3 months Post Surgery

Can't believe that I've finally reached my 3 month mark. I'm feeling fine, although I still can't say that I've fully recovered. There is still tightness around my upper lip which I think is a function of some awkward sutures. I went to see the ortho on the 20th and I told him several things that I've noticed that I think is abnormal. We discussed several options that I can consider to "correct" if they continue to bother me:

1. The solid lump right next to my nose - which is one of the titanium plates. The OS told me that I can have that removed. The procedure which take about 15 minutes in the office, but would require me to be sedated. There will be swelling for about a week. The plate doesn't really bother me all that much, only when I press on it. It doesn't really hurt otherwise so I'm not sure if I am willing to go through another surgery again.

2. I can't close my mouth naturally - this can be corrected by have the genioplasty (chin augmentation). The OS will have to move my chin forward 4 mm to force my lower lip to touch my upper lip. Again, another surgery?! I don't know if I can take it.

3. Because I can't close my lips naturally, I have to use my muscles to force them to close. As a result, my chin gets "wrinkly." The solution - Botox!! I was quite surprised to hear this, but apparently, this is used to relax the muscles. It is the same way used to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Each injection lasts 4 months -- and I will have to do it at least 3 times.

Any procedure I choose will be covered by the insurance since they consider this the "whole package" in making my jaws both functional and enhancing my appearance. I haven't really decided what to do yet... I guess the bottom line is what bothers me most and how far am I going to go to correct it. I think I most likely lean towards the Botox injections because my chin does get really wrinkly and I hate it. I have a picture of my "wrinkly" chin! This picture doesn't really show the wrinkles that well, but I see it every time I close my mouth. The pictures I've posted previously actually show the wrinkles more. Maybe I'm just being overly critical of my appearance, but I guess when you go through surgery, you expect everything to be perfect.

Don't get me wrong, I am still very happy with my overall results. I look different and better, I think. I just have to get used to my new face. The emotional aspect of it gets better each day. I took a picture of myself today to mark my 12-week progress... I am beginning to like my new smile! Just can't wait until I get my braces off!! 7 more months I think.
I CAN'T WAIT!!

Sick during Recovery

I got very sick this past few days - I think I have the flu. I had three days of fevers ranging 101-102 degrees, congestion, dry cough causing burning chest pain, and a loss of appetite. My world literally turn upside down. Being sick is already bad enough, but being sick during recovery is worse. I am trying hard to regain back my pre-surgery weight with my restricted diet but the loss of appetite these few days has set me back 10 steps and more. I lost another 3-5 lbs and am really skinny beyond my liking. I don't know when this will end. On a positive note, I am happy that I didn't get sick during the first few weeks post-op. I can't imagine how it would have been.

I ended up postponing my surgeon appointment to the 20th of this month. This is just a follow-up appointment. The solid lump besides my nose is still there, but I haven't paid too much attention to it lately. I guess I'm just used to it now, or have learned to accept it. The only thing I need to tell my OS is that my upper lip is still tight when I open my mouth. I don't know is this is what people call numbness... whatever it is, I just know it is not normal and it has to go away over time. Recounting the weeks since my surgery, I've reached my 10-week mark! I wonder at what point should I feel 100% recovered?