Common Questions
Following is a list of the most common questions I’ve received about double jaw surgery. If your question is not answered below, feel free to ask about it in the comments and I’d be happy to respond there.
Before the surgery:
- Why should I get jaw surgery?
- Is jaw surgery painful?
- How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?
- How much does jaw surgery cost?
- What should I buy to prepare for recovery?
After the surgery:
- Will I look different after jaw surgery?
- How much weight will I lose after jaw surgery?
- Will I experience numbness after jaw surgery?
- Will I get all of my feeling back after jaw surgery?
- What can I eat after jaw surgery?
Cries for help:
- Help, I’m experiencing pain!
- Help, my breath is terrible!
- Help, my teeth are no longer touching!
- Help, my jaw movement is not returning!
- Help, I don’t look like myself anymore!
Why should I get jaw surgery?
There are several reasons to undergo jaw surgery:
- To be able to chew with all your teeth
- To speak without a lisp
- To speak without spitting
- To stop your mouth from hanging open
- To stop breathing through your mouth and start breathing through your nose
- To change your appearance (side profile)
These reasons are all explained on the Reasons to Get Jaw Surgery page.
Is jaw surgery painful?
Jaw surgery is usually not painful. This may be difficult to believe, but since your nerves become bruised and numb during the surgery, you don’t actually feel any of the pain. By the time feeling returns to your face, most of the pain is gone.
Granted, you’ll experience a bit of pain when you yawn, sneeze and cough. It’ll also hurt when your jaw spasms (and it will spasm for the first month), but for the most part, you should not experience much pain at all.
How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?
It will take 90 days (3 months) for a full recovery after jaw surgery. Most of your feeling and energy will be back after 2 months, but it takes a full 90 days for your bone to fuse back together. A full range of motion in your jaw will return depending on how much you’re moving it around, so make sure you follow the exercises your surgeon gives you.
How much does jaw surgery cost?
Jaw surgery costs roughly $5000 in Canada, but that price may differ significantly in other provinces and countries. If your surgery is deemed cosmetic (instead of “medically necessary”), the cost will be higher because you’ll be required to cover the hospital bills. Sadly, patients in the US have seen jaw surgery bills in excess of $50,000.
What should I buy to prepare for recovery?
You can find a full list of items that with help you through the recovery at the Must-Have Recovery Products page.
Will I look different after jaw surgery?
You will notice subtle changes in your appearance following jaw surgery. Your overbite/underbite will no longer be present and your cheeks, nose, and chin may take on a different shape as well. My cheeks filled out a lot as a result of my surgery.
How much weight will I lose after jaw surgery?
Most people lose between 5–10 pounds during the first month of their recovery. The general rule of thumb is that you will lose weight until you reach your natural body weight.
Will I experience numbness after jaw surgery?
Yes, you will experience extreme numbness following jaw surgery. During the operation, several nerves in your face and chin have to be moved around. When you move a nerve, it becomes bruised, and when a nerve is bruised, it stops providing sensations, thus giving you that numb feeling (more on this in my Day 20 post).
Will I get all of my feeling back after jaw surgery?
70% of patients regain full feeling, while 30% may experience slightly numb areas in their cheeks, chin and lower lip for the rest of their lives. The feeling you have after 6 months post-op is likely what you’ll live with for the rest of your life.
What can I eat after jaw surgery?
You’ll be on a strict liquid diet following jaw surgery. Buy lots of Boost, Ensure or Carnation supplements and learn to make smoothies, because these will be your staple foods for at least the first 2 weeks. I had to eat them for 8 weeks, but my surgery was a bit more invasive than most. You’ll probably have to administer your food through a syringe for the first week as well.
Once your surgeon gives you permission to start chewing again, you can begin to eat soft foods such as pasta and mashed potatoes. During the weeks following your re-entry into the realm of chewing, you’ll be able to eat whatever is comfortable. Don’t expect to tear into a steak as soon as you’re allowed to chew again, though.
If you have the following implements, you should survive perfectly fine:
- A reliable blender (this is extremely important, as you’ll be blending almost everything)
- Smoothie materials (ice cream, yogurt, milk, bananas, strawberries, granola, peanut butter, honey, etc.) — Recipe
- Soup (you’ll have to blend everything except tomato soup)
- Ensure, Boost or Carnation (I drank 3 of these per day during my liquid diet phase)
- Prune juice (you’ll need the fiber in it)
- Whole milk (you’ll need all the calcium you can get so your bones heal back just as strong as they were before)
- Water (make sure you drink at least 1 L of water per day; drinking 2 L per day is a much better option)
The most important item on that list is water. If you don’t drink enough water each day, you’ll become dehydrated and sick, and your bowel movements won’t feel good because none of the fiber you’re eating will dissolve into your body.
Help, I’m experiencing pain!
If your pain is chronic (ie. consistent and throbbing), you may have an infection and should schedule a visit with your surgeon just to be safe.
On the other hand, if your pain comes in small bouts, it’s likely your nerves reawakening or your teeth being pulled by the elastics. In this case, just be patient and the pain will subside in due time. If you were prescribed pain medication, that may help as well.
Help, my breath is terrible!
At times, your breath may be indicative of the fact that you are not allowed to brush your teeth or floss during the first several weeks of recovery. To aid in freshening your breath, try gurgling with warm salt water a few times each day. Soon enough, you’ll be given the go-ahead to brush and floss again.
Help, my teeth are no longer touching!
An open bite is a common problem following jaw surgery. Fear not, however, because your teeth will naturally grow until they encounter opposition (in the form of your other jaw), so this problem will slowly correct itself over time.
Help, my jaw movement is not returning!
If you have been given the green light to resume eating regular food, but the movement in your jaw doesn’t seem to be returning, try whistling and chewing gum each day. Whistling will help to break up scar tissue, while chewing gum will stretch the muscles in your jaw.
Help, I don’t look like myself anymore!
This is perhaps the most common fear people have following jaw surgery. Remember that swelling takes a minimum of 3 months to go away, so try to avoid judging your appearance until that point.
Also, keep in mind that you are your own worst critic because you’ve been seeing your face in the mirror every single day for most of your life. While the subtle changes in your appearance seem drastic to you, most people will not even notice that your face changed shape.
April 21, 2013 at 10:43 pm
Thanks so much for the advice. I actually feel much better than yesterday 🙂
April 20, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Hi Graham, I’m in day 3 of surgery and my jaw is still pretty stiff I was wondering how long before this severe discomfort goes away ? 🙁
April 21, 2013 at 10:35 am
Yalda, you’ll be fairly uncomfortable for first two weeks, but life will become a lot more pleasant after that. You’re already 25% of the way through the tough period, so try to keep positive. Go for walks every day, find a good television series to watch, and you’ll be back in action before you know it!
April 14, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Dear Graham,
I had double jaw surgery at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, On April 10th 2013. I really appreciate this site and had help me with reducing my anxiety. It was successful, I have a better bite now. I had a under bite and an open bite. Thanks for still helping me and others get through this journey. I hope you are doing well.
April 15, 2013 at 8:42 am
Anthony, you have an incredibly positive outlook considering you’re in your first week of recovery. If you’re already happy, you’ll have no trouble at all with the remaining weeks of healing. Glad you’re happy with the results!
April 9, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Thank u Graham for the last response!!I have another question….I’m having a hard time adjusting to my nose it seems to tilt up a little too much for my liking….is it possible to go down slightly with the swelling and how long before all the swelling is gone?
April 9, 2013 at 10:53 pm
Nicole, I wasn’t a huge fan of the way my nose looked post-op either, but once my swelling went away and I began to see my new face in the mirror each morning, I realized that I was the only person who thought anything of it. Remember that you are your own worst critic, and give your swelling a chance to subside before you pass any judgements on yourself. =)
April 7, 2013 at 10:02 pm
I’ve had double jaw and genioplasty april 2nd and I’m feeling absolutely fantastic….howerver…this mucus in my nose was driving me nuts, so I have been lightly blowing out through my nose to clear it. More like holding my breath and blowing out through my nose I understand that this probably shouldn’t be done and now have myselff completely paranoid at what damage I have caused myself!!! What’s the worse that can happen? Could I have damaged something? HELP
April 8, 2013 at 12:53 am
Nicole, the reason for not blowing your nose is because blood clots form in your nostrils following the surgery and, if they’re destroyed, your nose will start bleeding again. As long as your nose is not bleeding uncontrollably, you’ll be perfectly fine. Just be very gentle when cleaning your nostrils. =)
April 4, 2013 at 3:57 pm
How long do you think it would take before I could go back to playing soccer after my double jaw surgery?
April 8, 2013 at 12:23 am
Sierra, I would stay away from a sport such as soccer for 6–8 weeks. If you were to get hit in the face with a soccer ball, it could prolong your recovery in a big way. I returned to the gym at 6 weeks post-op, but I didn’t play any potential contact sports for the full 12 weeks. Whatever you do, be mindful of the fact that your jaw is in a weaker state.
March 29, 2013 at 6:58 pm
Hey everyone,
I just had upper jaw surgery a week ago and I already have all my energy back. My doctor told me that I’m healing faster than he expected. And we’ll since I’m 21 I was wondering how long after surgery can I start drinking? 😛
March 30, 2013 at 9:12 am
Matt, you should be able to start drinking alcohol again as soon as the cuts inside your mouth heal. The only reasons you should stay away from alcohol is if it will react badly with any medicine you might be taking, it’ll kill your energy levels and cause you to heal more slowly, or it will cause infections in open wounds inside your mouth. If you’re sure none of these things will be an issue, I say go for it! =)
March 19, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Hey Graham,
I’m about to rant so please, sit back and enjoy the show! I am only 16 and within a year I am going to have to have a double jaw surgery. They are also going go remove the tip of my chin during the surgery. I am really nervous and scared and angry. I don’t want to go through this and it seems unreal that it’s actually happening! (I get braces in two days so the process is really beginning) I am also a competitive swimmer and I am in high school so I was wondering if you think i will be back in school 2 weeks after the surgery and back in the pool 3-4 weeks after the surgery? I don’t have a choice about going through this surgery (it was decided by my parents) so I figure the least I could do is be prepared. I’m really upset and nervous. Even after reading this I don’t know what to expect; mainly because i don’t know how well I will respond to the surgery. Any and all advice is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks a ton!
~Chelsea
March 20, 2013 at 2:32 am
Hi Chelsea!
I consider you lucky for being able to put this operation behind you at such a young age, though I understand it’s frustrating to deal with it while you’re in school.
You’ll be able to head back to school within two weeks of having the surgery, but you’ll likely be very tired and have difficulty speaking perfectly clearly. As for swimming, it might be closer to 5–6 weeks before you have enough energy back to push forward at your previous pace. Your swimming will come back quickly once you’re back in the pool, though.
Make sure your parents are absolutely confident that your jaw is no longer growing. The reason I had to wait until I was 25 years old to have the surgery is because my orthodontist was waiting for my jaw to stop growing (to ensure the surgery never had to be corrected). I’m sure both your parents and your surgeon have done their homework, though.
Try to view this as an opportunity rather than a punishment. It’s something you won’t have to deal with later in life, which is a good thing! =)
March 6, 2016 at 10:21 am
Chelsea, I am 21 and had the jaw surgery 5 weeks ago. You really don’t need to be panicking about it. I am the wussiest person ever and I am so happy that I’ve had it done. It makes you feel so much more confident in your appearance and your face will feel more comfortable. It feels sore for the first week but just like an ache once you’ve taken your meds. I cannot stress how amazing ice packs feel. I would do this again in a heartbeat despite being so scared of even blood tests. Everyone treats you so nice and it only takes an hour anyway 🙂 I enjoyed eating ice cream for a few weeks. I hope this helps. Good luck x
March 15, 2013 at 8:54 am
@ Andrew,
While I haven’t ever had jaw surgery, I have had all 4 wisdom teeth removed. It’s not a big deal at all living without them. Your smile looks the same. It is painful, and your face will swell, but if you’re getting this all done at one time-wisdom teeth removed and jaw surgery, the fact that you have no wisdom teeth will probably be the least of your concerns. You’ll be on pain meds that will take care of that. My face only swelled a little bit after I got my wisdom teeth out, but my friends was huge…I guess it depends on the person and the attitude. The swelling was gone in about 3 days for me, her too. People live without wisdom teeth all the time-apparently they’re almost like extra teeth we don’t need as many people’s jaws are too small for that many teeth. I think it’s probably an evolution thing….
March 13, 2013 at 10:26 pm
prior to surgery..the surgeon extracts wisdom tooth…is it painful? and will i have to live without those for the rest of my life?
March 9, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Hi Graham (or anyone on here who has had double jaw surgery),
I just got offered a surgery date of May 22! However, that date is 23 days before my convocation.. Judging by what I’ve read here I would most likely be able to walk across a stage and receive my degree at this point in my recovery, but how much would it limit my ability to enjoy the day (celebrating with friends, family, etc.)?
Thanks for your awesome blog!
B
March 20, 2013 at 2:08 am
Brent, you likely won’t be in the best of shape at only 23 days post-op. You’ll be able to attend your convocation and be alert with no trouble, but your speech may not be perfectly clear and you might not be able to eat solid food yet (depending on how intense your operation is). You’ll also be incredibly swollen, so your photos will be very memorable. It’s your call, of course. I’d go ahead with it simply to get it out of the way. If you want perfect convocation photos, you can always go back for another degree. =)
March 7, 2013 at 4:52 pm
wow i totally did not think that it was so hard for me to breathe through my nose that it was because of my underbite!
my surgery is on March 26! 19 days!!!!!!
im so excited AND so nervous but the way you describe everything on here makes me feel much better!
thank you so much!
March 20, 2013 at 1:52 am
Jade, I just wanted to send some positive feelings your way for your surgery coming up next week. Make sure you have some smoothie ingredients and you’ll do absolutely great during your first few weeks of recovery. I’m excited for you!
March 4, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@ Terry,
I live in Red Deer. I suppose if I were willing to travel back and forth to Calgary or Edmonton, I might have been able to get in quicker, but I’m not sure, I never bothered to check as my procrastination over having my jaw finally dealt with kicked in. I was told almost 1- years ago that this would be coming, but I was hoping if I waited long enough medical advances would come along and *poof* I’d be fixed without having to endure braces and jaw surgery. It’s finally gotten to the point where I can’t avaoid it anymore and I realize that if I had pulled up my socks in the first place and dealt with it, I might not be in the predicament I’m in now with TMJ and enamel wear. Ah well, live and learn! I get the bad news tomorrow, and the cost is definitely my biggest concern.
March 1, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Wow Shannon, a year to get into the orthodontist! Where do you live in Alberta? I am in Victoria and from the time I had a visit with my dentist, then to a prothodontist, to the orthodontist to having my braces on, took about 5 weeks. I saw the surgeon for the first time this past November, was originally scheduled for lower jaw surgery for Feb.22nd but it was changed to May because they decided to do both the upper and lower jaw. When I lived in northern BC it took at least 6 months before my kids got into the orthodontist.
March 1, 2013 at 11:06 am
Hi Graham,
I too am an Albertan and I was just wondering what the wait time to get in for surgery was like for you. I’m about to ger my official diagnosis in a few days, but unofficially, I’ve been told I have an open bite and a cross bite that will need to be corrected with surgery and braces of course. I know I waited just over a year to get into the Orthodontist for an initial consultation so I’m just curious what kind of wait times I’m looking at.
Thanks also for creating this page! It’s fantastic for people that are a bit spazzy like me! 🙂
March 20, 2013 at 1:23 am
Shannon, I’m honestly not sure what the wait times for jaw surgery in Alberta are at the moment. When my orthodontist deemed me ready for the operation, I had a surgery date with about two months. It’s primarily dependent on when you’re available to have the surgery, ensuring it fits in with your work and schooling and such. I encourage you to go talk with an oral surgeon, as they’ll be able to give you a better answer.
February 28, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Hey Graham,
I am post op a week and 3 days and my bottom lip is huge. I had bigger then average lips to begin with but they have gotten bigger! I just had my lower jaw moved forward 5 mm. Do you think my lips will go back down to the size they were before?
March 20, 2013 at 12:55 am
Jimmy, your lips will return to their regular size. The only reason they are bigger right now is because they are ridiculously swollen. =)
February 16, 2013 at 12:55 pm
My son was told he must have had an injury when he was younger (he’s 16 now) that stopped the growth of his jaw. He is also missing the two ball joints on each side that opens and closes his mouth. It looks like the only thing that is holding it on are the muscles. His operation would be very invasive but he is more than happy to have it done. We have to wait six months to make sure he has stopped growing. Does anyone else know of or have this problem as well.
February 18, 2013 at 3:53 am
Diane, while I’ve never heard of your son’s arrangement, I would get a few opinions from different surgeons to see what the general consensus is. Whatever the case, ensure his x-rays show that his jaw is definitely finished growing because the surgery will be in vain if that is not the case. That’s the only reason I waited until I was 24 years old to have the operation. Best of luck!
February 15, 2013 at 4:32 am
Hi Graham,
Will you please tell me ,how much time does it takes to completely recover after surgery?( means i can easily move my jaws, eat anything)
Will i have to quit some food items forever?
After surgery will i have to stay in the hospital? if yes then how many days?
February 15, 2013 at 5:15 am
Andrew, it will be approximately three months before you can comfortably eat most anything again. You won’t have to give up any foods forever, thankfully. And patients generally stay in the hospital for 1–2 nights following surgery, but I’d recommend you staying with someone who can somewhat take care of you for a few days after that as well. =)
February 2, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Graham, how long before you were driving? I’m going to call my insurance company as I have heard that if you drive before two weeks after surgery and get in an accident that it may not be covered.
February 6, 2013 at 9:33 am
Terry, I’m not sure what the official rules are regarding driving after a surgery such as this one, but I was driving at two weeks post-op. The only thing I had to watch was my energy (to ensure I stayed awake), but I didn’t have any issues with driving.
February 1, 2013 at 6:18 am
Hello, my son just had jaw surgery and today we discovered that he might not have been using his syringe correctly to eat. We gave him some Campbells soup to drink today (he uses the syringe on the right side of his mouth) and after drinking his right side was getting larger and larger. We thought it was just swelling until he spat out remnant soup a few hours later and his right side went down. I’m worried that this may impact his oral hygiene in the long run if he’s been keeping remnant liquid (e.g.: Ensure) at the side of his mouth. Any tips on how to get food completely down your throat and ensure it’s not stuck to the sides or is this completely normal?
February 2, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Jason, during the early days of recovery, your son may have to drink thinner foods. Soups work great, but make sure they have no chunks of food in them. Tomato soup and chicken broth work great for this. You may try watering the food down as well. He should be able to open his mouth and swallow chunkier soups by the second week of recovery. Best of luck! =)