The Recovery Process for Orthognathic Surgery

Did you know that orthognathic surgery is one of the best ways to fix significant bite problems? If standard orthodontic treatment hasn’t been effective for you, your orthodontist has likely referred you to a surgeon.

The idea of surgery is intimidating. Luckily, orthognathic surgery is minor and the recovery process is straightforward. That said, you might still be worried, and that’s okay.

We’re here to talk about what you can expect from your jaw surgery recovery process so you can prepare ahead of time.  Read on to learn more and put your mind at ease.

Preparing For Your Orthognathic Surgery

Good preparation for your orthognathic jaw surgery can make recovery far easier. Make sure that you’re ready for surgery and that you’ve assembled things at home that can make your life easier.

Ask your surgeon what you’re going to need. They will likely plan on prescribing you medication for pain and they may have recommendations for the healing process.

Of course, after surgery they will give you these instructions again.

As far as basic preparation goes, we recommend that you prepare food and drinks ahead of time (more on that later). You should also prepare a space that gives you access to things you need within arm’s reach.

You won’t be incapacitated but you will be in some amount of pain as well as tired from the pain medication.

Give yourself various entertainment items and consider having someone spend time with you so they can help you around the house.

When to Return to Work or School

Most patients can return to work or school within two to three weeks. You won’t be completely healed after this time period, but this should give you enough time to stabilize and for some of your swelling and bruising to go down.

You may still be tired and sore, so consider trying to take it easy even after you return to your “normal life.”

Initial Healing Phase

The initial healing phase is that first two to three weeks that you’ll be away from work or school.

During this time, you’ll experience a lot of swelling and bruising. Swelling peaks within that first week but it will still be noticeable long after. You may also experience numbness.

You will notice a change in appearance. Part of this change will be due to swelling, so don’t fret until after the healing process is over.

Long-Term Healing Phase

After those initial three weeks, you’ll still be healing, but the swelling and bruising will have reduced.

The entire healing process can take up to twelve months but most people find that they’re completely healed in three months. That said, you’ll still be getting orthodontic treatment, so you may not notice when the healing period is over.

Your face may still be slightly puffy during your long-term healing phase, but you shouldn’t have bruises.

What to Eat

You’ll start the healing process from your jaw correction surgery on a liquid diet. After a week you’ll be able to transition to more solid foods, but you’ll start with food that’s still soft.

You want to maintain a healthy diet. Resist the urge to eat ice cream and other calorie-dense but unhealthy treats any more often than you’d eat them normally.

A healthy diet will give your body the energy that it needs in order to heal.

Basic Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your oral hygiene will be tough at first. Your surgeon should give you instructions that will suit your specific situation.

Most people will be asked to swish warm salt water during the first few days of the healing process. Some people are able to (gently) brush their teeth the day after surgery, but this isn’t always the case.

When in doubt, follow your surgeon’s lead.

Things to Avoid

While this is a minor surgery, there are still a few things that can set back your healing. It’s best to avoid them.

First, avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks after surgery. For most people, this waiting period is about two weeks, but use your best judgment after that. If you’re still feeling fatigued, it’s best to use that energy to heal instead.

Do not smoke or chew tobacco while you’re in that initial two-week healing period. This will set back your healing process.

Avoid any hard or sticky foods until you get the go-ahead from your surgeon.

Post-Operative Treatment

After your surgeon has decided that you’re healed enough, you’ll start basic orthodontic treatment. In most cases, this means metal braces.

Those braces will secure your teeth and jaw into their new positions. You won’t be wearing them forever. Your surgeon will create a treatment plan for you.

Many people only have to wear the wires for a few months. Of course, this relies on the patient adhering to the surgeon’s instructions. A successful treatment time is determined by a patient’s willingness to commit!

Are You Ready for Your Orthognathic Surgery Recovery?

If there’s an orthognathic surgery in your future, don’t worry. The recovery process is fairly quick and easy, and once it’s over you’ll have a healthier jaw. The wait is worth it.

Remember: follow your surgeon’s instructions, prepare for your recovery process head of time, pay attention to your oral hygiene, and try to maintain a healthy diet.

Your recovery depends on it!

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