Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) involves common temporary side effects like pain, significant facial swelling, bruising, stiffness, and difficulty eating, often improving within weeks, alongside potential risks such as nerve numbness/tingling, infection, bleeding, jaw joint issues (TMD), and rarely, permanent nerve damage or relapse requiring further treatment. While most issues resolve, some temporary discomforts are expected as part of the major surgery recovery.
The Lingual Nerve (nerve to the tongue) can also be bruised during lower jaw surgery. The risk of this is considerably lower at less than 1% of cases sustaining long term numbness or altered taste to the tongue. In upper jaw surgery, there is a risk of developing numbness to the upper lip or palate.
Jaw surgery is generally very safe when an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon does it, often planning and working with an orthodontist. Risks of surgery may include: Blood loss. Infection.
The corrective jaw surgery can have adverse side effects like numbness, loss of hearing, extreme pain, and increased drooling. Moreover, corrective jaw surgery is ten times more expensive than non-surgical treatments for correcting malocclusions.
Your Jaw Should be Fully Developed
Therefore, the youngest age for jaw surgery is usually in the teens or early 20s. Often, girls reach physical maturity before boys, so they may be eligible for the procedure a bit earlier than their male counterparts. Of course, the mental state of patients also comes into play.
Most people only need about 1 to 2 weeks to recover from their jaw surgery, and then they can enjoy their aligned smile for a lifetime.
Numerous people have benefited from this surgical procedure in improving their dental health, regaining their sense of self-worth, and experiencing reduced pain and discomfort from various jaw-related disorders.
Keep your head elevated up on a couple of pillows. Avoid blowing your nose if you have had maxillary (upper) jaw surgery. If you need to cough or sneeze, make a fist and place it underneath your lower jaw and chin to stabilize the jaw. Do not bend, lift, drive, or swim until your surgeon recommends it.
Typical weight loss after surgery is 10-20 pounds. Most patients recover this weight in the months following the surgery.
While some are blessed with an angular, noticeable jawline, most of us aren't. This difference is because your facial structure is determined predominantly by genetics. This genetic code defines the width and prominence of your mandible, also known as a jawbone.
Don't try to fight them and open or move your jaw. If you need to cough, sneeze, or yawn, use your hand to support below your chin to avoid the tendency to try to open your mouth!
How Jaw Surgery Affects the Eyes. The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery outlines some rare eye complications associated with orthognathic surgery. These include a decrease in visual acuity, dysfunction of eyelid muscles, cornea degeneration, and eye soreness.
Most people heal from broken jaws, although a full recovery may take a few months. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations during recovery. For example, you may be on a liquid diet or only able to eat soft foods.
Yes, jaw surgery can significantly change your face.
It improves facial symmetry, jawline definition, and overall balance by repositioning the jawbones. While results vary by case, most patients look more proportional and confident not like a different person, but like the best version of themselves.
Do not sneeze with your mouth closed for two weeks after surgery, or as directed by your surgeon. You may gently wipe your nose with a tissue but avoid blowing it. Sneezing and blowing your nose can result in excess pressure in the sinus and could adversely affect healing.
Personal Hygiene
You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your surgery. Initially, you may want to avoid toothpaste, and simply use a toothbrush and warm water. Brush after each meal, and stay on the teeth and surrounding gums and avoid the incision sites.
The overall success rate for orthognathic, also known as jaw alignment surgery, has been found to be anywhere between 90% - 94%. This means that there is only about a 6% -10% risk for failure.
On the third to fourth day after surgery: These are most often considered the worst days for discomfort. From this point on, warm moist heat and massage should be used as needed. Warm, moist compresses or towels can be used around the face with light, circular pressure or massage.
For some patients, the changes are subtle—just enough to enhance their natural features and improve facial harmony. For others, especially those with significant misalignments, the transformation can be more noticeable. It's important to remember that jaw surgery is not about making you look like someone else.
Immediately after surgery, you may experience swollen lips as well as soft tissue swelling between your teeth, making speaking challenging. While you may feel tempted to avoid talking, it is advisable to try talking, unless your jaws are wired shut, to avoid delaying your return to regular oral function.