I said I wouldn't write again unless something changed...and it has. The lingering numbness that has been plauging me for nearly 3.5 years post-op is going in and out. My bottom lip gets the "tingles" more and more which is usually good, unless I accidentally bite it. :) I am ever hopeful that I'll regain more and more feeling in it, even though I was told that at about 6 months post op, whatever feeling I'm left with at that time is probably "it" for me. I still don't feel much on the left side of my chin, and still have to be extra diligent when I'm eating soup in public so I don't end up with a drop or smear of soup where I can't feel it (it happened AGAIN recently!) but other than that, I've learned to live with it and it doesn't bother me. I've had people ask recently if my jaw is more symmetrical. I'm not sure that my jaw will ever be as symmetrical as I want it to be, but the comparison from before surgery is unreal. Ultimately, I'm still happy with the results. Here is a before an after. The before picture was taken just before getting braces on - 4 years ago. I feel like I look younger now, by getting this problem fixed. It has positioned my jaw differently so the lines on either side of my jaw aren't as deep. Both of these pictures are not touched up (note to self, natural lighting is always better). Even in the after picture, you can see the lines around my jaw, but they aren't as deep. You can also see the lines of 4 more years of maturity (unfortunately) around my eyes.
Before After
I will always be grateful that I had the surgery, regardless of the fact that it didn't fix everything 100%. Going from chewing my food with only 3 teeth touching, to having them ALL touch now is amazing. Digestion has definitely approved along with my self esteem! I would recommend this surgery to any and all thinking about it!
