After Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery: What to Expect

Recovering from jaw surgery is a gradual process. While every patient heals differently, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident during your recovery.

The First Few Days

It is normal to experience:

  • Swelling of the face and neck
  • Mild to moderate discomfort
  • Bruising
  • Numbness of the lips, chin, cheeks, or tongue
  • A sore throat or nasal congestion (especially after upper jaw surgery)
  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully

Swelling usually peaks around 2-3 days after surgery and then gradually improves. Most patients notice significant improvement over the first two weeks.

Pain Control

Take your medications exactly as prescribed.

  • Use prescription pain medication if needed during the first few days.
  • As your discomfort improves, you can often transition to acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen or Toradol if approved by your surgeon.
  • Do not exceed the recommended doses.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking narcotic pain medications.

Ice and Heat

First 48-72 hours:

  • Apply ice packs to the sides of your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while awake.

After 72 hours:

  • Warm compresses may help improve comfort and reduce stiffness.

Diet

Good nutrition is one of the most important parts of recovery.

Weeks 1-2

Choose foods that require no chewing, including:

  • Protein shakes
  • Smoothies
  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce
  • Soups
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Oatmeal
  • Pudding

As You Heal

Your surgeon will gradually allow softer foods before returning to a normal diet. Do not chew until you have been instructed it is safe to do so.

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection.

  • Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush after meals.
  • Avoid brushing directly over incisions unless instructed.
  • Use the prescribed mouth rinse as directed.
  • Warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) may also be recommended after meals.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

If rubber bands are placed on your braces or surgical hooks:

  • Wear them exactly as instructed.
  • Do not remove or replace them unless directed.
  • If one breaks, contact our office for instructions.

These elastics help guide your bite while your jaws heal.

Activity

Walking is encouraged beginning the day after surgery.

For the first few weeks:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise.
  • Do not lift heavy objects.
  • Avoid contact sports or activities that could result in facial injury.
  • Sleep with your head elevated using extra pillows or a recliner to reduce swelling.

Most patients gradually return to school or desk work within 2-3 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and their recovery.

Numbness

Temporary numbness of the lips, chin, cheeks, teeth, or tongue is expected after jaw surgery.

Feeling often returns gradually over several weeks to months. Some areas may take longer than others, and in some cases a small amount of numbness may be permanent.

Bleeding

A small amount of blood-tinged saliva or nasal drainage is common during the first 24-48 hours.

Contact our office if you experience:

  • Bright red bleeding that does not slow with gentle pressure
  • Large blood clots
  • Continuous bleeding, particularly from the nose

Nasal Care (Upper Jaw Surgery)

If your upper jaw was treated:

  • Do not blow your nose for at least two weeks.
  • Sneeze with your mouth open.
  • Use saline nasal spray if recommended.
  • Mild nasal congestion or drainage is normal.

Smoking and Alcohol

Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine products during healing. Nicotine greatly increases the risk of poor healing and infection.

Avoid alcohol while taking prescription pain medications and until your surgeon says it is safe.

Follow-Up Appointments

Keep all scheduled follow-up visits so your surgeon can monitor healing, adjust elastics if needed, and guide your return to normal eating and activity.

When Should You Call Us?

Please contact our office if you experience:

  • Fever greater than 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Increasing swelling after the fourth day
  • Foul taste or pus from the surgical site
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing saliva
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Severe pain not controlled with medication
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Broken wires or elastics causing significant problems

If you are experiencing severe difficulty breathing or another medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1-3

  • Peak swelling
  • Rest and stay hydrated
  • Liquid diet

Week 1

  • Swelling begins to improve
  • Continue excellent oral hygiene
  • Gentle walking

Weeks 2-4

  • Bruising mostly resolved
  • Improved energy
  • Continue soft or no-chew diet as directed

Weeks 6-8

  • Bone healing progresses significantly
  • Many patients gradually return toward a more normal diet after surgeon approval

Several Months

  • Swelling continues to improve
  • Numbness gradually resolves
  • Final healing and bite refinement continue

We’re Here to Help

Recovery is a team effort, and questions are expected. If something doesn’t seem right or you have concerns about your recovery, please contact our office. We’d much rather answer a question early than have you worry at home.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 7-10 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Paolino Oral & Facial Surgery Center Phone Number (302) 384-6369.