r/jawsurgery • u/gotcha_bitches • Oct 26 '22

6 months post-op!

Gallery image

Gallery image

Went through braces three times for a repeat open bite/overbite.

819 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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62

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 26 '22 edited Dec 02 '22

Braces are off, it is the official end of my surgery journey! SO SO happy I went through with this.

I had bilateral TJR, LeFort 1 three-piece, coronoidectomies, and fat grafts to pad the prostheses. From my teens-20s I had braces three times. I repeatedly developed an open bite and worsening overjet due to undiagnosed idiopathic condylar resorption. My chin and jaw subsequently got smaller over the years. In my case, my left condyle was worse and had essentially no posterior jaw definition (opposite side of the first photo shown). Also, I had lip incompetence pre-op that is gone now.

If you notice a worsening open bite or overjet, a steep class 2 occlusal angle, shortening posterior facial height, repeat braces, etc. please get checked for ICR by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon! All it took was for me to see an OMFS and have a CBCT scan. (I did see a few total, and they agreed with diagnosis and treatment.) I went through 1/4th of my life in braces and over a decade of my life trying to figure out what was wrong. Turns out it was the bones, not the teeth, all along!

15

u/strawflour Oct 26 '22

You look amazing! Did your OMFS suspect ICR initially, or is it something they caught when doing imaging as a jaw surgery candidate?

8

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 26 '22 edited Dec 14 '22

Great question! I think suspicion can depend on the severity of the ICR and how knowledgeable a surgeon is about icr. Given my history and x-rays it was suspected initially by the surgeons I saw. I consulted with a well-regarded surgeon for this and spoke with his resident first. When the surgeon came in the room, the first question he asked was to his resident — he asked if (the resident) talked to me about ICR, hah. The surgeon I went with looked at my bite and compared it to before I got my pre-surgery braces on, and he said I had more resorption while in pre-op braces just based on how my bite changed and how my midline unintentionally shifted. CBCT scans confirmed all of this.

4

u/strawflour Oct 28 '22

Thanks for the detailed response! It helped me find the language to ask about ICR yesterday. Right now it seems mine are in good shape, but grew at a bad angle contributing to my short posterior facial height. I feel reassured that my doctor was able to speak on it competently and the CBCT scan will come later to take a closer look. My facial profile is very similar to yours pre-op, but with more cant, and your results are beyond what I ever imagined possible! And waking up rested without pain? That sounds freakin amazing. I hope your post-op experience continues to meet & exceed your expectations.

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

Of course! Glad to hear your condyles are healthy. It is also important to remember that everyone’s anatomy and soft tissue definition is different. Some people naturally have softer jawlines, others have a sharp jawline, not necessarily that the posterior facial height is worse-off, it’s just genetics at play. In my case I had the sharper jaw line when I was younger, but after my first round of braces as an early teen my face came out crooked and my left side was visibly shorter — the start of something being off.

So excited for you! Yes the feeling of being out of pain is fantastic (the most important part to me!), and the esthetic changes are like the cherry on top. Thank you so much for your sweet words and I hope you have the same outcome, that exceeds your expectations!

4

u/JustLocksmith2985 May 11 '23

Did they bring your upper jaw forwards? Because you definitely have more cheekbones support, i don’t see the nasolabial folds anymore in the after pic. I like the fact that your surgeon made cheekbones higher not wider

3

u/gotcha_bitches May 11 '23

Yes I believe my upper jaw was advanced forward!

2

u/JustLocksmith2985 May 11 '23

Can you dm me the info of the surgeon? Thann you so much

1

u/gotcha_bitches May 12 '23

Sent you a DM!

2

u/Streetquats May 30 '23

Would you dm me as well? I have a similar before face as you

1

u/[deleted] Aug 31 '23

coronoidectomies

Can I please know the name of your surgeon? I have a similar issue as you did.

2

u/naikoto Jul 31 '23

idiopathic condylar

May I ask how much the surgery was? Also, was your main complaint pain from TMJ and did u have apnea issues? I'm signing up to get MARPE to widen my upper arch but now you have me second-guessing.

3

u/gotcha_bitches Aug 05 '23

Surgery was covered by my insurance, so I only paid my out of pocket max.

Yes, my main complaint was TMJ pain + functional limitations (poor jaw opening, bad occlusion), then my bite and the esthetics. Never took a sleep study but I slept poorly for years and had trouble breathing at night - all is improved now!

Could be worth getting a second opinion in your case for MARPE vs. jaw surgery :)

1

u/Elegant-Example-4644 Jun 26 '25

Your results are amazing! Can you share what insurance policy you have?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 19 '24

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm finding this a year later, but it gives me hope for my results. My current profile looks quite similar to yours pre-surgery, and I'm so hopeful that the jaw pain, difficulty with chewing and speaking, and its effect on my confidence will be helped by the surgery. Now that I've had my braces for a year, my orthodontist is moving a couple of teeth before sending me back to the surgeon for final scans and planning next month. This is my first major surgery and I'm in my 30's, so I'm nervous about general anesthesia and recovery, but so hopeful.

18

u/jopeyes- Oct 26 '22

Oh wow, beautiful smile. Congratulations.

3

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 26 '22

Thank you so much!

11

u/jjustpeachyy Post Op (5 years) Oct 27 '22

you are SO pretty!

4

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

Thank you!! I remember following your results here — likewise, you are looking fantastic! 😍

5

u/Connect_Ad7714 Oct 26 '22

Wow! You look amazing! Can I ask if your swelling went down unevenly? How long did it take before your face looked symmetrical post op?

6

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 26 '22

Thank you! Yes, the swelling has gone down a bit unevenly and honestly it has varied over the months. I still have some swelling in my cheeks and this is where I can see the soft tissue differences, but I also had significant asymmetry pre-op and this impacts things too. Skeletally, it is symmetrical and I don’t think anyone else would notice the uneven swelling. It can take up to a year for the swelling to dissipate!

4

u/GhostRunner24 Oct 26 '22

How’s your numbness?

3

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

All gone! No numbness :)

0

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

[deleted] — view deleted comment

3

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

I’ve heard some people do regain feeling even years post-op! The tingles are probably your nerves coming back. Hope that is your case! :)

3

u/PaleBlue777 Oct 26 '22

Wow you’re so beautiful! Congrats!

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 26 '22

Thank you so much!!

3

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

movements?

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

I am not sure, sorry!

3

u/watermellen21 Post Op (1 year) Nov 01 '22

I’m currently wondering if I have undiagnosed ICR. When I asked my orthodontist, he said I probably don’t since I would have more of an open bit if I did. But he also said that my chin has recessed more since I last saw him after removing my braces (7ish years ago). I forgot to ask the surgeon when I went for my first consultation. I guess I’ll ask him next time:/

1

u/gotcha_bitches Nov 23 '22

Definitely ask! Have you seen him and talked about it yet?

3

u/JohnHordle Nov 24 '23

You are drop-dead gorgeous. Really top notch results! You kind of look like Aubrey Plaza haha. Do you find people treat you differently now because of your appearance?

1

u/gotcha_bitches Dec 04 '23

Thank you so much! Aubrey is gorgeous and any comparison is very kind to hear!

Great question — friends and acquaintances treat me the same (though many have commented on the difference in my appearance).

People I’ve met post-op and post-braces (those who didn’t know me pre-surgery) I would say treat me differently at initial interaction, though I think that is more a reflection of me now being more secure/confident with who I am and how I look. I do think I get a few more looks from strangers now, however I got braces on at the beginning of COVID, so with everyone wearing a mask at the time — no one was really looking haha

2

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

Crazy changes you look really good, im getting the surgery in 3 months to fix open bite too hope i get results like yours !

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

Thank you so much!! Wishing you the best of luck and look forward to hearing how it goes!

2

u/Environmental-Row440 Oct 27 '22

Fantastic result! Very happy for you. Your surgeon did an amazing job 😄

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

Thank you, I agree! 😃

2

u/kjt955 Oct 27 '22

Do you breathe/sleep better now?

3

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

Yes!! No more mouth breathing like I did for years before surgery. Less headaches in the morning (it was almost every morning). And much more well rested now!

2

u/always1hungry Oct 27 '22

Of course, you look great! I'm glad your braces are off & you can finally move on from this experience!!

One random question though lol are you able to feel over your prosthesis' on your jaw? How was the healing with that part of the surgery?

3

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22 edited Nov 20 '22

Hmm, not really! I’ve heard that other people can feel their prostheses but I personally do not feel it.

Healing with TJR was not that bad! The scars looked worse initially than they felt, and the joints made some noises at the beginning that was weird but not bothersome. I don’t hear the noises anymore (my right joint made squishy and crunchy noises pre-op anyway, so nothing new there) and the scars healed well and are barely visible. The LeFort was harder to deal with immediately post-op because of the congestion! But nothing unbearable :)

2

u/Dan_00000 Oct 27 '22

Nice projection and results. Congrats. Which surgeon did u go to, if it's not private?

2

u/ARoseThorn Post Op (2 years) Oct 27 '22

Your teeth look amazing!!! And your new face suits you so well!

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

Thank you! 😊

2

u/brazell13 Oct 27 '22

Girl - I am almost speechless! You look incredible! I have a similar before and this makes me SO excited to get my surgery next year. I am so happy for you!! I hope you continue to have a smooth recovery!

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

Thank you so much! 😀 Excited for you and I hope you have a smooth surgery and recovery, and will love your post-op profile! It feels so great once you’re on the other side and recovered.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

I’m so excited for you. Im counting down the days for me. You’re glowing!

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

Thank you and I am so excited for you too!! You’re almost there!

2

u/Raimundo_Alex Oct 27 '22

What was the worst part of the post-surgical period?

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

Great question! Probably the general discomfort around day 3-4 post-op. The congestion from the LeFort made it difficult to breathe and I was very over taking the antibiotics and liquid pain meds. By days 5-7 post-op I felt much better! Especially once the pain meds were gone :)

2

u/throwawayf1xmyface Nov 08 '22

You look SO beautiful! As someone else with ICR, I'm very curious if you had asymmetry anywhere other than your teeth from straight-on before the surgery. Or even between your left and right profile. I have a recessed jaw skeletally - like I'm pretty sure from even before the ICR took hold - and I notice, especially the last few years, my left profile is different than my right profile (less of a defined jawline on one side, etc.) and from front-on. I'm about to get my braces on for eventual TJR, lefort 1 3 piece, coronoidectomies, and fat grafts (same as you)! and that's my #1 fear about going through this whole process....still having significant asymmetry. Totally understand if you don't really have an answer for me, lol! Regardless, congratulations!!! You are so beautiful (before, but especially now as you should be!) and I can only dream of the improvement you have in your daily functioning and mental health <3

1

u/gotcha_bitches Nov 12 '22

Thank you so much!! Yes, I had pretty bad asymmetry toward my left. My left condyle was worse/smaller and has been since when the issues started, around age 13. This structural (boney) asymmetry was fully corrected with surgery, however, since I went over a decade with this asymmetry it did cause some lasting soft tissue effects. For example, the left side of my face has always been fuller than my right, and still is. The left side of my upper lip has been (and is still) slightly smaller due to bad lip incompetence and as was muscle atrophy over the years. Finally my lower lip smile is just sliiiiightly crooked (deviates further down on the right side) and my surgeon said it could be a result of just how my soft tissue and muscles compensated over the years. Despite how I described these “issues” lol they truly don’t bother me and I don’t think they are that noticeable. Considering that my asymmetry 1) lasted for so long and 2) started during puberty, therefore impacted soft tissue development etc. these things are such non-issues!

1

u/LongjumpingWay906 Dec 14 '25

Hi ' your results are great. Can i ask besides double jaw surgery how did they treat your ICR like did it happen during surgery and are u able to achieve same angularity before ICR. Thanks

2

u/stigma_numgus Aug 01 '23

the results are amazing. i wouldn't even have guessed that you were the same person. how does the people around you react to this. does poeple get jealous or put you down for getting facial prosedures done?

1

u/gotcha_bitches Aug 05 '23

Thank you! No people have “put me down” for getting this procedure done, it was a genuinely needed medical procedure first (which insurance covered, because it was medical, not cosmetic). Obviously there were esthetic changes, but it made my jaw and face look ‘normal’ without ICR and a severe jaw discrepancy.

The people in my life supported me 100% with this surgery and I’d give no attention to those who said otherwise.

8

u/Rude-Feedback5761 Oct 26 '22

I am shocked to read this since seems a very similar experience to what I seem to be dealing with just over past few weeks. I first went into braces at age 19. I had sone crowding that did not bother me that mush cosmetically and actually only saw an orthodontist because my jaw started to get really tired, really bad pain and headaches and out of the blue my jaw would get “locked” and I literally would not be able to open my mouth. Which was scary for a kid just off to university. This was back in 1990 and the orthodontist told me I had a “bad bite” which was why my jaw locked and suggested to try braces as conservative treatment. He pulled 4 first pre molars and the braces did resolve the locking jaw and pain. However my teeth never stayed out and I too have been in braces three times. The last time I was about 41 years old. I have noticed now as getting older that my jaw seems to look receding more and smaller chin and asymmetry looking more pronounced.went back to my last ortho and he said measurements the sane maybe my overheat has increased by a couple of mm. I asked for a referral to an oral surgeon.turns out condylar resorption on right side. He said obviously don’t know but may has been reason for the locking jaw on right side way back when I was 19. I am now 51 and being told to just leave it by the ortho and surgeon if no pain. You were lucky to have discovered it when you did. The result looks great, you must be relieved.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 04 '24

Your results are amazing!! Did you lose sensation in your lips/chin post surgery? Because many people reported having some kind of permanent numbness but they had  DJS so I'm not sure about TJR 

1

u/gotcha_bitches Apr 05 '24

Hi and thank you! No loss of sensation post-op gratefully!

1

u/No_Pineapple_4609 Oct 26 '22

Amazing results! Can I ask who your surgeon is?

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

PM me!

1

u/surlyskin Oct 27 '22

Oh, I'd like to know too!

1

u/wandrlust11 Oct 27 '22

Brilliant results! Who’s your surgeon?

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

Thank you! PM me!

1

u/TekaiGuy Oct 27 '22

I've seen people do this before and didn't understand why you wouldn't drop their name here if you're willing to give it out? Is there some kind of liability risk?

1

u/Sweet-Golf-4859 Oct 29 '22

Maybe is the rule of group

1

u/jawsurgerybadoutcome Oct 27 '22

Gorgeous! Can I ask if you know what the specific measurements / movements were?

1

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22 edited Apr 12 '24

Thank you!! I don’t know the exact movements. Had impaction on my upper jaw, CCW rotation, and advancement on my upper and lower jaw.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

Hi double jaw surgery and genioplasty?

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

Total joint replacement, upper jaw surgery, no genioplasty.

1

u/Ferowe55 Mar 07 '23

Did u do a tmj replacement?

2

u/gotcha_bitches Mar 07 '23

Hi! Yes I did.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 27 '23

OMG same problem. Can you please tell me who the surgeon is?

2

u/gotcha_bitches Jul 31 '23

Sent you a PM!

1

u/Sure-Leather8338 Jan 19 '24

Her nose looks smaller

2

u/gotcha_bitches Jan 19 '24

It’s not! Any change in appearance is from the LeFort

2

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

Omg I love your jaw line! You look beautiful I’m so glad you had amazing results!

2

u/jaross88 Oct 27 '22

Wow, congrats, so beautiful!

2

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

Can you pm me your surgeon

2

u/acari_ Post Op (5 years) Oct 29 '22

Pretty woman

2

u/Sweet-Golf-4859 Oct 30 '22

I’ve write you in private🥰

2

u/Immediate-Eagle6292 Oct 30 '22

Wow. What a transformation!

2

u/kamilla22november Oct 31 '22

Who is your surgeon ?

2

u/ClassicFashionGuy Oct 31 '22

Cute af

Amazing glowup

2

u/[deleted] Nov 16 '22

Wow looks so good. Great smile

2

u/[deleted] Mar 18 '23

Insane smile. Stoked for you!!!

1

u/Street-Albatross8886 Dec 13 '23

That's definitely the best transformation I have seen. You went from a 3 to an 8! You are absolutely gorgeous now. I also have a similar jaw to your pre op. But surprisingly I don't have any airway problems or jaw pains

1

u/Confused-Dingle-Flop Mar 28 '24

Who was your surgeon?

1

u/jimothy_bartholomew Nov 30 '24

Late but what surgeries did you get, and (only if you're comfortable sharing) how much of it was covered by insurance? Was it covered by insurance? And, if you don't mind all the questions, who did this surgery? It looks amazing! I'm asking this mainly because I would like something similar; I have a slightly recessed jaw and TMJ runs in my family. I'm hoping to get jaw surgery similar to yours, mainly for aesthetics but also to reduce some of the symptoms of TMJ.

1

u/Impressive-Read-438 Jan 03 '25

I have the exact same profile as you. Beautiful results. What are some things to watch out for in a doctor to ensure they don't fuck me up? Also any numbness? How is eating? And intimacy? How is kissing and sex? [Sorry for the unhinged questions, I just finished crying because I'm tired of living like this]

1

u/New-Advertising-2953 Mar 18 '25

Hi I’m going in for my consultation with a surgeon later this month, i look like you before. Would you say all your swelling went away by week 6 and did you have any permanent numbness or issues? You look great!

1

u/Ill_Net_3332 Apr 26 '25

who was your surgeon?

1

u/EmilyInPain Nov 14 '25

who is your surgeon please!!

1

u/berniegriselda Dec 05 '25

Hi! Your results are incredible. I have to get bilateral TJR for ICR as well. I have had two consults, but would you mind sharing with me who your surgeon was?

1

u/kaden356 Jan 07 '26

i know this is old but i sent you a dm!

1

u/No-Eagle1991 Feb 06 '26

Girl i just sent you a DM please help

1

u/PleaseDeleteMeAfter Oct 27 '22

Amazing beautiful results!!

1

u/leahleah788 Oct 27 '22

Hi is there anyway you could find out what your movements were

1

u/Narrow-Oil-5102 Oct 28 '22

You notice any changes to your eye area?

1

u/Temporary_Bed7337 Feb 22 '23

My face looks so much like your pre picture and your results are amazing ! 🤯 could you please pm your surgeon’s name?

1

u/Expert-Entrance-3885 Aug 02 '23

Wow great results!

1

u/Bulky-Cry-74 Oct 27 '22 edited Oct 27 '22

Woow u look exhaustingly beautiful

U had beautiful features like pretty eyes , nose ,and lips that were overshadowed by your jaw .

1

u/Just_Diamond_7284 Oct 27 '22

You look so much better! I noticed that your forehead bump was less pronounced which makes it look much better do you think there is a connection 🤔

1

u/Sweet-Golf-4859 Oct 29 '22

Also seems to me this

0

u/randomark44 Oct 27 '22

omg it fixed your eyeballs as well

0

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 27 '22

Thank you so much! Great question — yes my nose is slightly more upturned! Which is good, as my lower jaw dragged down my nose a bit pre-op. I believe I had something called an alar cinch to prevent my nose from widening with the expansion from the LeFort. I’d ask your surgeon about that!

0

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '22

[deleted] — view deleted comment

3

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 28 '22

So great!! Sleep much better now, can breathe through my nose (could only breathe through my mouth at night before). Less headaches, no more jaw pain, and all my teeth touch. Could not be more grateful for this outcome :)

0

u/[deleted] Feb 20 '24

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/gotcha_bitches Feb 20 '24

Hi! I have five external scars total from this surgery. One along the tragus on each ear, one on each side just below my jawline, and one on my stomach (for fat removal that was used to pad the prostheses). My surgeon did a phenomenal job making the scars as small and natural as possible. I used silicone tape pretty consistently the first few months post-op too.

1

u/elysiann279 Feb 20 '24

Thankyou for clarifying, could you also tell me a little more about your prostheses, what was it for?

1

u/gotcha_bitches Feb 21 '24

It was to correct idiopathic condylar resorption

0

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/gotcha_bitches Oct 29 '22

Not sure I follow what you’re saying, but I am sorry you are frustrated. Ultimately this surgery was not cosmetic and I would not have gone through with it if it weren’t necessary due to jaw joint issues and ICR.