Proper care following orthognathic surgery is essential to ensure healing and manage discomfort. Follow these guidelines to promote a smooth recovery process.
Manage Bleeding and Pain
Slight bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours, and pain is often worst the night of surgery. Alternate between Norco and Ibuprofen for pain relief as prescribed.
Diet Progression
Start with liquids for the first week, then gradually move to soft foods by week two, and regular foods by week four.
Swelling Control
Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, then switch to moist heat. Keep your head elevated to further minimize swelling.
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.
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 after 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.
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