Nobody's perfect, right? At least that's what we're supposed to say and believe. But when it comes down to it, don't we expect our surgeon and orthodontist to get it right, to give us not only that absolute perfect bite, but also the perfect profile and most balanced face?
Is this a realistic expectation?
I know it's what I want. I know I'm afraid of it turning out wrong. Heck, I'm afraid of it turning out right but not being able to recognize my new face. Yet, this surgery is somewhat unpredictable, no? We can be given measurements, predicted outcomes of our profile, general ideas of what recovery will be like regarding a splint, bands, and chewing. But that can mean nothing if our body doesn't react the way it's supposed to, or if our surgeon's last minute tweak that seemed just right when he was in there threw things off. Does it matter if they've done this type of surgery hundreds of times, if they've practiced on your model, that they're professionals? Well, of course it matters. We have to be able to put some level of confidence in their skills before we can trust them with our faces. But even the best can't plan for the completely unexpected, and I suppose I have to be prepared for that too.
I am getting this surgery because I want a functional bite. There is a risk that I won't like how my face will turn out. There is a chance of relapse. How does this compare to the certain risk that my joint will completely deteriorate? Part of me is actually willing to risk that, because I am scared. Some people say, "Go for it! I have no regrets. You'll feel so much better." And others are still grappling years out with how they look, how they feel about themselves.
Well, I have time to think about this. I haven't had any teeth extracted (yet), so I am still at a "turning back" point. I think I will go for it. I believe these anxieties are pretty normal. I just have to remember, nobody's perfect, and it might not turn out perfect, but it could be better (much better), and then it's worth it, right?
Ellie,
ReplyDeleteI was worried about how my face would look after my surgery as well. I asked my surgeon a hundred different questions, and tried to contort my face in the mirror to see what I thought I would look like. However, you can't plan for these things. The best thing you can do is stay positive and know that, fortunately, oral surgeons go through an intense, very long course of schooling, and that they are people also. No surgeon would want their patient to be unhappy with the results, whether for functional or for cosmetic reasons. They do a pretty good job of making sure you look good afterwards, mainly because they don't want any trouble from a dissatisfied patient, but also because humanity dictates that they wouldn't want to be unhappy with their own faces, so they wouldn't want the same for you.
I'm sure you will need some time to get used to your new face post-op; I'm only 2 weeks out and still stare at my jawline in the mirror for a couple minutes a day just to get used to it. It will be weird to see pictures of myself after everything's done and over with. Try not to worry about this; focus your energy on preparing to heal and once you feel better about your bite, your cosmetic worries will disappear!
Best,
Hilary
It IS worth it, and I am sure you will be absolutely thrilled with the results. I can definitely relate to your anxiety and questions though, I was in the same boat!
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