1. Swelling
This is quite a normal response and usually reaches its peak 24-30 hours following surgery. It often varies from one side of the face to another depending on the degree of difficulty. The swelling will start to decrease after 4-5 days.
2. Bruising
Bruising may occur as the swelling starts to subside and is again not unusual.
3. Bleeding
Bleeding may occur after jaw surgery and responds well to direct pressure. If it occurs, use a clean rolled handkerchief to apply direct firm pressure to the bleeding site for one hour. If bleeding persists, please contact the surgeon.
4. Discomfort / Pain
Pain usually occurs with varying intensity. Initially, it is important to take the painkillers regularly. Your surgeon will guide you as to what to expect depending on a number of factors. For more painful procedures, the worst pain often occurs around day 3 or 4. With time, the pain and discomfort should gradually decrease, along with the need for painkillers. If you are taking strong pain killers, your judgement may be impaired, and you must not drive or engage in activities that require coordination.
5. Nausea
Nausea and/or vomiting following jaw surgery is common and may relate to the anaesthetic, medications or swallowed blood. It is wise to have clear fluids only for the first 24 hours. Medications to prevent nausea/vomiting will be prescribed for you while you are in hospital and you should request these as necessary.
6. Infection
Infection is uncommon following jaw surgery and if it does occur, it will show itself by a late increase (3-4 days) in swelling and/or discomfort and/or the onset of a discharge. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed postoperatively to reduce the risk of infection. If prescribed it is recommended to finish the course unless there are side effects. If you think you have an infection, please contact us per your post-operative instruction sheet.
7. Stitches
Dissolving stitches will be used in almost all cases. They will fall out or dissolve in approximately 7-14 days following surgery.
8. Oral Hygiene
DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AFTER SURGERY. Rinsing in the early stages will cause bleeding. Rinsing with a mouthwash is suggested (eg a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water or Savacol twice a day for 2 minutes each time) as this will also help keep the mouth clean. Tooth brushing should be recommenced on the first post-operative day.
9. Lips
It is advisable to keep the lips moist by frequently applying a lip balm, lanolin, Vaseline, etc to the lips.
10. Talking
Soft tissue swelling may create difficulties with speech. Talking is possible but can be challenging. You will need to speak very slowly, making full use of your lips and tongue.
11. Jaw Stiffness
Following a jaw surgery there may be limitation in mouth opening. Normal opening of your mouth will gradually return but will need constant exercising during this recovery period.
12. Diet
Good nutrition is essential for bone healing and unfortunately your diet will be restricted to soft foods and fluids initially. A gradual return to a normal diet is recommended. Either a dietician will advise you as to the variety of foods that may be taken or your surgeon will supply a diet sheet. A blender or vitamiser will help with the preparation of a liquid / soft diet initially. Fluids may be taken in with a straw, syringe or squeeze bottle.
13. Weight Loss
A moderate loss of weight (4-6kg) is not unusual in the first few weeks following surgery. This weight loss will plateau with appetite returns and more meals are tolerated. It is advisable to have frequent meals spread throughout the day rather than the routine three meals a day.
14. Elastics
Orthodontic elastics may sometimes be placed between the top and bottom teeth in the few weeks following surgery. This is done to train the jaws to close in the correct position as well as helping the bones heal in the correct position. The elastics can be removed and replaced by you at any time for your convenience (eg meal times, tooth brushing etc.) and you surgeon will show you the correct placement of the elastics.
15. Drains
Drains may be secured to the operative sites to help reduce swelling and usually will be removed the day after surgery.
16. Smoking
It is advisable that you refrain from smoking for at least 3 days after the surgery as this increases the risk of infection.
17. Review
Following your discharge from hospital, it will be necessary to attend review appointments at the rooms to monitor progress and answer any general queries you may have The reviews will be more frequent in the early phase following surgery.
18. Problems
If problems arise, contact your surgeon as per your post-operative instruction sheet.