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.
February 25, 2013 at 1:47 am
ohh mary-ellin sounds like youve been thru a hard time !!! hope you feel better soon. terry i live in scotland uk i am awaiting a call from the surgeon today to discuss my options i think they will be not much we can do wait till may haha
February 24, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Hey Graham,
I wasn’t sure where to post this, so thought I’d visit the Recovery Timeline. For the record, I’m 25 days post-op today, following double jaw surgery.
I’d like to get your perspective on the following developments and, well, sort of vent about where I am in the recovery process.
First, the good:
From the neck down, I feel pretty normal. I’m still on the all-liquid/blended diet, and though it can be frustrating, I’m getting used to it. There are some really tasty things you can put in a blender, and I still use Ensure, Boost, and the like to fill the nutritional gaps. I also take Emergen-C dissolved in water or juice.
I’m off the syringes, can drink from a cup, and can almost use a straw. It’s a little tricky, because from the mid-line of my lips to about the middle of my right cheek, I’m still pretty numb. It can get messy, as you know.
I’m allowed to take the rubber bands off for an hour and a half, three times a day, so I time those intervals with meals, followed by cleaning my mouth. I can’t floss, so Listerine is a staple!
Nasal congestion is much better – back to normal levels. I can breathe fine for the most part. There’s a little congestion, but it’s very manageable. I’m also allowed to blow my nose now (gently)! Oh, the things I took for granted before jaw surgery! After 3.5 weeks, there are still some icky things coming from my right sinus, but nothing too alarming.
Jaw mobility is so-so. If I open as wide as I can, I can fit 1-2 fingers between my front teeth. Two fingers are a stretch. I’m not sure what’s expected at this point – 3.5 weeks out.
This has been a major frustration for me: I feel like my surgeon is giving me almost no guidelines for what to expect or what I should be doing/not doing in terms of exercises. I was warned ahead of time that while he is “a masterful surgeon,” and “the best in the state – if not the southwest,” that he has virtually no personality or bedside manner. He’s not mean or anything, but the warning has proved true. I’ve learned to go into my appointments with a well-planned and brief list of specific questions!
Now the scary stuff:
I had my bite splint removed on Feb. 20th, exactly 3 weeks post-op, so they could start treating me “tooth-to-tooth.” It seems that my lower jaw is now too far forward. I think we’re only talking about millimeters (my mandible was moved forward 7mm), but this is frightening because my bite feels terrible right now.
Also, when the splint came out, the four back molars touched first. The surgeon decided to remove enamel from all of them. Now my side and back teeth don’t touch at all. I don’t know if this is the correct way to describe it, but it’s almost like having open bites of a millimeter or two along both sides. When I bite down, my incisors come together first, and they come together HARD. It feels like my bottom incisors slam into the backs of my upper incisors. It’s forceful enough that it wakes me up in the middle of the night, and I noticed this morning that there’s a rough spot on the back of one of my incisors – probably from the bottom one rubbing against it.
I sincerely hope that my doctors aren’t thinking that this is the final product. I’m under the surgeon’s care through the end of March, at which point I return to the world of orthodontics, where I hope he can make adjustments and level everything out. Both the surgeon and the orthodontist are currently saying is that since I spent so many years with a severe Class II bite, I probably (unconsciously) tried to compensate by pushing my lower jaw forward. I no longer need to do that, so we have to retrain my muscles to sit back. The rubber bands are situated to try and accomplish that, but I’m skeptical.
Honestly, right now, although the healing and recovery overall is going well, I’m very unhappy with my bite. Even if I were allowed to try chewing food, I don’t think I could because my chewing teeth don’t come together at all. I also have a lisp when I speak, and I’ve never had a lisp in my life. Singing and speaking are big parts of what I do, so that’s not a welcome development.
Though there’s no point in it, it’s very easy to go down the thought path of, “I never should have done this in the first place…my bite is ruined…this was a life-altering mistake…I can’t trust my doctors…etc.”
I’m also not happy that I found out two weeks before the surgery that I would have external incisions. I was told before I ever agreed to jaw surgery and throughout the process that all surgical incisions would be inside my mouth. There are, in fact, two (albeit tiny) incisions – now scars – in the middle of both sides of my lower jaw. Granted, someone else probably wouldn’t notice them, but I do. I only hope that they will fade as the years go by.
Back to the bite…I’ve heard that it’s common for the bite to worsen during the pre-surgery orthodontic phase of treatment, so that’s not a surprise. But the point is usually to make the bite worse, then have the surgery, then the bite comes together. That isn’t happening with me, and I’m upset, scared, angry, worried, etc. about it all. My biggest fears at this point are the possibility of needing another surgery (which could also mean more external scarring), or coming to the realization that the time, physical/emotional discomfort, and many thousands of dollars will be for naught. That I’ve basically traded one set of problems for another, and that it’s my own fault because, though my dentist and doctors strongly encouraged this surgery, it was ultimately my and my husband’s choice to go through with it.
So…it’s been a mixed bag so far. Lots of good things happening, but not related to my bite, which was the point of all this in the first place.
Sorry for such a long note, but it is helpful to vent in a forum with other jaw surgery patients. I’ve been in contact with another blogger, and her advice was to just give it time. I have many months of braces left, etc. In her case, she said it took a good 8 months for her to completely acclimate to her new bite. Of course, what I’m experiencing right now better NOT be my new bite. We’ll see.
I hope you’re doing well, and thank you in advance for letting me vent. As I said, it’s uncomfortable to explain this to people who haven’t been through it. Many think I was crazy for doing this, and the last thing I need now is a string of “I told you so’s.”
Just trying to stay patient and positive, but I seem to be going through a scary spell.
Mary-Ellin
March 20, 2013 at 12:00 am
Hi Mary-Ellin! I must apologize for my tardy response—I was on a backpacking adventure through Spain and Italy, so I couldn’t find any time to respond to comments. On a positive note, you’re nearly all recovered and back in action now!
The other blogger you’ve been chatting with is, in my opinion, correct. I was also left with an open bite and various other uncomfortable “problems.” However, during the weeks that followed, I learned how to speak and sing clearly, how to chew with the new position of my teeth, and my molars met once again. Most of the issues you mentioned will be solved by patience. Your speech should correct itself as you adapt to speaking with your jaws in their new position. Your open bite should close because our teeth naturally grow until they encounter opposition (in the form of your other jaw).
Now that you’re two months in, hopefully things are looking up for you. Stay positive and don’t worry about follow-up operations until at least a few more months have passed and you’ve adjusted to your new bite. You’ll come out in good shape, Mary-Ellin. Just hang in there! =)
February 24, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Lea-Anne, where are you having your surgery? Teresa, did you go almost 6 weeks before you could lay flat? I’m thinking my recliner is going to become my new best friend! LOL
February 24, 2013 at 12:56 pm
As always Graham, thank you for the replies! I’ll try the gum! Also, finally sleeping laying down now, wake up in the mornin with what feels like a hangover (without the previous nights fun!) but it’s nice to lay flat out in the bed again!
February 23, 2013 at 3:36 am
aww terry that sucks i mean i arranged childcare and my hubby working up north and he changed shifts but he can swap them back again no fanancial loss but that sounds like a huge loss on your behalf if it gets cancelled again thats what im dreading it being cancelled again its very disapointing but i suppose everything needs to be precise maybe our surgery times will be around the same time and we can swap notes lol
February 22, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Lea-Anne, I was suppose to have my surgery today and they changed it to May 16th three weeks ago. I was only suppose to have my lower jaw moved forward and possibly my chin, but last month the orthodontist and surgeon decided that my upper jaw has to be twisted so the surgeon will be breaking the upper jaw also. Like you I was in the zone and ready to go. I am a supervisor in a lab department so I had all my schedules done, vacations approved early and my mom had airline tickets booked to come to BC from Nova Scotia ( my husband has to leave 5days after surgery to go back up north to work). Needless to say I was disappointed but we got my moms plane tickets changed and at least there should be better weather come May for her to enjoy. I will lose it if they change it again!
February 22, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Hey graham, so I’ll be 6 weeks post op on Monday! Things are goin nicely. Started eating soft mushy foods, not quite chewing yet, but soon I hope! I do have a quick question or you, what kind of stretches did you do for your jaw, at this point I cn only get one finger in there? I see the the surgeon next week.
Thanks as always!
Teresa.
February 23, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Teresa, I’m happy to hear you’re nearly at the 6-week mark! To stretch out my jaw muscles, I simply chewed gum (the constant chewing works better than anything else I tried), whistled, and practiced moving my bottom jaw side-to-side. Let your pain be your guide with all of these activities. =)
February 22, 2013 at 12:48 pm
🙁 just found out my surgery is cancelled i feel like crying i kinda got into a zone about the surgery my wafer splint was 1mm out of measurement i cant believe it they dont think it will be until may now !! wayne i hope all went well for you
February 14, 2013 at 8:44 pm
Btw any tips for the run up to surgery?
And can i say.. I have the exact same problem as you did – your reasons page is like an exercise in mind reading!
February 15, 2013 at 5:13 am
Marie, dentists are kings of ballpark figures, aren’t they? I suppose that since every person heals differently, they can’t really promise anything too specific in terms of recovery. As for the days approaching surgery, just make sure you have some meal supplement drinks, soups, smoothie ingredients, and television series ready for consumption. Enjoy the next three months!
February 14, 2013 at 8:36 pm
95 days to go until this page becomes my bible. As much as Im currently resenting knowing it Will take more than about a work or something equally ridiculously shortto recover its good to finally have a clear outline of expectations to go by! Thankyou! dentists seem to never want to give specifics…
February 12, 2013 at 10:37 am
hi graham i was at the clinic today to get my measurements done all went well eventually they have decided i need quite alot done for maximum effect they are going to bring my top jaw forward my bottom jaw back my cheek bones and eye sockets forward my nose needs to be broke n moved and the back of the nose needs shaved !!! i must admit after hearing all this i have mixed emotions please tell me ill be ok lol but after all this he showed me a reconstruction of what my face should look like after suregery and i became very emotional its gonna look great no pain no gain as they say 😀
February 13, 2013 at 3:19 am
Lea-anne, my surgery was similar to what you described, what with moving both jaws and adjusting my nose. I can assure you that you will come out on the other side in good form, but the first month or so will be difficult (read: frustrating) because of the swelling and the fact that you’ll need to mentally adjust to the new shape of your face. Full steam ahead, my friend, it will be worth it! =)
February 12, 2013 at 9:54 am
Hey, I have left a message on here before somewhere although a that point I didn’t have a date for my op, in December I then got a date for the 12th April, I then went to the orthodontist last week and been told its now the 1st march so in 2 1/2 weeks I will be having my surgery and I am sooo scared !! Before excited now I am just scare what I will look like how long it will take me to recover and everything, it’s all getting close and scary !!
February 13, 2013 at 3:14 am
Jaydien, having a surgery date is a big win, my friend. That means that you’ll be living live with your new bite and smile as early as June of this year! Enjoy these next couple of weeks and think positively—it makes a world of difference!
February 10, 2013 at 11:26 am
wayne im glad i will have someone to compare swelling with haha my husband is unfortunately working away that week so i have to rely on my mother and my kids to help lol never thought id be wishing the weeks away but roll on april when its a few months after the op haha :~)
February 8, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Leanne, I’m scheduled for the 21st of Feb. So I guess we will be in this together
February 7, 2013 at 3:00 pm
hey graham just thought id say i got my op date 25th feb 😀 i am super anxious its all very real now lol i think as everyone on here has very different versions of recovery its making me slightly nervous but no turning back now i am super excited to see the new face and with some luck lose this weight i was advised to try put on lol not long now 😀
February 8, 2013 at 9:52 am
That’s great to hear, Leanne! Enjoy these precious next few weeks and I wish you all the best during your first week of recovery. Make sure you’ve got someone around to keep you sane! =)
February 5, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Hi Graham and everybody else goin through this! I’m 3 weeks post surgery now. I have a quick question I’m not having much pain anymore ( headache now and again) but I still have trouble sleeping. I’m still sitting up in bed propped with pillows every night as everytime I try to lay down I get earaches. Wondering if anyone else has had anything like this? I was kinda hoping after 3 weeks i would be sleepin through the night normally?
Thanks,
Teresa.
February 6, 2013 at 9:56 am
Teresa, I can’t recall when I was finally able to sleep through the night, but I think it was shortly after the one-month mark. The only thing I found that helped with sleeping prior to that moment was laying a heat pack on my face to sooth the swelling. I think it’s still a time game for you at this point. If you’re still having trouble sleeping in another week or so, I’d ask your surgeon if they have any tips for you. Best of luck!
February 1, 2013 at 11:57 am
Graham,
Hit my 6 week mark today…and patience is wearing too thin for words. I’ve got the ‘freezing cold pins and needles’ feeling and some major itching in my face but still no solid feeling. Please tell me the end is near? I am driving myself emotionally batshit crazy not being able to smile like a normal human and not being able to tell if there is food on lips or drool on my chin. Ugh!
February 6, 2013 at 9:24 am
Jamie, the end is near, my friend! You should hit a point soon where life quickly shifts back to normal. All of a sudden, you’ll be able to smile, drink without worry, and feel your face again. Keep in mind that you’re only halfway through the recovery, so stay strong for a few more weeks and you’ll be in good shape! =)
January 31, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Hi Graham,
It’s been 10 weeks since my double jaw surgery and chin surgery, and I can only open my mouth to fit two fingers in. I was wondering if it’s normal that I can’t open my mouth very wide?
Thanks for all the help and information!
January 31, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Elizabeth, that’s still a fairly normal occurrence at 10 weeks post-op. It will take repeated chewing and speaking to stretch out the muscles around your jaw again. A few things you can do to help the process is practice whistling (breaks up scar tissue in your face) and chew gum all day long (constantly stretches your jaw muscles). That movement will return soon! =)
January 30, 2013 at 10:23 pm
It’s very disappointing. Instead of three more weeks its now three months! Oh well, not much I can do but I have lots of time to get everything at work and home ready.
January 30, 2013 at 7:35 pm
Graham,
I anticipate on being back on here in a couple months closer to the time of my surgery, anyhow…
My surgery, both upper and lower, is scheduled for May 10. I am a junior in college and I have been hearing from employers about internships for this summer. I know that I will be out of commission for a while (especially after reading this timeline and numerous posts on this thread), but I don’t know what to tell them as far as when I’d be able to start working.
These are accounting jobs, so I don’t see that as something too strenuous on my face. When do you think I would be able to start working, if at all?
Also, on a less important matter, my 21st birthday is June 16. Any shot (pun) in the world I’d be able to go out and celebrate???
Thanks! Your board has been so helpful and I really appreciate it.
– Joe
January 30, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Joe, when it comes to your internships, I would give yourself a full 4 weeks of recovery before taking one on. Since you’ll be new, you’ll have to talk quite a lot to get yourself settled in your new job, and speaking doesn’t come easy until about a month has passed.
As for your birthday, you’ll be able to get together with friends, but I doubt you’ll last very long. You’ll also want to be careful not to get any infections from alcohol seeing as you may still have exposed wounds in your mouth. It might have to be a dry birthday, mate!