods that were prepared?! We proceeded with the ceremony, and I was envious of seeing other people chewing and enjoying the food. Being able to eat whatever you want gives you happiness. I hope I can take off my wafers, braces, and that the swelling decreases so that I can chew food. I can’t believe I only had porridge and fish on this special holiday.

14 Days Post-OP

I was surprised today since I lost 7kg. My family were a bit sad since it seemed like I only had skin and bones. Since I couldn’t eat properly for the past 2 weeks, weight loss is inevitable. However, I was able to find a tasty food combination: custard bread and milk. I eat it after every meal as a snack.

I think the bigger swelling has decreased. The muscles on my philtrum and lips look and feel more natural. I want to go to the clinic quickly so that I can get my stitches removed.

15 Days Post-OP

How did two weeks pass by so quickly?​

I went to the clinic today!~

I do not have any discomforts right now. Compared to before, the swelling decreased a lot. I’m able to open my mouth more than before. I’ve been eating pieces of cake lately. I’ll probably regain the weight that I lost in no time. When I went to the clinic, I got my mouth disinfected, the wafers were washed, and finally, I got my stitches removed. It stung so I teared up a little T__T. But I was able to withstand the pain. It probably took less than 10 minutes. Time flies by. The first week after surgery, time wouldn’t pass but after that, time seemed to have passed quickly. I’m so glad to see the changes to my face. When I take selfies, I don’t have to cover my chin anymore. I need to keep an eye on my healing and of course, my swelling still needs to heal more. I hope my review was able to help people who are considering double jaw surgery.

I want to thank the Doctor one more time! Thank you very much!