Recovery Timeline
Following is a brief timeline of important events regarding recovery from double jaw surgery. If you only had a single jaw operated on, your recovery will be much quicker than this.
Keep in mind that every person recovers at a different pace, and also that every surgeon has their own agenda during the recovery process. This is simply the sequence of important events that took place during my personal recovery.
Day 0 (Surgery)
- You’ll be eating/drinking through a syringe
- You’ll be unable to sleep very much
- You may be freezing all night long due to the ice packs wrapped around your face
- You’ll feel extremely weak
- You won’t be able to talk
- You will drool constantly (but you’ll have the suction tube in the hospital to take care of that)
- Lots of blood will be churning up inside your nose, mouth and throat
- Your jaw will randomly spasm (and it will be painful)
Day 1
- Swelling will begin
Day 3
- Swelling will peak
- Your bowels will start working again around this time
Day 5
- Feeling will begin to return to parts of your face
- Swelling will start to decrease
Day 7 (1 week)
- You’ll be able to move your mouth a bit easier, so your talking will become more understandable
- At your 1-week appointment, you’ll be able to brush your teeth, both inside and out (and it will feel amazing)
Day 10
- Drooling won’t be as rampant any longer
- You’ll regain slight control over your lips
Day 14 (2 weeks)
- Most of the swelling will be gone
- You’ll be able to start drinking from a cup (although it may be messy at first)
- You can probably remove a few of the elastics clamping your teeth together, so talking will become infinitely more simple
- Sleeping through the night should no longer be a problem
Day 15
- Your elastics will start snapping daily, due to your rapid increase in speaking
Day 18
- Your breath will become bearable again, due to the fact that you’ve been eating different foods and brushing more often
Day 21 (3 weeks)
- Your energy will start to come back. Take advantage of it! Go for walks and take your bike out for a spin.
Day 22
- You’ll be receiving substantial feeling back in your upper lip and cheeks. Your nose, lower lip and chin, however, will remain completely numb.
Day 28 (4 weeks)
- Talking will hardly be an issue any longer. If you have a splint/bite plate in, you’ll sound ridiculous, but people will be able to understand you.
- Your desire to be social and spend time with people will return in full force. Make sure you take advantage of it, and remember that your friends are not judging you.
Day 29
- Feeling will begin to return to your lower lip and chin. That feeling will come in the form of pins and needles, but you’ll appreciate it regardless. If no feeling has returned to these parts yet, don’t worry. Surgeons say that it make take up to 90 days for feeling to begin coming back.
Day 31 (1 month)
- If your elastics are off, you’ll be able to speak quite well by now
- You won’t drool or spill any longer while eating
Day 32
- You’ll have most of your normal energy back by now
- You’ll begin to feel like you’re ready to take life on again. Be warned though: you’re not quite there yet. Give it another month before you go crazy.
Day 38
- More patches of feeling will return to your chin and lower lip
- You should no longer have to wear elastics during the day
Day 42 (6 weeks)
- You should be able to drink through a straw quite easily by now
Day 45
- Most of your stitches should have dissolved by now
Day 49 (7 weeks)
- If you had a splint in, it should definitely be removed by now
- Be prepared to readjust back into the world of orthodontics
Day 56 (8 weeks)
- You should be able to eat with a small spoon or fork again
- Licking your lips should be no problem at this point
Day 58
- You’ll most likely be allowed to blow your nose again. Be gentle, though, because you don’t want to pop a blood vessel.
Day 70 (10 weeks)
- If you haven’t been able to eat solid food yet, start now. Even if the task of eating involves mashing soft food up against the roof of your mouth, do it anyway. You’ll never gain your strength back on liquid alone.
Day 84 (12 weeks)
- You should enjoy the freedom of eating just about anything you want by now
- Consider practising whistling in order to break up the scar tissue that’s sure to be keeping your upper lip from enjoying its full range of motion
Day 90 (3 months)
- Your three months have finally come to an end! Enjoy eating, breathing and smiling to their full effect.
- Changes will be fairly slow from this point forward. The results you find yourself with at the 6-month mark will most likely be the results you’ll live with for the rest of your life.
September 29, 2012 at 9:39 am
Thanks Graham for the response. It’s great to be able to talk to people who have gone through what I am going through. Thank you.
September 28, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Hi Graham,
I was wondering if you had any infections along the way? I had the double jaw surgery and today I reached my two weeks. I found out 5 days ago that I had an infection plus I somehow ripped out one stitch on each side of my lower jaw. Today has been the first day that I actually feel a bit better. I have experienced a lot of pain in the two weeks and my surgeon prescribed a good pain killer yesterday for me as the T3’s didn’t agree with me. I also haven’t been sleeping well either. The surgeon said to me that the infection has caused the pain. I too would also thank you for having this site to read. This sure has been an experience.
September 29, 2012 at 1:42 am
Hi Jamie,
I was lucky enough to make it through my recovery without falling victim to any infections, but I certainly tore a few stitches out along the way. As far as infections go, make sure you aren’t eating anything with too much sugar or too many processed ingredients, because you don’t want bacteria from these foods to get stuck in your mouth. Also, brush and floss daily if you’re able, and gargle warm salt water every morning and night.
As for sleeping, that’s just a burden you must bear until your swelling recedes enough to allow you to sleep comfortably through the night. Laying your head on a heatpack may help a bit, but you likely won’t sleep for a full night for another couple of weeks yet. It will come, though! =)
September 28, 2012 at 9:10 am
Hi Nicole,
My surgeon didn’t tell me anything about my nose changing. Of course after the surgery I was quite swollen so the appearance of my nose did change slightly, but it went back to normal after most of the swelling went down. Having said that though, your situation might be different to mine. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do 🙂
September 28, 2012 at 9:02 am
Question: the surgeon told me that with double jaw surgery my nose may widen and possible tilt up a little. my nose doesnt have much room to tilt up without having me look like miss piggy. Is this surgery really worth having if im trading one problem for another??? ahhhh so conflicted
September 29, 2012 at 1:37 am
Nicole, since your upper jaw will be moved around, the position of your nose will change. My surgeon had to shave my septum a little bit to make my nose fit back in place as well. Your nose will look perfectly fine after. Many of these surgeons have performed thousands of operations, so they know what they need to do to put your face back together after the surgery is complete (as crazy as that sounds). Worry not, my friend! =)
September 7, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Graham, you’re site is such an inspiration, I’m honestly considering making one for myself if not for other people to see, for myself to watch my progress and be able to look back on it. Don’t worry, it will be nothing in comparison to yours, but it will be something.
September 5, 2012 at 11:08 am
Graham… I’m a firm believer in “fake it til you make it.” Lol! I have my good days and bad, I suppose just like everyone else. But I’ve been able to drink from a cup, although very carefully, since surgery so I’ve not been subjected to the food by syringe routine. That seems like it’d be very frustrating. My biggest battle is staying out of my own head, and just taking one day at a time. It’s hard to stay ahead of the recovery mentally, as anxiety can creep up at any time. That’s my biggest struggle now, but I’m making it one day at a time, just as everyone else whose had this surgery does. I think that’s why so many people find your blog helpful, as it let’s us know others have gone through/are going through the same thing, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again to you, Graham, and everyone else who has written in. I turn to this site nearly daily as the encouragement it offers is tremendous.
September 10, 2012 at 2:56 am
Thanks for the kind words, Kevin! I love the phrase, “fake it ’til you make it.” It applies in so many situations (especially in business, haha).
Stay strong and power through the rest of your recovery. It sounds like you’ve got it all figured out!
September 3, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Graham,
we apprecite this website. We have a unique problem – Jason had a double jaw surgery on July 12th and everything turned out well, but since the surgery decreased Jason’s jaw by 15 mm, his tongue is now too large for his now corrected jaw. the surgeon said that Jason’s tongue will in time shrink to adapt the new jaw. It’s been 7 weeks; how long did it take for you or other readers? We noticed that Jason’s lips has shrunk as well. Thanks again for a great column.
September 4, 2012 at 3:08 am
Hi Joseph,
I’ve not yet encountered someone who had any issue with the size of their tongue—all physical fears have been purely external until now. Our bodies indeed adapt to many of the forced changes we throw at them. For example, my open bite is now corrected simply because my teeth grew out until they met each other, thus closing the gap. It took 2 full years, but it happened.
I recall biting my tongue quite a lot during the first 5—6 months following surgery because, much like Jason’s, it felt too large for the new position of my teeth. I adjusted quite naturally to the reformed shape of the inside of my mouth without really thinking about it, but it took time.
I think your surgeon is correct. Jason’s tongue, or at least the way his body operates it, should adjust in due time. Encourage him to chew more slowly and practise speaking for now, as both of those things will help his mind adapt and learn to control his tongue in its changed environment.
Let me know if you find anything else out. Best of luck, my friend!
September 3, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Hi everyone! I just wanted to take a second and send a shout out to Graham, and everyone else who has commented on this site! It has been such an inspiration to read everyone’s stories, questions and answers. I’m on day six post-op of double jaw surgery and today is by far the best day yet. Yesterday was down right miserable, but I made it. It’s amazing what a difference a day can make. Tomorrow is my first check-up and I’m looking forward to what the doc has to say. The roof of my mouth feels a little swollen today (or maybe it’s my tongue), reducing what little space is left between my tongue, splint and it, and I’m still trying to get used to that feeling. But otherwise I’m on the mend and appreciate everyone of you for sharing your story — especially you Graham. Thank you!
September 4, 2012 at 2:58 am
Never a problem, Kevin! You sound like you’re in better spirits than even I was. What’s your secret? =)
September 1, 2012 at 10:17 am
Pam, I had the surgery done 15 months ago. I never really had any postop pain but the initial recovery was rough. I still am numb in most of my lower lip and chin. I don’t like to eat out because I still can’t feel if I have food on my face or if I am dribbling liquids. My speech is also a little distorted from what it was pre surgery. Two big pluses are my teeth fit together now and I can breath through my nose (I didn’t have sleep apnea prior to surgery just a deviated septum).
At only one month don’t get discouraged. Things change constantly in how you feel. I still feel like I am healing and that everyday I get a little more feeling back. My surgeon told me it could take up to 2 years for feeling to return and in some instances the numbness can be permanent. I took my chances and just keep a positive outlook because it is the choice you made and you can’t go back.
August 29, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Is there anyone over 50 who had to have the double jaw surgery and septum for sleep apnea? I think this is a great website.
However, I think my pain is stronger and longer lasting than someone much younger. It is less than a month and some days you would think I just had the surgery yesterday. I would sure like to hear from an older person because this is so discouraging. If I could do it over again, I wouldn’t; I’d take my chances and die in 5 years. (I know I have the best surgeon in town).
August 24, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Hey Graham,
what a site, what a blessing; thanks! I am just finishing day 16 post op. I had an underbite so I had double jaw surgery and a genioplasty. I’m a mom of 8 and am keeping busy, trying not to think of my face! I had tight rubber bands, was banded shut only 4.5 days. I then was told to open and talk as much a possible, only having two bands on the side of each cheek. I’m paranoid about chewing or pressing my teeth together. My top lip has shrunk and makes me sad but I’m hoping and praying that that goes away??? (does it? does it come back?) THis is a much longer process then I ever anticipated! wow. I’m totally numb in the lower lip and chin and behind my nose, it’s getting old. I talk weird and feel sad or discouraged about my appearance, but i know to wait several months, thanks to you! . It will be a beautiful day to have feeling back.
I’m eating yogurt, smoothies, cottage cheese, oatmeal and junior mints melt in my mouth just great!
I think being told to talk and open etc. after 4 days is “new” I haven’t read any other reports like mine.
Anyway, Graham, thanks so much, enjoy paris!!!! laura
August 26, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Hi Laura,
It sounds like you’re recovering more or less as expected. Don’t be concerned with your lack of feeling and the size of your lip at this point. As you mentioned, patience is key.
I also couldn’t believe how stressful (and long) the recovery was, but it will be worth it in the end.
(I think I need to go find some Junior Mints now. You’ve given me a craving!)
August 19, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Hi everyone,
I’m most likely having double jaw surgery to correct my underbite in a year or two. I don’t have a very prominent underbite but my orthodontist highly recommended surgery so that my top teeth wouldn’t grind my lower teeth. I really want to fix it but I’m also worried about the results after the surgery. I don’t really want my nose to change for example. Is this something I should worry about? Or maybe in my case they don’t have to move my jaws very far so perhaps it will be okay.
By the way this site is really helpful 🙂
August 20, 2012 at 10:33 am
Julie, while the shape of your face—nose included—will change, it will be a very subtle change. I assure you that you will still look like yourself.
If your teeth grinding is proving to be a frustrating problem for you and your orthodontist thinks this surgery will fix that, then I recommend it on their behalf. Three years later, I’m still super happy I went through with the operation. =)
August 16, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Binta and Richard,
thank u so much for your reply!!!
August 12, 2012 at 10:40 pm
Ah! Thanks for posting Debbie! I am 65. My orthodontist was reluctant regarding the surgery because of my age and also the fact that I have osteoporosis. The surgeon, on the other hand, was quite insistent that these were but minor obstacles and I would sail through. He encountered quite a problem on the upper left side and could not complete the procedure he planned. The left is where I have most of the trouble. Hmmm.
I will most certainly post if there is a miraculous improvement. And you do the same. Best wishes for us both!
Thanks again Graham for this blog!
August 12, 2012 at 10:34 pm
@ Lyn – I am so glad for your post. I am 11 months post op and have isues almost identical to yours . My entire lower lip is numb, as well. I will be 60 next month – now the surgeon is trying to relate the issues to my age. Please post if things get better for you.
August 12, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Hi Nicole,
I was off work for 2 weeks 🙂
-Richard
August 12, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Hi Nicole,
I am on day 13 double jaw /chin post op. I took a month off from work but now, the swelling has decreased a lot and I am almost back to normal. I started drinking from the cup from day 1 ( My med were pills). I am even thinking on going back to work and save 2 weeks off my hollidays for Xmas. But you know, I think each person is diffrent than other and the recovery as well.
Thanks
August 12, 2012 at 8:33 am
This is something I’m concerned about that I have not seen come up on any jaw surgery blog I’ve visited. I’m on day 13 after my upper and lower jaw surgery and the swelling is pretty much gone. Now that I can see my face better it is completely asymmetrical because all of the muscles on the left side of my face, particularly the masseters, are huge and have been overworked for so long compared to the right side, which are practically atrophied and gaunt. It just worked out that way due to the horrible jaw and bite position i’ve had for so long, but I never noticed this discrepancy before. The bigger side also contains the screws and what not, would that also contribute to it being bigger? What can I do to correct this? It even makes my jaw look uneven.
August 20, 2012 at 8:46 am
Hi Kristen,
It’s difficult to comment without actually seeing what you look like, but I also thought my face looked horribly lopsided for the first few months. It took almost 4 months before it evened out. While you think your swelling is “pretty much gone,” I can assure you that it is not.
Don’t pass any judgements on yourself until at least 2 months have gone by since surgery. At that time, if you still think the results are not as you desired, have a chat with your surgeon and ask them what to expect.
Be patient, my friend. Your face will change a lot in these coming weeks. =)
August 12, 2012 at 6:27 am
Hi im due to have double jaw surgery in january. how long roughly will it take before i can get back to work??
August 20, 2012 at 8:09 am
Nicole, it depends on your line of work. If you need to speak to people on the job, I would take 5—6 weeks off. If not, I would recommend taking 3—4 weeks off, depending how you feel after the third week. Good luck!
August 11, 2012 at 10:41 am
Hi again Graham
I had a look at the timeline and you mention that you started chewing solid food at 10 weeks. My surgeon said that I should have soft diet for 6 weeks. Does this mean that I can start eating just about anything like pizza or rice and curry after that? I am sooooo bored of soup, ensure and mashed potato lol.
August 11, 2012 at 10:56 am
Hey Sam!
When it comes to eating and chewing, let your pain be your guide. If you’re trying to bite through a piece of pizza and you find it painful or uncomfortable, then put the pizza aside and opt for something softer.
I stuck to soup, pasta, potatoes, and similar foods for the first few weeks of my reintroduction to solid food. It took me about 6 weeks before I was able to chew steak and eat raw vegetables again.
Eat whatever you like, just chew slowly and be careful. =)