Anesthesia
• Do NOT drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.
Bleeding
• Slight bleeding is common for as long as 24 hours after surgery.
• If bleeding is heavy and will not stop, please contact the office at 812-401-3500.
Pain
• Postoperative pain is usually worst the night of surgery and will slowly decrease over the next three to four days.
• Norco (hydrocodone with acetaminophene) is usually prescribed for pain. Please note that Lortab contains Tylenol and additional Tylenol SHOULD NOT be taken.
• Over-the-counter Ibuprofen can be taken in addition unless you are unable to take NSAID’s.
• It is best to alternate Norco and Ibuprofen every three hours.
Nausea and Vomiting
• Nausea and vomiting is the most common complaint the night of surgery.
• This is usually a reaction to the pain medication. Try to get something on your stomach prior to taking any of the medications
• If nausea and vomiting persists, contact the office so that an anti-nausea medication can be prescribed.
Sutures
• Sutures are placed to adapt the tissues and help with bleeding.
• The sutures are resorbable and do not have to be removed.
• Sutures will normally come out on their own roughly 5-7 days after surgery.
• Sutures will occasionally come out the night of surgery. Unless associated with heavy bleeding, we do not replace these sutures.
Diet
• The first week of surgery should be a total liquid diet. (Boost, Ensure, milkshakes, etc.)
• The second week will progress to soft foods. (Mashed potatoes, applesauce, cottage cheese)
• The third week progresses to foods like pastas or ground beef. (Macaroni, spaghetti, etc.)
• The fourth week will go back to a reasonably normal diet.
Swelling
• Swelling is a normal result of orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
• Ice packs for the first 48 hours will decrease swelling. Do not leave ice packs on for more than 20 minutes at a time.
• Moist heat can be used at that time.
• Sitting in a recliner versus lying flat will help decrease swelling during the first 48 hours.