Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects misalignments of the jawbones. This procedure improves how the upper and lower jaws fit together, enhancing chewing, speaking, and breathing functions, and contributing to a more balanced facial appearance. It is often considered when orthodontic treatments alone cannot address significant jaw discrepancies.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
In the initial days following jaw surgery, patients experience expected side effects as the body begins healing. Swelling and bruising around the jaw and face are common. Pain management begins immediately, often with prescribed medications. Patients are restricted to a liquid diet, as chewing is not permitted to allow the jawbones to stabilize.
Temporary numbness in the face, lips, or chin is a frequent sensation due to nerve manipulation. Speaking can be challenging because of swelling and restricted mouth movement. To maintain the new jaw position, elastic bands or wires are often placed on the teeth. Most patients can expect a hospital stay of one to three days, though some might return home the same day depending on surgery complexity.
Navigating the Recovery Process
The recovery journey after jaw surgery progresses through distinct phases, focusing on diet, pain management, oral hygiene, and activity levels. Dietary progression is gradual, starting with a liquid-only diet for the first two to four weeks. This transitions to a no-chew diet of soft, pureed foods, followed by a soft-chew diet around four to six weeks post-surgery. Full return to a normal diet often takes several months, and hard or crunchy foods should be avoided to protect the healing jaw.
Managing pain and swelling continues at home. Ice packs are effective in the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling. After this, gentle moist heat can help with stiffness and continued swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, often with prescribed medications, help control discomfort. Elevating the head, especially during sleep, aids in reducing swelling.
Meticulous oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection at surgical sites. Patients should brush their teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, carefully avoiding incision areas. Regular rinsing with warm salt water is recommended multiple times a day to keep the mouth clean and promote healing. Activity restrictions protect the healing jaw. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any exercise that significantly raises blood pressure should be avoided for at least one month. Light activities like walking can resume after a week or two, but contact sports are prohibited for several months.
Patients typically return to work or school within one to three weeks, though energy levels may take longer to normalize. Emotional aspects of recovery, such as frustration with dietary limitations or the appearance of swelling, are common. Visible swelling can persist for two to three months, with full resolution taking longer.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
While jaw surgery is generally safe, be aware of potential complications and when to contact your surgeon. Signs of infection include increased pain, persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or pus discharge from the surgical site, along with fever. Excessive or persistent bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure is a warning sign. Minor oozing from the mouth or nose is normal, especially after upper jaw surgery.
Persistent or worsening numbness beyond the expected temporary period should be reported. Unexpected changes in your bite or jaw alignment after the initial post-operative period warrant immediate attention. Difficulty breathing or swallowing that worsens or becomes severe requires urgent medical assessment. Uncontrolled pain not alleviated by prescribed medications is another reason to contact your surgical team. If you have significant concerns, contact your surgeon’s office or seek emergency medical care.
Long-Term Results and Follow-Up Care
After initial recovery, the jaw’s final position continues to stabilize over several months. While initial healing takes about six weeks, complete bone healing can take three to four months, and full body healing may extend up to a year. Sensory recovery, particularly for numbness in the lips and chin, usually improves over time, though in rare cases, altered sensation can be permanent.
Post-surgical orthodontics are necessary to fine-tune the bite and achieve optimal dental alignment. This phase typically begins around six weeks after surgery, once the jaws have sufficiently healed. Regular dental check-ups and diligent oral hygiene practices are important for maintaining surgical results and overall oral health.
Jaw surgery benefits include improved chewing efficiency, clearer speech, and better breathing, especially for conditions like sleep apnea. These functional improvements often contribute to enhanced facial aesthetics and a more balanced appearance. Ongoing monitoring through periodic follow-up appointments with the surgeon ensures the stability of the surgical outcome and addresses any long-term concerns.