i-venus-i

Hey thanks for the kind messages everyone. I’m happy to say I’m all recovered. And, the journey has definitely well been a long one, and since coming back from Seoul time at home has been going very quickly, I can now chew just about everything, yet I still don’t feel I’m ready yet to bite into an apple or a carrot, or even nuts anytime soon, until I’m probably at the safe 6months mark, at the very least. I still have slight numbness on my left chin, but due to the aggressive surgery procedure this is nothing to the benefits, such as a harmonious face and the corrective bite I now have. Hopefully this numbness will heal and reside over time. Also, I’m not sure if I’ll post an updated photo, but I might eventually soon. Perhaps in sometime March even. I hope I’ve helped sheer some light, and those coinsidering/researching the procedure. Many thanks.

 

L.

 

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I’d also add that I can now breath much more clearly from my nose now. I used to be a mouth breather but, since then I’ve changed; and I’ve read in some cases that nasal breathing applies physical forces which makes facial bones to grow up and forward, whereas in mouth breathers the facial bones are rather recessed and lack of projection.

 

Hey, aw thanks! I’m supper happy . Yes, in the medical certification letter Dr. Lee wrote exactly how much he’d removed in the double jaw procedure:

Maxilla (upper jaw):
- 3mm advancement (forward)
- 4mm total impaction (up)
- 2mm posterior impaction (rotation)

Mandible (lower jaw):
- 2.5mm setback (left & right side)

Dr. Lee also performed a very aggressive V-line (mandible jaw angle and chin height reduction).

 

Hey, I would say that USA surgeons perhaps might be ideal, they do lots of these kind of procedures more than in other parts of the world.

 

Realself is very well known mostly in Europe & USA. I think it’s reliable but, as long as the before and after photos are clear/non-filtered/clear angled shots.

 

Hey, I’m currently in my early 20’s, but now I feel I look way younger after the surgery. I don’t have any sagging, just some swelling still, I’m fortunate that my skin elasticity and texture is very good.

 

Before surgery vs. After surgery (Post-op Day 17):

 

Part 3 of 3:

At Day 14 (Week 2), at this point I definitely felt much better, my upper lips and my cheeks was still slightly swollen as well as much cheeks. But my lower chin and parts of my lips and cheeks were still numb. But I could definitely love my new facial contours, I was beyond happy! Later that day visited the clinic, and Dr. Lee removed the stitches that day, I was clear to brush my teeth finally, and I felt more clean once again, I also had another De-swelling treatment. I still had some discomfort minor pain below my ears, I’m sure it would pass away. During the first week I’d kept my elastics and wafer 24/7, because my jaw still felt weak but then I would take out my elastics and wafer usually once a day for an hour during the 2nd week, whilst eating/brushing teeth, removing and reapplying the elastics became easier day by day. I definitely remember the first time my wafer and elastics were out it felt my jaw was floating, it was a very different sensation, but then I’d slowly get accustomed and used to it. My speaking was also slowly getting better day-to-day. I also looked more presentable and more like myself at this point, and majority of the swelling was definitely gone, and beginning to love my profile it was softer and my face was more rounder, cuter and I definitely looked younger!

At Day 15, my sore throat was finally gone but, at nights it would get dry and I’d start coughing. Throughout the day I was able to move my lips more easily, they were still slightly dry, and I still had the mild minor pain behind my ears from time-to-time. I still tired quickly. Most of the heavy pressure that I felt on my face, was a lot less today compared to the first time going outside for a walk. I was spilling whilst drinking a lot less at the point also. The following day, went for walks and continued the daily routines.

At Day 16, went for long walks outside, my burning lip sensation, seemed to be going less in the mornings now but happens still throughout the day. But I still have oily skin around nose and still swelling around the cheeks. During sleep I’ve seemed to be coughing a lot, my throat still gets dry, but more so usually always when I’m sleeping. I also concluded that drinking coffee (due to caffeine) caused my onset of stomach aches/cramps, so carbonated/alcoholic/caffeinated drinks should be avoided until a semi-solid diet.

At Day 17, I visited the clinic a final time before flying back home. Had some studio photos taken at the clinic and I had the last de-swelling treatment. Dr. Lee removed the temporary retainer in the front 2 incisor tooth’s from the SARPE procedure (I had a mm gap develop between the tooth), so he placed a semi-permanent/permanent retainer to keep the gap closed. I had Dr. Lee write a surgical travel document in case of any difficulty travelling back home. I was really happy everything went well! I thanked the entire Dr. Lee and the TFD Staff. I was very happy and was finally excited to go back home, I only had few days left in Seoul.

At Day 18, had a lazy day today, and slept a lot. Went for a short walk. The swelling on my cheeks were still there but it felt it was going down, the cheek and upper lip swelling made my nostrils also look flared, I knew once it subsided my nose will look less wide again. I did however, love the nose tip, it felt more upturned and cuter. I also had more soft tissue volume in my mid-face and near the nasal-folds, perhaps due to the upper jaw advancement. I could finally drink from a cup without drooling, but my lower and lip were still numb at this point. My energy was also higher, and felt less conscious about the way I looked when I was outside in public; I kept reminding myself I would get better and this swelling was only temporary!

At Day 19-21, not much changed during the few days that followed. My eyes felt more open and and finally regaining my energy back and my facial expressions. I’d finally eventually made it to week 3 post-op, and it was also my last day of my stay in Seoul and was excited to finally fly back home! Looking back at the first few days after surgery, it was tough and exhausting, but then things like swelling and settled it was definitely worth it. My talking was also getting much better, and pronunciation of words were beginning to become clearer. My swelling around the nostrils was also beginning to dissipate.

With hindsight, I highly recommend Dr. Lee for his natural looking results, surgical skills, professionalism and bed-side manner. As well as the amazingly friendly and caring staff and nurses there! Note: I recommend to try to avoid mirrors, and early judgement of the results, the swelling take a while to completely dissipate so just need to give it time! Also I recommend doing least 30min walking a day, the swelling seems to be going away lot faster. Also must keep the elastic bands as well as the wafer if you had DJS (to adjust for the new bite) on for least 6-8 weeks (my jaw still felt weak at week 3). I hope this review will be beneficial to anyone considering/researching about Double-Jaw/V-Line procedure and to be aware of the recovery process. I had been researching about DJS procedure for more than 1.5 years reading through lots of forums and blogs, and I really couldn’t have made a better choice than decide to go with TFD, looking back at my journey. In the end, I’m very happy, more confident and I feel a million times better now, I’m really in love with my profile!

Thank you Dr. Lee Joongkyou and the entire TFD staff.

 

Part 2 of 3:

The hardest 48 hours of my life: Moments of waking up. As I woke up from surgery, I couldn’t remember if the surgery was even done or not, maybe it was the affects of the anaesthetics, I can only remember glimpses of events afterwards, and I remember waking up in my room. Dr. Kim the (Anesthesiologist) reminded me that the surgery was all over and completed, and also reminding me not to fall asleep; it was so difficult to try to stay awake and force myself to keep my mind occupied with my phone/TV in the room) other than the thought of sleeping. I felt extremely exhausted... I was really counting the hours to feel better. I had to wait it out, for the anaesthetic to wear out; exactly 6 more hours of no falling asleep. My mouth was very dry, and I had a board and marker to write things to communicate (I eventually used my Google Translate app because some nurses couldn’t understand English at all). I was very very cold and shivering for the first few hours of waking up (probably due to anaesthetics). Eventually, I was glad to make it through! The nose bleeds, mouth leakage of drooling and heavy congestion in my throat and nasal areas started, which was eventually drained (every hour/two by the nurses) so that I can find glimpse of passageway to breath, it was really difficult to breath - I tried not to swallow it; but eventually did it all and let it be. Dr. Lee eventually arrived to my room and said everything went really well! I felt reassured, and was happy everything went well! I tried to wait it out through the night (absolutely no sleep, that followed through the next few days), I kept asking help from the nurses; they were extremely attentive and caring, I really thank them for looking after me, they came as soon as they could every time I needed something. I developed a swelling on my left hand, where the IV was placed, due to the IV leaking liquid (Don’t worry if this ever happens, my veins are very weak, but the swelling completely dissipated on it’s own within 36hours). I tried small walks around the ward from evening until morning (every time I felt I couldn’t sleep), it was very uncomfortable but counting down the time for the next day. The night had slowly ended, And it was the next day. The next day, Day 1, the bleeding/leakage continued throughout the day, and mouth dressings was cleaned by the nurses. I also met Dr. Lee and he checked the stitches, also had after X-rays taken that day. I also collected my prescription medications (antibiotics/powered medication) and ice pack, and the nurse gave me written documents (in English) on when to take them. At Day 2, I was ready to leave around midday, I was very eager to go back to the hotel and recover there, I asked the nurse to request a taxi for me, it would be hard trying to hail one alone with the swelling and bandages. I had a shower when I arrived back at the hotel, it was soothing and relaxing, then fallen asleep for a few hours whilst on the couch, it was restful. I tried to force myself something to eat, so I had some protein shakes (I’d bought 3 Isolated Whey Protein shakes from Whole Food’s, and brought it with me from London, it’s very nutritional and can mix it with water/milk and I’d have two for breakfast/lunch/dinner). I didn’t feel any appetite/hunger during the first 3 days anyhow. I used condiment bottles for water/juices/protein shakes, and the syringes I’d used to take the medication. I didn’t feel the need for syringes anymore after the medication were finished. I recommend buying condiment bottles perhaps 4/5 and using them to intake the liquids. I’d try to drink at least 2 litres a day, and tried to walk around to help the de-swelling.

At Day 3, my swelling was definitely increasing every hour, and reached a point where it was very uncomfortable to breath and manage to motivate myself to do anything that day. I tried to get some sleep but it was definitely difficult, I have barely had any sleep in past 72 hours; perhaps 3 hours at most, in on/off intervals. I just felt very tired, but I was super happy of my results despite the swelling, I knew I’d be beyond happy past all the swelling. Every time I couldn’t sleep I would soak my body in a warm water shower, and listen to relaxation music. I knew it would eventually be over. I was also applying ice peaks during the first 72 hours (that’s also when the swelling peaks), at 20min on/off intervals it felt like it was help. My throat was still very dry. And nose, was still leaking (you can’t blow nose I believe for the first 4/6 weeks), the leaking is from the maxilla sinus. I must’ve used so many boxes of facial tissues >.< it was incredible. I’d also used prescribed mouth wash rinse after every meal. Then visited the clinic later that afternoon around 4pm; I had my dressings cleaned and Dr. Lee checked to make sure everything was fine. I also had the Infrared De-swelling treatment the first time, it was rather soothing. My nose was runny throughout the day (the nose leak isn’t blood but discharge drainage from the maxillary sinus), Dr Lee said it should stop eventually.

By Day 4, I kept the liquid intakes, protein shakes and taking the medication on time. I was always occupying myself with movies, and blog posts of other patients with similar stories during the first week who had DJS. I felt somehow I wasn’t alone. Every time waking up I’d feel my mouth really dry and my lips having a somewhat ‘burning sensation’.

At Day 5, I hardly had any sleep last night, I visited the clinic later that afternoon, I had another de-swelling treatment (they really helped, I felt the swelling was going away much quicker), my lips was starting to crack, they were really dry, I suggest bringing a medicated lip balm for sure, during the first few weeks at least. I also realised I lost way too much weight at this point (I didn’t have a weight scale but I probably lost 4/6kg at least) before the surgery I was really binge eating on food, I knew it would be time to indulge in the pizzas/burgers for a while. I was very happy Later that evening because my partner arrived to stay with me during my recovery to look after me; I really needed him and emotional support, I felt less lonely and less depressed. This surgery was definitely hard managing alone, I highly recommend you have someone with you whilst doing this surgery, no matter how strong you may feel being independent, but it’s much tougher to do it alone, a close friend/partner or a family member will always give you positive energy and time will go much quicker when you put your mind away from the hard recovery process. At this point I was still communicating by text app even with my partner next to me.

On Day 6, I visited the clinic once again by taxi, and had the dressings cleaned and Dr. Lee checked to make sure everything was fine. My nose leaking also stopped around day 6, it was definitely more comfortable from that at this point. I rested the rest of the day. At this point I started trying to talk a little bit without moving my jaw while having elastics in my mouth.

By Day 7, I’ve made it to week 1 post op, I felt my energy was regaining back, but I still felt tired quickly. But my sleeping was so much better at this point, I would sleep 8 hours at least a day, despite the discomforts, Perhaps i felt more relaxed with the presence of company and I wasn’t alone. My prescribed mouthwash had run out and doctor recommended I could use any non-alcoholic one off the shelf. The following day remained at home Day 8, and recuperated the few days at the hotel.

By Day 9, I’d visited the clinic again by taxi for a post op check, but we decided then to walk back to the hotel - I really wanted to walk a lot more at this point, it helped so much in de-swelling. My drooling definitely slowed down and stopped by this point, as my lower lip swelling decreased and normalised. I was taught how to remove my elastic bands and wafer, while eating soft foods like porridge/cake. Also had my first cup of coffee at this point, it felt a good change from drinking water/milk.

At Day 10, we had a day trip outside the hotel and we visited one of the market places, I also had very bad discomfort on my left ear, as if being in a high altitude plane/mountain, it was very uncomfortable, but it went away the next day. I’d walked around a lot and visited another market, but I bought take-out porridge; it was such a nice change, I was rather hungry at this point, since I was on liquid diet for 10 days, it was my first semi-solid food and seemed amazing at this point, it was delicious, filling and I enjoyed it! then we took subway back later to the hotel. I could also drink from a cup at this point, but I would usually spill it, so I wouldn’t drink without sitting down .

By Day 11, My energy was definitely getting better and I continued the daily walks and visited a few places, we went to a restaurant nearby, and I managed to have some of the broth from stew, the food was mouthwatering, but I could finally manage using the spoon to have the liquid. I tried different soups like porridge/broccoli/mushroom soups, It was a good change from the protein shakes - but these were very important and had all the nutrients needed for my speedy recovery.

At Day 12 & 13, visited the clinic and then I had my first cheesecake later that day it was delicious, I’d lost so much weight I was very skinny, and it gave me more energy and made me feel more happy! I’d continued the daily 1 hour walks, and keep up with drinking lots of water, and eating 3 meals a day.

 

Part 1 of 3:

23 Jan ‘18. My consult went really well with The Face Dental Clinic (TFD). Dr. Lee speaks great English, and happily answered all of my questions, and was very professional, we discussed what I felt needed to be done. He also uses a 3D morph imaging software to show accurate of before and after. Well, Dr. Lee said he recommends IVRO method for DJS (Double Jaw Surgery) removal/preservation of my cheek implants (submalar-large implants), V-line (revision) contouring (mandible angle reduction + T-osteotomy for the chin). Also he quoted me a very reasonable quote (DJS +V-Line). He also said, a dental treatment plan (possibly Invisalign) for when I’m back in London (with the dental clinics back here in London, he said he’ll write description of what’s needed). He says, that the cheek implants will be affected as result of upper jaw fracture; I really love my cheek implants but he said that it affects the result so he will need to remove it, but he’ll try to to preserve them if he can, in case if an infection he’ll remove them. I’m not sure about this dramatic procedure DJS, but seeing the after morph imaging it was incredible! I look like the younger cuter version of myself . The lower third area being pushed vertically to a 45 degrees angle, moving inwards. But it’s good only to do V-Line revision with DJS and never alone, otherwise it makes the face appear longer (less wide, due to mandible angle reduction). This DJS procedure is to make more for beautification & resolve teeth alignment, Dr. Lee said it won’t make my face more feminine, but it’s also functionality as well as beautification and aesthetics. Also a draining surgical tube isn’t needed. And he recommends for an IVRO method so you completely avoid the nerve lines. He also recommended not to remove to much from mid-face (le fort) otherwise you don’t get upper tooth show, some tooth show is needed because it’s a feminine and youthful feature. Dr lee also uses a surgical saw and physically cuts the bone (he doesn’t grind it down using a 3D rotational device, he physically cuts it with one smooth clean curved cut). He said also I won’t need another nose procedure which is great, (since I had one already, my nose surgeon in London also reassured me of no change on the nose) but it does seem to somewhat make nose tip bit upturned. But it shouldn’t affect it unless he removed way too much maxilla. I should be thinking of it more so in the teeth alignment too, my teeth needs to be aligned properly and then straightened via a dental treatment plan (he recommends doing it in the home country). Dr. Lee said, the Upper jaw teeth alignment should be in front of the lower teeth alignment. My lower teeth alignment is more forward in front of upper teeth alignment (it should be the other way around). The entire consultation lasted about 1.5/2hours, and I was very happy to get Dr. Lee’s valuable remarks and his opinions. In conclusion, I believe, the removal of the cheek implant isn’t a worry because after the upper jaw moved forward and lower jaw setback, because I’ll eventually still get a 3D volume in the mid-face. I also have what is called a Class (III) malocclusion, I believe, so this isn’t just a cosmetic/beautification procedure, it will also resolve my bite problems. During mid-February I placed my deposit to secure my surgery date - I’ve booked my surgery for 8 Oct 2018, so I hope to have it later on this year, and recover during winter. This will probably be the most uncomfortable yet most rewarding change for not only feminisation but also beautification reasons.

Notably, to mention my other consultation: In the meantime, I did consult with another similar clinic, *** (I won’t mention the name of the clinic; but it’s also the top tier in 2jaw/vline procedures in Seoul), but after the consultation they pressured me to put down a down payment on deposit. It was really late I was extremely tired from the consultation, and then for them to pressure me like that; it was very unprofessional and rather desperate and disgusting. This made me completely distrust them, and it seems they just saw me as a check payment than a patient. It’s the most disgusting thing they can do, is to pressure you to put down a deposit, especially when you need to go home and think it through at least 2/3 weeks before you can conclude it’s what you really want to do. It’s why I took them completely off my list. Not sure why they behaved like that... Moreover, the consultation felt like a sales pitch more than meeting the doctor and discussing surgical goals. To sum up, *** clinic felt to me they were somewhat desperate, and they even wanted all the payments in cash including the consultation. No direct offence to that clinic, I’m sure the surgeons skills are great, but overall didn’t feel comfortable.

Since January time flew so quickly, and I was excited on the plane to Seoul, it was lovely to be back! I decided to stay for total 4 weeks, so I can rest, recover and recuperate as well as enjoy some of the culture in Seoul before the surgery. I went to the clinic for my pre-op consultation with Dr. Lee on 5th Oct, for lab tests, chest X-Ray and EKG tests (both done in a walking distance away from the clinic), then we did the wafer mould impressions (I’ll be wearing the wafer on continuously for 1/2 months after surgery). Afterwards, I met with Dr. Lee, and we went over the surgical plan and how much the upper and lower jaw we were planning to move, he also suggested SARPE (upper jaw surgical palate expansion) since my upper jaw was smaller than my lower jaw. We also agreed on the removal of my cheek implants. As for my V-Line I showed Dr. Lee some inspirational/reference photos of how I wanted it to look like (it’s nice to show reference photos of the jawline you’d like to look like, because you may/may not want the mandible angle, for example), I told Dr. Lee I wanted the mandible angle completely gone and chin made less pointy and smaller in height. My surgery was on 8 Oct, but we decided on 10 Oct, so I had more time in preparation for the surgery.

The big day was finally here! It was morning of 10 Oct, couldn’t sleep due to the excitement last night. And I stopped drinking any liquid and eating anything from midnight. I wore comfy clothes and brand spare tote bag with my essentials and electronics for my two night hospital stay. I arrived by taxi to the clinic it was really early morning before 9am, I was really excited! Then I met one of the nurses and saw my room in the ward where I would stay, I changed into the clothes given. And went to see Dr. Lee a final time before surgery, we went over everything one last time. I hoped everything would go really well at this point! I was then escorted down to the operating room, where I met the surgical team; lots of nurses and the anaesthesiologist and the operating table. Finding my vein was always a nightmare, but they managed to place the IV. After inhaling into the breathing gas I slowly begin to fall asleep! From then I don’t remember a thing.

 

Hey yes I slept over at the ward/hospital for 2 nights (3days) because I had 2jaw (double-jaw surgery) and vline. I really think that jaw surgery procedures are very invasive compared to nose or any other procedure, I don’t recommend you to do eyes, but maybe BA, but I don’t advise it. Because you should focus healing on the jaw surgery first. Honestly the vline recovery is so much easier, and you stay one night in hospital.

 

I’m very very happy. Thanks. Recovery was really hard the first 4 days but then after that things get better.

 

Dr lee from Face dental

 

Aw thanks! Currently post op day 1, and counting down the hours for swelling to go down x

 

Hey, my surgery is this October in about a week. I can keep you updated on how it goes. I’ve not had the surgery yet, but I’m very excited

 

I wish you a speedy recovery! I’m sure everything went very well! I’m super excited to have my surgery with Dr. Lee also (going to do vline & 2jaw procedure), in Oct >.<‘

 

@seoul, 2jaw & vline: 4-31 oct

 

Wishing you a speedy recovery! I have mine this Oct x

 

I’ll be there in S. Korea, Seoul this Oct too, I’m staying there for a month. Going to also do V-line, and a 2Jaw procedure, gosh how time flies... x yes I agree new year and new self, hope you have a speedy recovery too. X

 

Omg, thanks for sharing your review! Firstly, I’d like to wish you a very speedy recovery!! ^_^
I’m also Scheduled for surgery this October, for 2jaw and vline (revision) with Dr. Lee at TFD, it’s incredible I loved TFD and also I booked my surgery a couple days after coming back.

 

Yes he does zygomatic reduction xx
TFD doesn’t do fat grafting g. They only do jaw & cheekbones xx

 

I’m going to the face dental for 2jaw and vline this October; honestly Dr. Lee is someone I can definitely trust

 

Dr lee is amazing! Can’t wait to share my experience & review ♥️♥️♥️