Our hospitals. After jaw surgery, it may take a while to be able to eat and drink normally again; this is to let the bones heal. At first, you may have to use a small plastic syringe, a small spoon or straw to eat and drink. This is because of any facial swelling you may have.
You will progress to a soft food or soft-chew diet around after 2 months of recovery (give or take a week). You must avoid anything crunchy or hard to chew, as it can damage your jaw and disrupt the healing process. If you find it uncomfortable to chew, remain on a no-chew diet for another week.
After 6-8 weeks, you can progress to more normal chewing, but advance slowly and cautiously (really hard foods should be avoided for another 1-2 months, including pizza, apples, raw carrots, nuts, etc.). At this point if it hurts to chew, it's too hard.
It is easiest to start on a liquid diet for the first few days, followed by soft foods, then add soft textures over time. Water, fruit juices, milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, creamy soups or broths, and liquid nutritional supplements are a good start.
Following your surgery, your jaw will be very tender and sore for some time. To prevent any additional strain on the surgical area, it is recommended that the jaw is rested and you do minimal chewing during your recovery. Therefore, only very soft and moist foods should be chosen.
You must avoid hot, prolonged showers which may cause bleeding in the upper jaw if surgery is performed there. Avoid exercises, any heavy lifting or activity that raises your blood pressure or pulse for at least one month after the surgery.
After Jawbone Surgery
Therefore, after your surgery, try to avoid strenuous activities. Bending, driving, or lifting may dislodge the clot and cause you to bleed. So, gradually progress the intensity of your movement, limiting how you talk, eat and drink for the first day after your oral surgery.
Following your surgery and throughout the post-operative recovery period, especially if your jaw is wired shut, you could lose as much as 10 percent of your body weight.
It is not uncommon to experience some pain or pressure in or around your jaw joint areas after jaw surgery. This may feel somewhat like an earache. It is due to pressure in the jaw joint area due to the new position of your jaw. This will usually disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.
Jaw surgery is a major surgery that can disrupt your life for several weeks and months.
We ask that you maintain a no-chew diet for 6 weeks, but it may take longer than that to be able to eat normally. Difficulty opening your jaw can occur for several weeks but should be back to normal by about 8 weeks after surgery.
You can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling following jaw surgery, which may take a few weeks to resolve. You may also notice some bruising, as well as tingling and numbness. We will prescribe medication to help manage your pain and discomfort, and to prevent infection.
Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery. Try to keep your tongue away from the surgical area as to not disturb the sites and blood clots. Bruising is normal after jaw surgery and will usually last for 2-3 weeks.
For upper jaw surgery: Do not blow your nose nor sneeze through your nose for the first 2–3 weeks.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
Swelling: You can expect swelling to be the worst in the first week after oral surgery. It's usually most noticeable from three to five days after surgery, then it gradually lessens. Bruising: Bruising often accompanies swelling, and it dissipates as the swelling subsides.
However, the extensive bone and muscle manipulation and various movements during surgery may result in postoperative pain, especially in the TMJ. Positional changes of the mandible, maxilla, or both jaws during orthognathic surgery can affect the TMJ, masticatory musculature, and surrounding soft tissue [5, 6].
Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union. During the time your jaws are wired together, you will find eating, talking and other daily activities somewhat difficult.
Corrective jaw surgery moves realign the jaw backward or forward, giving you a youthful and more pronounced smile. Jaw surgery can improve the proportions of different parts of your face, like a large nose.
After an oral procedure, you're likely to experience pain and swelling in your face and neck. Additionally, you may experience bruising and a sore throat, leading to disrupted sleep.
INSTRUCTIONS for CARE of WOUND The pressure bandage (Jaw Bra) should be worn continuously for about 48 hours. After 48 hours, the bandage may be used as a jaw “support” as needed. Many patients find that it is useful for several days until jaw strength improves.