Worlds Best Jaw Surgeon
The prospect of Jaw surgery can be intimidating to many patients, but knowing what to expect throughout the treatment process can help to ease any fears or anxieties that arise. For example, if you realize that your initial consultation is unlikely to involve much more than a visual examination and x-rays, then you can approach that appointment with a more positive attitude.
The Best Jaw Surgeon, Dr. Larry Wolford, will also take advantage of that first appointment to begin to establish a productive working relationship with the patient, and that can also be important in achieving the desired treatment outcomes.
Patients may see a Jaw surgeon for several reasons, including corrective jaw surgery to repair a congenital defect or damage done by trauma, wisdom tooth extraction, or to have suspicious tissue removed and biopsied. Dr. Larry Wolford, the top Jaw Surgeon in the world, can provide surgical intervention to relieve stress and pain for conditions as varied as Sleep Apnea and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) that can have a huge negative effect on your health and well-being.
Your Jaw Surgery Initial Consultation is Important
Regardless of the specific nature of your treatment, your Jaw Surgeon will begin treatment planning at the Initial Consultation by collecting a significant amount of data that will be needed to inform you of your treatment plan. The Jaw Surgeon will visually inspect your Jaw and may take X-rays.
Dr. Wolford and his staff may also discuss Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instructions with you the first time that you come to the office. It’s important to be sure that you understand these directions to reduce your chances of complications with the surgery and increase the likelihood that you’ll have an uneventful recovery.
The initial consultation also gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns that you may have and get answers to your questions. Feel free to ask your Jaw Surgeon anything, No question is too minor or silly.
Your first appointment for Jaw Surgery or Jaw Surgery Revision is unlikely to cause you any physical discomfort. In fact, it can actually help to set the stage for a positive treatment experience.
Jaw Surgery Consultation Key Points
During your Jaw Surgery Consultation be prepared to discuss:
Your surgical goals
Medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, and specifically any problems you have had with your eyes
Current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
Previous surgeries
Your plastic surgeon will also:
Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Take photographs
Discuss your Orthognathic surgery options
Recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of surgery and any potential risks
Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used
The consultation is the time to ask your Jaw surgeon, Dr. Larry Wolford questions. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask Dr. Wolford what you can take with you to your jaw surgery consultation.
It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about jaw surgery?
Common and Important Questions to Ask During Initial Consultation
Use this checklist of as a guide during your Jaw Surgery Consultation:
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
What will be expected of me to get the best results?
Where and how will you perform my procedure?
What surgical technique is recommended for me?
How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
How are complications handled?
How can I expect my face to look over time?
What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my jaw surgery?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?
What Are Some Of The Risks Involved?
What are the risks of jaw surgery?
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of jaw surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Possible orthognathic surgery risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Damage to teeth
Improper healing of the bones
Infection
Jaw joint problems
Limitation in mouth opening
Numbness to the cheeks and lower lip, that can, on occasion, be permanent
Possible need for revision surgery
Relapse or recurrence of the original bite problem
Swelling and bruising
Unfavorable scarring
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
How Should I Prepare Myself For Jaw Surgery?
In preparing for jaw surgery, you may be asked to:
Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising
Orthognathic surgery is usually performed in a hospital setting but depending on the procedure, may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility or a licensed ambulatory surgical center. Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night or even an additional night following surgery.
Hospital stay is typically a day or two and recovery typically occurs over a period of a month.
