In this episode, I sit down with Evan Lavizadeh — a former YouTube creator who overcame severe sleep apnea through MARPE expansion with Dr. Audrey Yun and double jaw surgery with Dr. Benjamin Walin in Los Angeles. Evan shares his full journey, from surgical planning and a 20mm advancement to the challenges of recovery and TMJ complications. Beyond the medical side, he opens up about how fixing his airway transformed his sleep, confidence, relationships, and outlook on life, as well as how therapy supported his recovery and inspired him to return to creating educational content in the airway health space.

Evan's YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@evanlavizadeh4032

1:1 Coaching with Ron — Now Inside The Joint

https://jawhacks.com/coaching

JawHacks Newsletter (Substack)

https://substack.com/@jawhacks

And More on the Website

https://jawhacks.com/

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction and initial questions about Evan's journey

00:03:26 - Evan explains he's cured and why he stopped making YouTube videos

00:06:01 - Discussion about returning to YouTube content creation

00:06:56 - Revealing Evan's surgical team (Dr. Audrey Yoon, Dr. Benjamin Walline)

00:08:11 - Evan's surgical movements and measurements (20mm at the pogonion)

00:10:56 - Discussion of Dr. Walline's reputation and conservative approach

00:13:51 - Genioplasty details and comparison with other surgeons

00:17:56 - Surgical planning timeline and patient involvement

00:19:06 - Surgeon selection process and considerations

00:22:21 - Orthodontist-surgeon relationship and communication

00:23:16 - Dr. Walline's attitude toward MARPE and airway focus

00:25:31 - Evan's satisfaction with surgical results

00:26:36 - Before/after appearance discussion and aesthetic results

00:29:46 - Discussion of "pretty privilege" and confidence changes

00:33:46 - Personal growth and self-acceptance philosophy

00:35:51 - MARPE experience and expansion details

00:42:16 - Discussion of MSE vs custom expanders and evolution of techniques

00:42:56 - Evan's advice on the "less invasive fallacy"

00:48:31 - Key advice for patients and avoiding analysis paralysis

00:50:41 - Role of therapy in surgical journey

00:56:56 - Family dynamics and generational trauma discussion

01:09:31 - Religious and philosophical discussion on wealth and ethics

01:18:46 - Christianity, Judaism, and religious exclusivity

01:20:01 - Spiritual effects of improved health post-surgery

01:21:06 - Recovery timeline and gradual improvement

01:22:46 - Skateboarding and physical activities post-surgery

01:26:36 - TMJ pressure complications from surgery

01:30:16 - Technical explanation of BSSO complications

01:32:46 - Career discussion (AI/machine learning engineer)

01:33:46 - AI-assisted surgical planning possibilities

01:38:11 - Other surgical complications and mouth opening limitations

01:41:01 - Condylar resorption risks and TMJ complications

01:45:11 - Joint replacement surgery considerations

01:47:56 - Closing thoughts and future YouTube content plans

NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Ronald Ead and JAWHACKS, LLC, dba JawHacks (collectively, “we”) does not give medical advice. We are not licensed medical professionals. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services.