Should I have jaw surgery?

Question

My smile has never been symmetrical, because one side of my jaw is a little bigger than the other, but it is not very noticeable. I am very pretty, but since my denstist told me this 3 years ago I can't help but noticing it when I look in the mirror, or in a photo. This surgery can change your face a little bit and I'm afraid I will not be as pretty or not like the way I look. Has anyone done something similar? what should i do? (don't tell me i should love myself for who i am and bla bla bla... i know that, but it's kind of my insecurity)

Answer 1

I think you should leave it alone. It sounds like it keeps you a lil bit modest.

Answer 2

My daughter has been dealing with compications of similar surgery for over a year. There are several things you need to consider because this is a rough kind of suegery and like any other may go wrong, although most people have excelllent results.

First, an orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon should determine whether your occlusion and bite are so adversely affected by the asymmetry that surgery may be recommended for function, not just appearance. (This was my daughter's case. Orthodontia for five years couldn't fix her problem and chewing was painful.)

If there is no serious functional problem, you need to decide whether you can deal with the aymmetry or if it is really important to you to have this fixed. Whether you think you will look "pretty " or not depends on you, but there will be changes in your face, usually for the better. Many doctors can do computer imaging to show you what you will likely look like and you may want to find one who does.

And you need to understand the aftermath of surgery is rough, even if everything goes well. You will have extremely swelling in most cases for a time after surgery and will be uncomfortable and unable to eat normally for several months. Your jaw may or may not be wired shut. Like all surgery there is also the risk of a bad outcome. My daughter has had one complication after another despite having a highly recommended surgeon and following all the rules. She has now had five operations, one to do a bone graft because part of her lower jaw died, and is now facing a sixth surgery. Very unusual, but things can go wrong.

Do your home work and get more than one surgical opinion and ask what options you may have.

A Google search of "orthognathic surgery" will get you lots of information and a similar images search will give you an idea of what to expect.

Answer 3

Well I have TMJ (Clicking of Jaw) that has not only affected my jaw and smile, only a Little but you get that.I had my wisdom teeth out and it didn't fix it like I was told it might,and I thought about what your asking now,and all you need to do is think of the long run really how its gonna make you feel at the end of the day not anyone Else. I'll do it one day possibly,but think about the consequences too! Do your research first for a good surgeon!

Cheers!

Answer 4

Apart from loving yrself,
please realise that jaw surgeries are not highly safe and successful.The success rate is low and It may leave u in a difficult situation.
You yourself say that the asymmetry is not very noticable ,so id rather live with it,weighing all pros and cons..........especially since u say u are very pretty.so the downside is very likely........if operated.
Perception of beauty is different for every individual,and also changes for the individual over time..............even geographical regions,............so figure out for whom u wanna hv the surgery.....and then apply yr mind.
Yr insecurity is understandable and universal,but remember keep questioning yrself what are u insecure about,and go delving deeper you will probably find yr answer or find the insecurity gone
good luck
be happy

Answer 5

If you can live with it its a better option. There are so many nerves in the face you could do more damage. Have photos taken from different angles till you find one that pleases you so you know what side to show the camera.
You can ask the dentist if there is and appliance that you can wear at night to realign your jaw.

Answer 6

I had an orthodontist tell me the same thing when I was 16...and I obsessed over it for years. (My parents couldn't afford the surgery) I finally realized nobody could tell but me and the dentist - even my husband didn't notice until I pointed it out. I've often thought about whether to go ahead with the operation, but ultimate have decided that, since I'm not in pain from this, and not horribly disfigured...why? Surgery has lots of risks...scarring, pain, not looking the same, having numb spots on your jaw for life...those just aren't worth it, or at least weren't to me.

Of course, to get over it, I had to remove all mirrors and stop looking at myself until I was 17 or so...but you have to train yourself to UNSEE what the dentist has pointed out.

Answer 7

Actually, I'm kind of in the same situation. My lower jaw is growing too fast for the top one so its forming a underbite. And my doctor told me I should get jaw surgery, and ever since he told me about my jaw. I can't help but notice that my face looks different than it did like 6 months ago. But if i were you, and it's not completely noticable, i wouldn't get jaw surgery. It's very expensive. Its $2,000-4,000 if you have Keyser. And if not, $8,000-$10,000. It really matters about your insurance. I wouldn't get jaw surgery if i were you. They crack your jaw and shove it back into place. My friend's mom had jaw surgery and she couldn't eat solids for a month.

Answer 8

My niece had some jaw surgery about 10 years ago. She thinks it looks great, I think she looks odd. Fortunately it is her opinion that counts and I would never voice mine to her or anyone else. Frankly it isn't my job to dash her self image.

Personally I look at most, not ALL, but most plastic surgery as vanity surgery. I wouldn't undergo surgery simply to change the appearance of something if that something worked as it was supposed to. That's just me talking but you did ask for my opinion. Remember though, regardless of any other factor, the final decision is yours so it is your opinion that counts...

Regardless of your decision, best wishes and good luck from this end.

Answer 9

There are treatments you can have done to your jaw if that is what you want to do, but that is between you and your Doctor/Dentist.. So, I will spare you the bla bla bla,lol,, good luck and best wishes...

Answer 10

I know about 5 ppl( my friends) who have done plastic surgery 1 chin implant, 2 nose jobs, 2 with lipo and 1 breast Implant LOL...the chin implant looks totally normal and even better she looks great...what i say is to go to a good surgeon like Dr. fleming in beverly hills. its ur face so u should consider high pay for a great job!

Answer 11

Jaw surgery is VERY painful...
I've had it twice for a birth defect. If I could of skipped it....I would of!! OUCHY MAMA!!
If it's not noticeable than don't do it.
Sometimes things we find annoying when we are young turn out to be forgotten when we get older....give it some time...something you find funny looking could turn out to be something someone else finds cute.