One Stop for Pre-Op

[4 weeks to surgery]

I had my Pre-Op appointment today.  Unfortunately, my surgery was pushed back a week due to a scheduling error by the hospital. 😒  I met with the surgeon to discuss the procedures in detail and take some before photos and x-rays.  He hugged me and told me not to worry about a thing, which was nice.  He also gave me his cell phone number in case I have any questions.

Technical Diagnosis:

• Mandibular hypoplasia
• Maxillary hypoplasia
• Bilateral TMJ arthritis

Procedures:

• Multiple maxillary osteotomies with bone plate
• Partial nasal turbinectomies
• Anterior mandibular horizontal osteotomy
• TMJ reconstruction with total joint prosthesis
• TMJ fat grafts

Side Note: They have some pretty high-tech tools.  They had a tiny little scanner that was moved around my teeth and created a 3D image of my whole mouth on the computer.  They do this instead of taking a mold of your mouth with plaster.  Pretty cool!

I found out in addition to moving my lower jaw, my upper jaw, and having a procedure to open my nasal passages, we are also moving my chin forward.  I got to see some before and after photos of some of his patients and it was amazing!  I can't wait to see my new profile (but of course cosmetic appearance is not what we are doing this for).  I got 6 different prescriptions to take home and get filled (yikes!). 

Here are some Q &A's we went through:

• [Q] When can I go back to Physical Therapy after the surgery?
• [A] 2-3 weeks after surgery
• [Q] When can I go back to my the Orthodontist?
• [A] 6-8 weeks after surgery
• [Q] Can you explain where all the cuts will be?
• [A] Incisions will be on each side of the face under the jaw line and around the back of the ear.  The upper jaw will most likely be dissected into three parts to widen the arc of the teeth.  The bump on the roof of my mouth from bruxism may be shaved down.
• [Q] Will my nose be stuffed with gauze? How will I breathe?
• [A] Nose will not be stuffed with gauze.  I breathing tube through the nose will be in until out of ICU.  After that may just have oxygen strip under nose to breathe.
• [Q] How will my bite plate be used? Will I still use it after surgery?
• [A] The current bite plate will not fit after surgery as there is currently an over bite and that will be corrected.  A new splint will be given after surgery.
• [Q] Do I set up appointments now for post-op?
• [A] You will come in 2-3 times a week and will just call the day of. No scheduling needed.
• [Q] Are you going to buzz my hair? 😟
• [A] Yes, just around the ears.  It's not that noticeable.
• [Q] I read something in the paperwork about not showering above the neck?
• [A] We will thoroughly go through after-care once you are in recovery.  You won't remember it all now so we will go through it then until you are versed with it.
• [Q] Do I stay on my normal medications or do those have to be discontinued.
• [A] You can remain on these medications except for the multivitamin.  This must be stopped 1 week prior to surgery.  No coffee or energy drinks either.
• [Q] Any other info I need to know?
• [A] You will be in the ICU the first day.  You won't eat or drink anything until 1-2 days after surgery.  You will have a band around your belly from where I will be taking fat for grafting.  The incision will be in your belly button.  The Face Clinic will be calling you to do bloodwork a couple days before the surgery.  Your diet will be 2 Ensure shakes 3 times a day for 2 weeks.  You will come into the office 2-3 times a week to have your mouth cleaned and bands changed. Fill all your prescriptions prior to the surgery except for Augmentin which only lasts 2 weeks in the refrigerator.  Have someone get this for you after surgery. 

That's all for now!  I'll write again after the big day!