Hi Dana,
I had my orthognathic surgery years ago when I was in dental school. I definitely agreed with ehop24. The surgery has a profound impact on my life and I am still happy until this day. My look changed significantly and trust me you will have to apply all of your driver license, passport all over again.
The recovery usually takes months. The first week is miserable because you cannot open your jaw and you have only liquid fluid such as ensure milk, protein sake or orange juice....etc. But the swelling will decrease significantly after the second week and at the end of the month, you only have a very slight swelling....The swelling somewhat still exists into the second month, but noone (strangers) barely notice it except people close to you.
I also lost about 10 pounds so it 's a very good way if you want to lose weight🙂)). I know you are scare (like I was) but actually it turned out to be fine. My professor is top of his field so I don't have any problem with that.
I recommend you to do research on your surgeon such as how often he does this kind of surgery? Ask his patients how they feel about the result....etc. It is very IMPORTANT if you know what I mean.
From your email, I guess you are around 18 or 19 or early 20 at the time you have the surgery. During my year of dental school, I heard that some young patient might have the relapse, which means the jaws somewhat comeback to the initial condition ( i.e, rotate backward), because young people still grow little bit... So you should ask your surgeon about this too.
If you have your surgery beginning of the summer, you definitely have a great look by the fall. Trust me, you will be suprised that many people won't recognize you because your look is so different.
I hope my email answer your question. You are making a decision that I think you will never regret. I know I did not. ( Actually, I have prayed God so many years to have the surgery done ( I came here from the underdeveloped country), and it finally came true). Good luck Dana.
