Home Care After Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is a complex procedure, but with the right information about the post-operative period, you can feel more confident and prepared for what lies ahead. Discover everything you need to know about the post-operative period here!
What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that aims to restore or reposition the jaw bones in situations where patients have facial asymmetry. Furthermore, orthognathic surgery promotes functional balance (chewing, breathing, speech, swallowing, occlusion) and facial harmony (facial and smile aesthetics), providing a better quality of life by restoring health and self-esteem.
Regarding pain, there are usually no major complaints, partly because the manipulation of the jaws causes a decrease in the perception of painful stimuli in the face during the first few weeks after surgery. This is called paresthesia. Gradually, these sensory stimuli return to normal, and patients generally report only minor "shocks" or "itching" in the area.
What to expect after surgery?
In the days following surgery, the following situations are normal:
- The face became very swollen;
- Changes in sensation in the face (in the chin, lower lip and/or upper lip, side of the nose);
- That there is bleeding from the nose;
- Dry lips;
- Difficulty breathing through the nose and swallowing food (even liquids);
- That your throat becomes sore;
- Weight loss.
Home care and recommendations after orthognathic surgery
It is essential to be rigorous in taking prescribed medications, always at the correct times.
- During the first three days after surgery, it is necessary to apply ice packs to the face for twenty minutes every two hours, always placing a thin towel between the face and the ice pack to protect the skin.
- Keep your lips moisturized with almond oil.
- Do not blow your nose under any circumstances. If you sneeze, keep your mouth open at that moment.
- You should not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
- As recommended by the surgeon, speech therapy and orthodontic treatment should be restarted as soon as requested. These are essential for achieving the ideal result.
Nutrition after orthognathic surgery
In the post-surgical period, due to difficulties in chewing and swallowing food, the role of nutrition is extremely important. In the first few weeks after surgery, it is essential to eat properly and stay hydrated. For the first three days, the food should be liquid or semi-solid, at room temperature or chilled. In the following days, the consistency should remain the same, but the temperature may become lukewarm.
A diet closer to normal, but still with certain restrictions, can be started approximately one month after surgery. Please remember that chewing should only begin 45 days after surgery and with the surgeon's consent.
Important Considerations
- Rest during the postoperative period of Orthognathic Surgery
- For proper recovery, it is necessary to respect rest.
- During the first week after surgery, the patient should remain at home.
- When lying down, it's important to keep your torso elevated relative to your head, using two or three pillows behind your back to do so.
- Short walks around the house are beneficial as they help improve blood circulation in the legs.
- The patient cannot lift heavy objects, sunbathe, engage in any physical activity, or suffer any type of impact to the facial area.
The return to work will depend on the type of work the patient performs, whether it involves physical exertion, and whether there is a need to talk a lot. In general, it is possible to return to activities two weeks after surgery. Physical activity should be suspended for at least 50 days.
In Conclusion
Successful recovery after orthognathic surgery depends not only on the surgical procedure itself, but also on careful and consistent home care. Following medication schedules, managing swelling, maintaining proper nutrition, and respecting physical rest are all essential steps in supporting healing and preventing complications. While the post-operative period can be challenging, these changes are temporary and play a critical role in achieving long-term functional and aesthetic results. By closely following your surgeon’s recommendations and allowing your body the time it needs to heal, you set the foundation for a smoother recovery, improved comfort, and the full benefits of orthognathic surgery—better health, facial balance, and renewed confidence.