Recovery Tips
Following is a summary of the most important things I learned during my recovery from double jaw surgery.
- Drink lots of prune juice and water. Your toilet time will be far from enjoyable for the first couple of weeks because you’re likely to be severely dehydrated. The prune juice will provide your body with the fiber it needs to work those bowels properly, but fiber is useless without water because it won’t dissolve in your body. I recommend a bare minimum of 1 L of water per day. Drink 2 L per day as soon as you can.
- Before you attempt to pull any dead skin off of your lips, be absolutely certain that it’s not a stitch. I learned this the hard way.
- Start using medicated lip balm immediately following your return to your own home. If you don’t, you’ll end up with flaps of dead skin that are half an inch in diameter, and I promise you they won’t feel good when they catch on your braces.
- Apply heat to your face 3-4 times per day for the first 5-6 weeks to help with the swelling. The heat will also help you fall asleep.
- Begin each day at a decent time. If you sleep most of the day, you won’t be able to sleep at night, and you’ll hate yourself for it. Get out of bed, shower, eat some breakfast and brush your teeth and you’ll enjoy each day a lot more. (This is good advice for any day of your life, but it especially applies when you’re on the verge of depression from having jaw surgery.)
- Go to bed on time. Yawning will cause you quite a bit of pain, so prevent it by getting the right amount of sleep during the proper hours.
- As soon as you’re able to talk clearly enough for friends and family to understand you, call people and be social. Go outside and enjoy nature. Whatever you do, ensure you don’t fall into a trap of loneliness and self-pity.
- Start drinking from a cup as soon as you’re physically able to. Your upwards trek back to having full energy begins the day you can throw your syringes in the garbage.
- Eat solid food as soon as your surgeon gives you the go-ahead. It’ll be a slow, tedious and frustrating process, but you need to go through with it in order to build your jaw muscles back up and learn how to chew properly once again.
- It may take some time to get used to your new smile and your newly structured face. Don’t be ashamed of yourself. You don’t look funny at all. You’re simply not used to looking like you’re supposed to.
- And lastly, don’t worry about your looks, bite or facial feeling for at least 6 months. You may have an open bite, but you’ll wake up one morning and your teeth will have migrated back together. You may be completely numb, but feeling will return almost overnight.
If you have any questions about the recovery process, or perhaps have other pointers to share with upcoming jaw surgery patients, feel free to jot them down in the comments.
August 3, 2012 at 7:44 am
Hi Bree and Graham and the rest of you, Tomorrow is the big day. Getting a little nervous about tomorrow. Really nervous about the allergies after the fact. Anyone find sleeping with a vaporizer helped? Thanks for the advice with the meds for allergies, Bree. I’ll look for some today to have on hand when I get back next week. Not blowing my nose will present a huge challenge. I’m practically allergic to breathing, LOL.
August 1, 2012 at 9:53 am
I had both jaws done and I’m on my 38th day! My stitches are starting to dissolve/fall off now. My advice to a quick recovery is to eat well. I got the blender NutriBullet and it makes a great fruit and veggie smoothy. Very very healthy stuff! Im actually eating more healthy now than before the op haha! I never ate veggies on the regular.
I have a question. My right jaw joint seems more tight than my left jaw joint. I can only shift my lower jaw to right and not left because it hurts my right jaw joint. Anyone else experience this and does it loosen up eventually?
August 1, 2012 at 5:23 pm
KC, props to you for eating healthy during your recovery. I certainly failed to do that, what with my massive salt intake from Chunky soups.
Your jaw will relax over the next few weeks. Your bone still has not healed and you have massive amounts of swelling hanging around. Give yourself another couple of weeks and the joints in your jaw should relax to a state where you begin to feel quite normal again.
July 30, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Susan, that was the hardest part for me and still is.) They gave me Mucinex, Saline spray, and Neilmed Sinus Rinse. I also took my allergy medicine every day. I was not allowed to blow my nose for 6 weeks!!! Make certain you adhere to this, so that you do not blow your stitches out. It wasnt fun and I had a lot of green goo to tend with. Breathing wasnt easy for the first week, but I got a good system down and started to feel better. Also, LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF HOT SHOWERS HELP!!! I usually took one when I was due to eat out of the syringe…cuz I made a terrible mess with it otherwise. I am 3.5 months out and I am just now feeling like the mucus has dissipated. I finally found out from my surgeon that it is because of the incisions they make along the top side and upwards towards the nose- where the plates go. The body normally produces a quart of saliva a day and once they cut into those membranes, it takes a while for them to get the message to keep everything flowing like normal. It was told to me in a much better medical terminology, but thats what I took out of it. lol. Rest assured, it will all heal…but it does take some time. I did my surgery at the height of allergy season… it was brutal! Best of luck to you on Aug 4th. We will be waiting to hear how it went!
July 28, 2012 at 10:53 am
Hi all, double jaw surgery is schedule for Aug. 4th. Getting nervous and anxious. I feel like I’m on the top of a roller coast right before it drops. Oh, by the way I HATE roller coasters. My surgery told me to use a syringe to “eat/drink” for the first 3 weeks. Is that what you all did. I have really bad allergies and drainage in my throat. How uncomfortable will this be with bad allergies?
August 1, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Susan, most of us had to eat using a syringe for the first couple of weeks, yes. Three weeks might be overkill, but I would use it for two weeks to be safe.
It shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. You’ll find you’re quite hungry because you can’t get as much food down, but aside from that, it shouldn’t be too bothersome for you.
July 27, 2012 at 8:01 am
Thanks guys, I think with the stage I am at everything slows down for example in the first 3.5 weeks you see changes everyday but now the recovery is not so obvious everyday. It is good to know it takes time. I am very lucky as since been told I can eat soft foods I have managed to get small bits of pasta in with my fingers and even had a little curry last night… bliss.
Since the first 4 days where I felt crap I have felt very positive about my surgery which I think has really helped with my recovery and also the heat wave we are currently experiencing in the UK has helped 😉
This blog is great Graham, well done for keeping it up.
July 26, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Fiona, I am not sure why my mouth is being so stubborn about opening….but according to my friend, I have more room than I think I do! When I eat something, it touches my teeth (that are uber sensitive) and thats when I start to clench and think im not able to fit my food. Granted, I still have to make it to that appt because the surgeons are not happy with my opening. I guess it has to return minimally to the same mm’s it was prior to surgery. Apparently, I had a huge mouth! lol! It has been frustrating and the physical therapy of sticking tongue depressors in my mouth is just down right the grossest thing ever! You are doing well…dont be too discouraged. I had to wear a bib until about 10 weeks post op, cuz eating was just a mess! ( and sometimes I still drop food out of my mouth…and im at 14 weeks post op.) Talk to your surgeon about some physical therapy techniques, they might have something niftier than these popsicle sticks! (gag). It all just kinda happens on such a slow, monotonous scale and sometimes we dont see the progress happening. I really found it helpful to ask friends or family if they saw new improvements… I didnt even know my smile was back- til someone mentioned it! Rest easy my friend…. we are all in this together!!! Also, the 6 week mark is really the key time when things kinda do a little “switch-a-roo”. Hoping you the best of luck!!!
July 26, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Hi Graham
Couple of questions for you (hope you don’t mind), I saw my orthodontist last Wednesday and she changed me from my teeth bounded together 24/7 to bands I change twice a day (so teeth still bounded together), saw my surgeon Monday and he said I can take my bands off at meal times and start eating very soft foods which I have done (not chewing just putting in and swallowing) but on day 4 of this now and still cannot open my teeth more than 5-7mm.
Was this the same for you? When did you start to see the gap get bigger?
After seeing the post from Bree re being cranked open I am wondering if this could be the same problem for me or am I expecting too much? I am now 4 weeks post op!
Thanks F
July 26, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Hi Fiona,
To be honest, you’re expecting too much at this point. When I was given the go ahead to eat at 7 weeks post-op, I couldn’t even part my teeth enough to use a spoon. I have to continue blending food for another few days before I could start taking very small bites.
Keep trying to eat, but have patience and understand that it may be a few more weeks before you can eat with utensils. Start chewing gum as soon as you’re able as well.
Your movement will come!
July 24, 2012 at 6:19 pm
Dear Graham, Thanks for the advice. I was hoping with surgery on the 4th and the kids returning on the 27 it would give me enough time. I was hoping coworkers would be able to understand me as my first day back would be the 15th. Guess I’ll have to give school a heads up. I was trying to avoid taking off. Been trying to schedule surgery all summer but with doctors and insurance authorizations it’s been a nightmare.
July 24, 2012 at 1:59 am
Hello again fellow friends!
I am returning with a question:
I am at 13 weeks post op. I still have extreme difficulty chewing food and my mouth seems to really hurt after attempting to eat. I think I end up swallowing food in much bigger pieces- just to get the nourishment. I have been seeing the surgeons every two weeks to see how far my mouth is opening…and its not good news. They say that I must be at least 40mm before they release me and I am only at 30 (on a good day.) The physical therapy is not giving me results. I am now having to go back under full anesthesia August 9th to have it “cranked open” HUH?????? Has anyone had this done? How long will I be out of work? Oh. My. Goodness. I was not prepared for it to have so many bumps in the road -after the marvelous day of my splint being removed 6 weeks ago. I still have those Frankenstein synapses in my chin and lower lip… so ready for those to stop! My customers at Starbucks always question if I am giving them odd stares, lol. With a my cleaning appointment next week at the dentist, im scared it will hurt…as the Orthodontist appointment I last had sure the heck did!!!! I have one tooth on the bottom that has no desire to be touched.
If anyone has gone thru the “cranking open” appointment, I am interested to know what all that entails. I see the surgeons at an Army Hospital, and they are less than detailed with the patients about these kinds of things.
Is it possible that it doesnt really “hurt” when I am eating… and its just that lovely numb feeling playing tricks on me? I sure had an optimistic attitude about it being so much better at this point, but apparently this surgery is a much finer science than that. Three months of my life has been indebted to something I have no control over…quite scary.
My swelling still happens on occasion…enough that people notice. My smile has almost returned fully tho, so thats good news. Oh, and every time I drink…im fairly certain it runs down my neck, but not one drip ever is! lol. I guess thats nerves playing their evil game.
Isnt this website a freakin’ life saver for us???!!!! I love to come here and read on peoples updates… probably will for a while still.
July 25, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Hi again Bree!
I’ve personally never heard of anyone having their bite “cranked open.” I imagine it will be uncomfortable, but likely only for a few days while the muscles in your jaw adjust to their new stretch.
I wish I knew more about this procedure so I could help you along, but you’re breaking new ground in the world of jaw surgery now. Do let me know how it goes. I wish you all the best.
July 23, 2012 at 2:18 pm
My son is scheduled for double jaw surgery Wednesday of this week (07-25-2012). I’m so glad we have found your site. It has been really helpful in knowing what to expect. Additionally, he has to have all four wisdom teeth removed and two of his three year molars. He is a senior in high school this year and school starts back Aug 9th. I’m wondering if you think he’ll be able to return and if so what precautions I should take.
July 25, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Hi Cheryl,
Your son should probably stay home for the first week of school to recover a bit more before facing his peers. He’ll have extreme difficulty speaking and a slight lack of energy, so the extra week will prove useful for him.
He can return to school after that as long as he’s aware that he’ll have to talk less and deal with a swollen face for a while longer. He’ll be okay—it’ll just be more difficult than a regular day of classes. =)
July 23, 2012 at 9:43 am
Scheduled 4 double jaw surgery 8/29. Your site/ info blog is a good community / info tool. Keep it going please. I will return 2 your site after surgery. God bless.
July 23, 2012 at 10:55 am
Good luck in August, Bren. The blog will still be here when you’re back from surgery—I promise!
July 22, 2012 at 2:24 am
Wow this makes me feel so much better. I was so nervous for surgery. More like anxious. I just want to get it over with. Can’t wait for august 6 🙂
July 20, 2012 at 1:56 pm
I am self employed so haven’t taken anything on yet plus I wouldn’t feel confident with new clients with my teeth still bound together! My children have just broken up for the school holidays so looking after them. I still find that if I do too much one day I am shattered the next so taking it easy. I think this is mainly down to only having a liquid diet. I feel better each day though and I think it depends on what type of job you do as to when you go back.
July 19, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Fiona, are you back at work yet? If so how soon di you go back?
July 19, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Well I am on day 23 post op and I feel totally different since my last post, 4 days post op. The first week is truly the worst. I can now breath, drink from a cup, talk and sleep – the world is a better place. My teeth are still held together with elastics so on a liquid diet but not too hungry and coping quite well with it. Still very swollen and sleeping propped up in bed to help this. Managed to get through the past 3 days without a nap but not doing too much as really feel it the next day. Managing a smirk now not quite a smile so thankfully I do not look perm pissed off! Just concerned how long the swelling will take as initially went down really quick but stalled now and top lip and cheeks still completely numb 🙁
July 21, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Fiona, isn’t it wonderful to arrive at that coveted 3-week summit? Every day will be a little easier from this point onward—enjoy each one!
July 18, 2012 at 8:38 pm
I’m having surgery Aug. 4. I’m getting a little nervous after reading some of the posts. I’m due back to work on the 13th as I am an elementary school guidance counselor. Thankfully the kids don’t return until the 27th. The doctors are saying I can return to work then but that many don’t because of their appearance. Is there any other reasons I might not be able to return to work then? How soon are you able to drive?
July 21, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Hi Susan,
The main reasons to take time off of work are due to lack of energy and the inability to speak clearly. If you need to speak to children for several hours every day, I would try to take at least 1 month of leave. You’ll be able to survive when the kids return on August 27, but you’ll really have to focus on speaking slowly so they understand you through your swelling.
If I were you, I’d ask the school to hire a substitute teach for the first 2 weeks of classes, just to give yourself enough time for your swelling to subside and your speech to return.
July 17, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Thanks for this blog Graham. plan on reading it each day.
I’m actually 6 Days pre-op, I am planning my shopping trip for Thursday and wondered if there are any other food suggestions, recipes or tips. Thanks in advance!!
July 21, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Hi Charlene,
My staple foods were fruit and yogurt smoothies and Campbell’s Chunky soups of all persuasions. Some people have been cooking full meals and then blending them up, but I was unable to muster up the energy to do that, so I relied on my faithful friend, Campbell’s.
I still miss having those delicious smoothies for breakfast, though! You can find the recipe here. =)
July 14, 2012 at 9:27 pm
And do you think I will be ready to teach or should I take more time off to start the school year?
July 15, 2012 at 8:51 am
Hi Mike,
I would personally avoid having screws put in and opt for being wired shut (this usually means your jaws are held in place by wrapping rubber bands around your braces). If you have a full 8 weeks off before school reconvenes, you should be in good shape. I had the same operation as you and I was able to speak fairly well at that point. Cheers!
July 14, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Just came up0on this website…the comments are great. I am having double jaw surgery and a chin reduction on Wednesday. I am a high school teacher and school starts 8 weeks after surgery. My surgeon has given me an option to be wired shut or have screws inserted to allow me to communicate and eat softer foods after week 2. The screws however carry a risk of permanent nerve damage. Did not know if anyone knows which one is better or if anyone has avoided having their jaw wired shut?
July 12, 2012 at 4:37 am
Hi Graham.
Thank you for replying back as soon as you did. Great info and ver looking forward to the outcome 🙂
Husain