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.

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Recovering from jaw surgery can be lonely. That's why many of us hang out in a Facebook group where we support each other leading up to surgery and during recovery. There are hundreds of people from all over the world chatting right now and it's free to join.

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1739 Comments

  1. I went to my doctors today and they told me that i had the choice whether i wanted to get jaw surgery or not. I did want to get it because I know i will regret it if I dont but I’m worried about ALOT of things.
    Im really terrible with pain and ive seen alot of different stories about the pain being really bad and not being able to sleep.
    Ive also seen that quite alot of people didnt like how their jaw looked after it and right now i dont notice a huge problem with my jaw so im not sure that sugery will be worth it.
    I also panic alot in some situations and im really scared about having trouble breathing.
    Lastly if i do get surgery i will still be in school and im really self conscious so how long does it take for your face to look normal again and when do you think i will be able to go back to school?

    • Kate, the decision is ultimately yours to make, but remember that the recovery is a short-lived thing, but you get to enjoy the results for the rest of your life. If you’re happy with your appearance and your orthodontist doesn’t think there will be any future issues with your bite, then it probably makes sense to forego the surgery. However, if your orthodontist has recommended the surgery to avoid chewing/breathing issues in the future, it may be wise to fix it now while you’re still young.

      As for school, you’ll probably want to take 3–4 weeks off, so I recommend having the operation in the summer if you can. =)

  2. Hi I had double jaw surgery this year in 12th march but my top jaw didn’t heal. It was clicked and I could fiscally shake my top jaw. I had to have a second op August 20th which I had to have a bone graft off the hip to be put into the top jaw.. im trying to find if any one has a similar story to mine. Also when taking the bone graft off my hip the surgeon found that my hip was grey. Im waiting on results as to what it is. It takes months and I can’t find anything on Google. Thanks alex =D

    • Alex, I’ve encountered quite a number of people who required a followup surgery for various reasons and I’ve also met people who needed bone grafts from their hip, so both of these cases are more normal than you think. It’s unfortunate, but I suppose it’s one of the risks one takes when undergoing reconstructive surgery. I’m not sure about your “grey hip,” though. Let us know what you find out and stay healthy!

  3. Hi Kat,
    Thought I’d chime in. I had braces when I was 12 so my teeth were perfectly aligned, however my jaw moved and I needed double jaw surgery to align it. I used the new suresmile braces treatment to get me ready for surgery (age of 24). I wore braces for 5 months pre surgery and had them off five weeks after! A whole 6 month turn around. I was told that it was quicker than usual but this was partly due to the new braces. I was preparing for a 12 month ordeal so pretty happy with it all

  4. Wow Graham! Thanku for that link! Its great. U look amazing towards the end of 3 months! Ill hope for the best! 🙂

  5. hey,
    i had braces for 1 year when i was 13,i have vertically maxillary excess, now my teeth are properly aligned, most probably i have to go for upper jaw surgery, is it necessary to wear braces after surgery?? as my teeth alignment is fine
    In 3 months i ‘ll be fine? i mean can i plan for my own weeding after 3-4 months post operation?

    • Kat, you’ll likely need braces again before and after the operation because surgeons need to spread a few of your teeth apart so they can cut into your jaw. It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of the process. Usually you only need to wear them for 6 months post-op, though. That being said, it’s probably best to hold off on your wedding until at least 6 months into recovery. =)

  6. Graham, its my 3rd week post op. My face is still a bit swollen. When does it become normal? And how many days post surgery will the face keep changing?

  7. Graham, at which time during the recovery did you start using a straw? My doctors ask if I’ve reached that point yet but I keep saying no because with the splint there’s no room for me to put the straw. I just reached 4 weeks (hooray!) I’m sticking with the syringe till the 6 weeks when the splint is removed. Any cause for concern there?

    • Christian, I actually didn’t use a straw at all during recovery. I graduated from the syringe straight to drinking from a cup at the 2-week mark. I would encourage you to drink from a cup in normal fashion as soon as you can because it makes life much more enjoyable. You may very well go crazy if you use a syringe for 6 weeks!

  8. I’m pretty worried i’m thinking about having it done but i’m worried what will happen when i first wake up what is it like when you first wake up?

    • Marcel, you’ll have a nurse attending to you when you first wake up, so you won’t be alone. Chances are you’ll be in a recovery room with a few other jaw surgery patients. Your surgeon will also stop by to see how you’re doing. All in all, the first few days will be frustrating because you won’t be able to talk, but you can find rest in the fact that each day that passes will bring you a day closer to being fully recovered and never having to think about this surgery again! =)

  9. Hi, it’s been two weeks and two days since my upper and lower jaw surgery (and my chin). I was wondering when all my swelling would should be gone? And when will I be able to make normal facial expressions? I’m tired of these elastics! It’s so hard to talk!

    • Danielle, your swelling will likely stick around in noticeable fashion for 4–6 weeks, so you’re halfway to being back to normal appearance-wise. People generally feel quite confident with their looks and speech by around the two-month mark, so the end is in sight. =)

  10. It’s been 10 days since my surgery and the swelling has gone down a lot (since leaving the hospital) on my face, except for my lips a bit. The feeling in the area around my nose and cheeks is going away slowly but there will hopefully be more movement coming back. Drinking with a syringe has also become less difficult to do since I’ve slowly regained a bit of feeling and movement on my lips. I’m hoping to upgrade to cups and straws in the following weeks. I have a bite plate in too and it should be removed in 6 weeks (Mid September) or before. I’m hoping for a miracle that it’s somehow removed before school starts haha

    • Christian, bite plates are super frustrating, aren’t they? I doubt it will be removed before school starts, but keep in mind that people are more forgiving than we think they are, so once you’re all healed up, people will only remember your new smile. =)

  11. I just had double jaw surgery 5 days ago. The swelling seems to have peaked a day or so ago and I think it has slightly reduced. Unfortunately, the surgeon told me that when my lower right jaw was maneuvered to break, that it didn’t break cleanly and the nerve took some damage. I hope I do regain some feeling back. This numbness is driving me crazy. Also due to the unclean break, my jaws are currently wired shut as of yesterday, and I have to undergo an additional surgery in 9 days to fill an area of the right lower jaw with a bone graft and plate to reinforce it. The surgeon feels it will remain weak and can be prone to additional harm if left untreated. So I’m not entirely looking forward to being under the knife again. He did tell me that this next surgery will be a lot less intrusive than the original upper/lower that I just had. I was informed that about a week after the next surgery, I should be able to switch from being wired shut to having bands… that will be a nice break.

    • Bryan, I’ve heard of a few different people requiring followup surgeries lately, so perhaps this is more common than we think. Your recovery time will be largely the same since your second operation is happening early into recovery, so it might not be a huge setback in the long run. Stay strong and I wish you all the best with the followup surgery!

  12. Thanks for ur help…

  13. Hey I’m on day 4. Left the hospital yesterday. Dying to feel my mouth clean. He says my splint must stay in for 3 wks. Any chance it could be removed earlier. I’ve been drinking just sprite and water. Everything else makes me gag. And yawning has become a problem. I just need some encouragement. For me its the only serious pain I’ve ever felt. 8( help.
    I need food ideas and a way to sleep comfortably. Any suggestions.?

    • Lauren, if you have a splint, it’s important that it remain in your mouth for the full period suggested by your surgeon. Its purpose is to keep your upper palette expanded, so if you remove it, your upper jaw will have the opportunity to collapse in on itself before your body fills in the gaps in the bone. I had my splint in for 7 weeks, so you have it easy! Try drinking smoothies as they are sweet and thick, so they may keep you from gagging. Best of luck! =)

  14. Graham,

    Yeah it sucks that it’s all different, but I’ve got the splint for 6 weeks! Lol

  15. Graham,

    I’m so happy I found this! I’m on night 12 currently and the past 5 days I seem too improve by 100% each day! I’ve eaten mashed potatoes, applesauce, cut up lasagna, and tonight had soup at hooters! I know I’m still early on in the process, but when would you say chewing becomes an option? I’ve been swallowing everything I eat whole in fear of hurting my jaw, and I know it may be a long while before I chew!
    Thanks a lot,
    Luke

    • Luke, I’m happy to hear each day is offering you monumental gains now! The rate of recovery is different for everyone, so I honestly cannot say in your case. I wasn’t able to chew until 7 weeks had passed because I had a splint in. If you feel up to it (and are splint-free), try chewing through mashed potatoes and boiled peas and other soft foods to see if it feels okay.

  16. hey graham
    I was just wondering what your diet was how long were you on a full liquid diet and when did you move on to eat soft no chew diet or solid food?
    I recently had surgery on my upper and chin and its been 12 days and recently have been move to soft no chew diet but can t eat it because I still have the splint in for another 4 weeks and sick of ensure shakes and liquid any good ideas of what else’s I can eat?

    • Eduardo, I was on a liquid diet for 7 full weeks (until I had my splint out). I survived off smoothies, blended Chunky soups, and Ensure. I’m a simple, repetitive eater in general, though, so I didn’t find it too bad. Truthfully, you can eat any meal as long as you blend it first, but thick soups are generally the best (and easiest). Think of how much you’ll appreciate solid food again after this!

  17. Hi! I am scheduled to have my surgery October this year. This website and timeline has been great! Very helpful so I can get a feel of what to anticipate. This will be my first major surgery. I will definitely be referring back to the blog in the coming months!

  18. Hi Graham, I had double jaw surgery on June 7, 2013. No I didnt have my jaw wired shut, I’ve just had a splint on my upper jaw that is being taken out in 5 days. I’m 6 weeks post op now and I’m feeling pretty good, just getting anxious to get the splint out because it gives me an embarassing lisp! My swellings gone down a lot. But my question is I bought tickets to a concert for july 30th which will be 53 days post op. As of right now I feel fine, but in your opinion will I have enough energy to be there 7 weeks post op? I know it sounds dumb because I said I feel fine but in terms of dancing and being at a crowded environment.. how did you feel 7 weeks post op?

    • Mike, you’ll be in good shape to attend a concert at the 7-week mark, so I wouldn’t worry about it. You may still be slightly swollen, but you’ll be able to communicate clearly and you’ll have most of your regular energy back by then. Enjoy the show!

  19. I had upper and lower surgery to correct an overbite and narrow upper 14 months ago. I still have numb gums, lips and chin. My gums are especially bothersome. I saw my surgeon today and he said this is how it will be for the rest of my life. He said it’s very rare and he’s never seen it. Wants me to go to a nerve specialist and thinks medication may help. Is it possible for this uncomfortable numb sensation will continue over time to get better?

    • Jennifer, chances are the feeling you have now is what you’ll have for the rest of your life. I have permanent numbness in my bottom lip and the left side of my chin, but I’ve grown used to it and no longer notice it (unless people ask about it). Is it painful, or just frustrating because it feels like parts of your face are frozen?

  20. Hi Graham,
    I am nineteen years old, and I had double jaw surgery to fix my overbite a little more than two weeks ago and your blog has been amazing! My recovery has been going quite fast as I already had my splint removed at week one and am currently eating soft foods (no chewing). I have been using the removable rubber bands for a week now.
    Most of my swelling has gone away but there is still quite a bit on my lips. My lips still feel pretty tense as it is hard to move and they are still a bit dry. I have constant tingling sensation in them but it doesn’t seem to give back much feeling. How long do you think it would take for them to start being more normal?
    Also, I was wondering if you ever heard of constant ear aches during the recovery period. For the past one week, my left ear has been hurting a lot especially when I go to bed making it hard to sleep throughout the night. I have tried different types of painkillers and none of the seem to have worked. The doctor said it had to do with the jaw joints finding its place.I was just curious when this ear pain would end and if you have heard of anyone with a similar problem.
    Thanks again for making this amazing blog!

    • Spandana, feeling usually returns at some point within the first two months of recovery, so it’s perfectly normal to still be experiencing the tingling sensations at this point. Just be patient and your nerves will reawaken over the next month or so. As for ear aches, I did not have to deal with any personally, but I know others who had them, and they said the ear aches went away as their swelling subsided. So again, this should only affect you for the next week or so. Stay strong and you’ll be feeling much better this time next week!

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