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.
March 7, 2013 at 8:30 am
Mary-
Congrats on making it 4 weeks and healing so quickly! Ha it’s funny, this journey can be so challenging each day is like a milestone. I noticed you mentioned something about hot gel packs. As you may have read on my previous comment to Bru, I am on week 2 and the swelling is STILL lingering! So my DR. Suggested warm moist compress. I have been using a wet rag that I microwave but its so tedious to keep nuking the rag! It gets cold after about 5 seconds so I just have to basically stand by the microwave the whole time. I mean I’ll do it for a normal sized and less painful face (ha) but I wonder if the gel would work just as well? I couldn’t find any heating packs at the drugstore that were moist?
March 7, 2013 at 8:11 am
Laura-
Hang in there darlin. You will feel that way for the first 7-10 days. The swelling will get progressively worse for the next few days. It will probably peak around day 4 or 5. Take your Ibuprofin and take the pain medicine. Use the ice packs as much as possible. Drink as much water as you can. It will make a huge difference. If you have a juicer, juice some veggies and fruit and drink good nutritious stuff. I am two weeks post-op and feeling good, but I still have swelling and wish I had taken a bit better care of myself in the beginning. I really believe the water and proper amount of nutrients are key to your quick healing. If you take good care of yourself, you can look forward to minimal swelling by your 2 week mark. Although it does decrease significantly and become much less uncomfortable after about 9-10 days. Get lots of rest. Let your body heal. When you feel good enough to do so though, like Graham said, get outside for a walk. The walking motion helps the body to drain lymph and fluid move that swelling along. Plus, when that fresh air and sunshine hits your face, it lifts the spirits a bit. Try to stay positive. What you are going through is not easy, but the swelling and all of what you are dealing with is normal and expected and will soon be gone. Don’t blow your nose. I’m sure they told you that. Your nose will probably be stuffy. And bloody at times. After only about 5-6 days my nose cleared up. It feels great when it does! I had a septoplasty as well as the dbl jaw surgery so my nose was affected a bit more than just jaw surgery patients would be. Anyway, hang in there girl. Spend the next few days in vicadin land and then everything will start to get better.
March 7, 2013 at 7:52 am
Bru- thanks for the encouragement. Today marks two weeks since my surgery! Yesterday I had my 2 wk post op appt with the oral surgeon and it was a little discouraging 🙁 He said he was surprised to see that I still have as much swelling as I do. He said that usually at the 2 week mark the swelling is mostly gone? It just kind of made me feel like I wasn’t progressing as quickly as I should be. I also have giant canker sores all on the inside of my mouth where the rubber bands/ surgical hooks/ braces/ splint are digging into my gums and cheeks. Thank god I still can’t feel my face because girl!…that would be painful! It is still really uncomfortable though because when I bite down I can feel myself biting my cheeks and the inside of my lips :/ urg. Anyway, I have decided to try warm moist compresses to help the swelling progress and I definately came to the conclusion that I need to drink more water and eat healthier foods that will promote healing. It’s so easy to just drink an ensure and get on with myself, but the nutrients are so important. I have been reading a few blogs for help/support/ideas and it seems like a lot of people keep track of what they are eating/drinking to make sure they are getting adequate calories. Did you do this? I really didn’t take it that seriously. Maybe that is why I am healing slower.
I bet it is so exciting to be 4 months out and to finally get to see the results! I can’t wait to be where you are! I am getting married in September and my wedding dress came in last weekend. I am DYiNG to try it on but I am waiting until I don’t have a big swollen face…ha. Good news is by the time the wedding rolls around, I will be braces free and all healed up! I know it will be worth it.
Thanks for the chats. This process is a long one and man, it really makes a huge difference to talk to people who have been there and know what it is like. So, when do you get your braces off? Are you chewing solid food? Is it delicious? Lol
Jess
March 7, 2013 at 6:53 am
Hi yalll! I kust had surgery yesterday at 7:30 in the mroning! I dknt feel good at all today, like a bus hit my face, windering when this went away for anybody and the swelling as weell
March 6, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Hi Lynda….I am from Ontario (Listowel). I am 58 and had lower jaw surgery 5wks ago. My braces went on 1 1/2yrs ago, and at the time I also knew that surgery would be part of the process. I was fine with it all since I have always had some issues such as pain in left jaw when chewing, my breathing, and in order to fully straighten my teeth it meant moving my lower jaw forward to correct the bite. I have absolutely no regrets! My surgeon was from London and he and his team were/are amazing! If you scroll back a bit you will be able to read a few of my posts under name Mary. Give a shout back if you wish to chat more. Wishing you well…it will be worth it in the end. Mary
March 6, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Hi guys. I’m 46 and have grown tired of hating my smile, so went to the orthodontists and she is recommending me to a surgeon for lower jaw surgery. First will be a consultation to make sure I want to go through with it. I am in Ontario, Ca and will be seeing someone in London. Not sure if others from this site are familiar with this area.
I went to get straight teeth, but one thing lead to another and…
I have a choice though of straightening with or without surgery. I’m not much of a worry wart when it comes to pain, but this type of surgery has me nervous.
March 6, 2013 at 9:51 am
Hi Bru
The swelling is a bit better today, the swelling on the lower jaw has gone right down, but the upper jaw hasn’t changed much really. You were lucky having no pain from the bone graft, as I am in lots of pain with mine. Banging headache today too, early days I suppose
March 5, 2013 at 12:56 am
Jessica! Glad things are better, sounds great. It does take a while for the swelling to go down …As you know, it balloons up the first few days, stays stagnant for a couple / few weeks … then you start to notice a dramatic reduction day to day … but it still does take months for your face to learn how to wrap around the newly positioned bone … I’m coming up on 5 months and finally have seen some photos of me that are not overly ‘plastique’ looking … braces off in a couple weeks … my bite is pretty much perfect, excited to proceed. `bru
March 5, 2013 at 12:49 am
Geoff, I had the bone harvested from my hip also, but with absolutely no pain, and I’d the same elastic bands (no splints).
the hip shouldn’t be a problem, at least it takes your mind off the rest of the early nightmare… how’s the swelling?
bru
March 4, 2013 at 10:31 am
Hi Geoff…You have really been through a lot! Hope all is going well other than the painful hip?
I honestly think it depends on the surgeon. I am from Ontario, CA and have realized from reading Graham’s blog that each has similarities and differences according to their need(s). I had the splint in for two weeks, and understood that it was there to train my jaw to hold my new bite. I almost wish I had kept it in another week, as once removed and only elastics in place, my jaw was a bit jittery, and mentally I felt like I should move it back. Strange to explain. Anyway, all is good now with the elastics and I am getting stronger every day. Do you have elastics all the way along from back to front? Were you told not to speak? It is very possible that this type of surgery is a step ahead in the UK. Do take care…rest rest rest:)
March 4, 2013 at 8:59 am
4 days post op, double jaw surgery, I have also had a bone graft ftom my hip which is causing more pain at the moment.
I don’t know if they do things different here in the uk than they do in the usa, but they have strapped my jaws together with elastic bands with no splint
March 20, 2013 at 1:45 am
Geoff, receiving a splint is dependent of your situation. Generally, if you had your upper palette widened, surgeons will install a splint to maintain its new size. Keep well!
March 1, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Hi…Mary here…Yesterday was four wks since my lower jaw surgery and I am happy to say I am doing very well 🙂 Most family and friends, and to some point, even my surgeon, thought it would be a long process for me because of my age (58), but I am healing well – still a ways to go. Graham, this blog has helped me in so many ways since surgery – thank you for the support and comfort you provide with your words. I am thrilled that I can now begin to eat some soft solids, although I have become rather fond of my liquid diet. Thank goodness for a blender. It is amazing what can be put in a blender and made to be drinkable!! I have done baken chicken breat and veggies with chicken broth added as liquid – perfect blended liquid meal! Beef stew also mixed up with broth made for a tasty drink. Sounds crazy, but worth trying, especially in order to get the protein in. Just have to get it all to a drinkable consistency. For those who have lost a fair bit of weight, maybe try a protein powder that mixes with water. I would add flax meal and blueberries to mine and make enough to have it throughout the day. Ice cream and almond milk with some chocolate pieces tossed in for good measure, is ever so yummy and has been satisting my sweet tooth:) I lost 8lbs over four wks and have now put on 2! I have only been chewing for 2dys and have to admit it is not easy. Must stick to absolute soft/mushy food. New challenge for the next several wks: learning to open my mouth wide and taking the time to exercise my jaw 3 times a day. Since I healed quickly, the scar tissue has started to tighten, therefore I MUST get busy with the exercising. I keep thinking I will do damage, but slowly coming to understand that it is all well…the midset thing. The hot gel pack sure helps! Those of you just beginning the healing process, take it slow and rest, rest, rest…pamper yourselves, and know that each new day brings further healing and accomplishments…baby steps forward at the start, then onward to end result. So worth it:) Keep sharing with each other; I know it encourages me.
March 20, 2013 at 1:38 am
Mary, your flax meal and blueberries suggestion sounds both healthy and delicious. I kind of want to go make a smoothie with those ingredients right now! Happy to hear you’re keeping positive and enjoying your recovery as best you can. =)
March 1, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Michele, thanks for the encouragement! I am on day 9 now and things are well, much better than day 4/5. Those days were also the worst for me. How long has it been since you had your surgery? I am so anxious for the swelling to go down so I can really see the result. Most of the pain and headaches have subsided and I am just left with a nose that won’t stop running and a STILL big swollen face. It is getting better, but very slowly. I was given the ok to try some soft foods but when i tried so much of it ended up on my face and in my splint and so little actually consumed that it was more frustrating than satisfying. Took me like 30 mins to clean it all out! Unfortunately chicken broth and ensure are much easier. I’m trying not to give up on food though because I know I need to eat. I am at about a 1lb per day loss since my surgery. I have a few stubborn pounds to lose so I’m not worried about that so much, but nutrient wise, I doubt my body is getting what it really needs to heal properly. How long before you we’re able to chew something?
February 28, 2013 at 11:11 pm
Jessica,
I know it’s now a couple days after your post, so hopefully you’re feeling better. I had upper jaw and a septo with turbinate reduction. Day 4/5 were my absolute worst. It felt like a sinus cold x100 that refused to go away. Day 6 is when I had my Doyle splints removed and finally all the pressure was gone. I’m not sure if you have the splints, but if you don’t then sudafed may help with all the sinus pressure that I’m sure is part of your headaches. Good luck, feel better! You made the right choice in going through with the surgery 🙂
February 28, 2013 at 11:09 pm
Hello,
This blog is keeping me going. It’s been two weeks so things has gotten better. Im actually getting use to this lifestyle of fluids only. I am getting my wires removed at 4 weeks but the band does not come off until 2 weeks after that. Not sure how that works, I thought they would all come off on the same day. Also how long after the removal of the band we’re you able to chew again?
March 20, 2013 at 1:13 am
Karen, I’m happy that, at this point, your wires have been removed! I was able to chew again within the first week of having my wires (or, in my case, the splint) removed, however you should be very careful and methodic about it so you don’t end up biting your tongue or banging your teeth together too abruptly. You’ll be in good form, though!
February 28, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Thank you Bru. Now on day 8 things are looking up quite a bit. Swelling has gone down significantly and I was given the ok by my surgeon to eat some soft foods so I managed to put away some avocado and mashed potatoes, etc. today. I think just deciding to get outside and walk more and stay active even though I don’t necessarily feel like doing so has been the best thing for me. I really think the walking and moving around helps the swelling go down in that first week. I still have a long road ahead, but I finally can say I think the worst part is behind me!
February 25, 2013 at 11:31 pm
The first couple weeks is just plain horrible for some of us. I’m 4 months post op and I feel for you Jessica. But keep those fluids and calories (of any sort) in you and realize that this tough phase will pass. Just get through each day, physically/mentally the best you can and it will get better – I swear. bru
February 25, 2013 at 3:12 am
Hi there,
My name is Jessica. I had double jaw surgery and septoplasty five days ago. Firstly, Graham- thank you for providing a source of both education and inspiration for people who are having this done. Your positive attitude and encouraging words have eased the minds of many anxious folks, including myself. I personally don’t know how you don’t get sick of blogging about something like jaw surgery especially when for you, it is all in the past. But the fact that you are still helping other people is amazing. That being said, the process has been a bit more difficult than I expected. I am now approaching day 5 of recovery and swelling is at its worst. I have been having headaches that feel like tension headaches that are aweful and make me feel nauseous. Has anyone else had this problem? I have been crushing IBuprofin and mixing it with various liquids which pretty much tastes and feels like swallowing battery acid might. I have been trying so hard to stay positive and go for walks and such. I am really struggling though. I feel like I need a different mind set or I will continue to wallow in self pity. P.s. starvation feels like a real possibility here folks. The thought of blended food literally makes my throat close 🙁
March 20, 2013 at 12:03 am
Jessica, so sorry I took so long to reply! I was without Internet for quite a few days and have been busy flying around the world as well. Hopefully your tension headaches are gone by now. They usually show up due to unnatural pressure on your jaw due to the initial swelling. Are you feeling much more at peace now that another month has passed?
February 22, 2013 at 8:48 am
Hi Graham,
I am preparing to have double jaw surgery on 2/26. Your blog has been a huge help to me. I feel that I am mentally and physically ready for this challenge. I have been reading a few other blogs as well and some of these people have long lists of supplies to have before you head to the hospital for surgery. Do you have a list posted somewhere? I want to be as prepared as I possibly can. Did you take any vitamin supplements? Any type of supplements for swelling? My surgeons office advised me to have a childs toothbrush, plenty of tissues and my feeding kit. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m hoping that my recovery goes well and the swelling goes down within reasonable time (My son is getting married on 5/18 and I want to look good for his big event). Again your blog has been a great place to come for information.
February 23, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Jodie, you can find a list of recovery tips and items to have ready for those initial days following surgery at my recovery tips page. As for vitamins, I didn’t take but I did drink Ensure meal supplements every day. You should look amazing for your son’s wedding since that will be almost a full three months into your recovery. Stay positive and enjoy the next few days! =)
February 22, 2013 at 3:38 am
This blog is fantastic!
I got told a few months ago that I would be having double jaw surgery and I was quite scared. I didn’t really know anything about the recovery but then I found this blog and its given me all the information I need and I will keep coming back to this whilst I am going through my recovery process. I’m sure this blog has helped a lot of people! 😀
February 22, 2013 at 3:40 am
Cheers for the kind remarks, Jessica! You’ll come through this with flying colors, no worries! =)