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.
April 25, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Well I got my palate expander on today, no turning until after the surgery though. All the elastics on my brackets have been replaced with wires and no more ortho appointments until afterwards. Three weeks from tomorrow and I will be in the OR! So excited yet also getting anxious!
April 24, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Graham, thanks for all the tips and support from this site. I am scheduled for upper and lower jaw surgery, for obstructive sleep apnea, on Monday, 4/29/13. Wish me luck. I hope to update you soon and tell everyone how well I’m doing. 🙂
April 25, 2013 at 9:53 am
Tammy, you’ll be in good hands on Monday. Looking forward to hearing how you move through the first week of recovery!
April 16, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Graham, do you recommend a humidifier if I am having both upper and lower jaw surgery?
April 16, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Terry, I never used a humidifier and didn’t experience any issues, personally, so I think you should be okay. Just make sure you have Vaseline to use on your lips to keep them from cracking. It hurts like crazy if they crack repeatedly!
April 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm
I am now 6 weeks post op (upper and lower jaw) I saw my surgeon 2 weeks after the op and he said i could take my bands off take by bands to eat (soft foods)and clean my teeth.
I bought my self a slow cooker and have been cooking beef, chickens, pork and lamb until the meet falls apart, this sure beats the blended food.
Now after 6 weeks I am able to tackle most things within reason although i’m still finding it strange how my teeth come together.
Chewing is weird and sometimes painfull, but i think my surgeon must know his stuff for me to be doing so well so soon.
For all of you about to start or are just beginning your recovery, hand in there you will be amazed how quickly time will pass.
I think it helps if you can get back to work as soon as possible too, I was back after a week in an engineering company and it will help to take your mind of your jaws.
Geoff
April 14, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Hey Graham,
I just want to thank you for sharing your experience. I am going to have a double jaw surgery soon and this is freaking me out! Now I know what should I expect 🙂 Thanks again.
Cheers!
April 14, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Always happy to provide a bit of comfort for people like yourself, Patrycja. Make sure you’re emotionally prepared and you’ll do great! =)
April 6, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Hi everyone. Its been 5 1/2 weeks after surgery and I just got the splint off yesterday yay! I must say it feels weird still and I am not allowed to chew just eat soft stuff like fish and pasta and I have been doing the exercises so I can spoon in food pretty easily. I feel like my mouth is still super sore though. My teeth are so sensitive. I’m allowed to take off my bands during the day to eat but then I have to put them back on. I’m glad to have gotten this far. I just can’t wait to be fully healed and gain back some weight. I went into the surgery at 100 lbs and I’ve tried my hardest to eat alot so I’m at 95 lbs right now.
April 8, 2013 at 12:41 am
Savanna, congratulations on making it through the trials of the splint! You’re well on your way to a complete recovery now!
April 4, 2013 at 5:41 am
Hi Janine,
Sounds like your on track on your recovery. Minus your lips 🙁 I know it’s easier said then done. But stay positive. Try and think back to the day you decided to go with the surgery. That is was is keeping me moving forward with it.
I have had a few days where I have said to myself, why am I going to put myself through this! This is crazy. But then I think of how bad I want to chew my food properly, having having a confident smile, of all the problems I’m having now. And I smile and say. That’s why I’m doing it.
Hang in there, your through the worse of it. I’ll be there soon!! Lol
April 3, 2013 at 5:48 pm
Good luck Eric!
Tomorrow is 2wks post op for me. I saw surgeon today and can take the bands and splint out for 1 hr/4 x day. It feels so weird, not what I expected.
My lips are raw. I thought this was normal but doc said not. Said its the Vaseline and told me to use lubriderm or oil of Olay. I’m trying the Olay and laying off the Vaseline.
It was a very emotional day, not sure why. Nice to be able to talk without the splint!
April 3, 2013 at 1:46 pm
I just wanted to start off by saying what a great blog Graham!! im really impressed that you are still updating and answering questions years after your surgery.
I am 30 years old, and i finally bit the bullet two years ago to correct this terrible bite of mine. i have been in braces now for over 2 years and what a journey so far. I am much more confident in myself with just the braces alone. and im not even half way there yet!!
I am scheduled for double jaw surgery in a couple of weeks (April,25th)i am getting pretty nervous now, everything before this was all surreal. but now that its gonna happen, im a bag of nerves. i will also be rolling my chin a little as well. Im excited, but a wreck at the same time…if that makes sense. its all i can think about. its impossible to concentrate at work.
I was fotunate enough for my surgeon to write me off of work for 8 weeks (there is a reason he did) so i will be collecting EI, and my mortage will be taken care off. My mortage insurance would only cover me if i was off a min of 8 weeks.
Quick male question, i was told because of the length of my surgery, he would need to insert a catheter during surgery. did any of you have to have this done? and was it painful? Funny im fine with him cutting half my face off and replacing it….but im worried about a catheter inserted into my penis!! hahaha. anyways. Great site, if anyone else is scheduled for april, give me an email. it would be great to have someone to email with whos going through the same thing. Email: Cruiseeric@hotmail.com.
Thanks
April 4, 2013 at 8:19 am
Eric, I actually had a catheter during my operation as well. Chances are they will insert it after you’re asleep and remove it before you wake up, so you won’t feel it going in or coming out. However, since it stretches the inside of your urethra a bit, it will really, really hurt to pee for the first few days. The pain doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s simply an awful stinging sensation that goes away after you’ve healed for 3–4 days. So yes, it will be painful, but no, it won’t last for too long. (My surgeon didn’t even tell me he was going to use one because he didn’t want me to fret, haha.) You’ll do great, my friend! You’re still young enough to recover quickly and effectively. =)
March 29, 2013 at 11:59 am
Janine – how far along are you in the surgery? I was EXACTLY the same way for the first 2 almost 3 weeks. My parents would make me smoothies and it would be too thick for me to drink and after a week of drinking only Ensure I got pretty sick of the flavor and wanted something else. I would recommend beef and chicken soup broth, gatorade, and Ensure. To get flavor I would recommend microwaveable baby food and mix it with the soup broth and microwave then strain for any chunks. and its liquidy enough to syringe and it tastes great. It will get better!
March 29, 2013 at 11:27 am
Guys, I am having a hard time getting even liquids down. We add water to soups, but it still seems too thick, like it gets clogged in the spaces of my teeth so I have to sip soup, rinse w/water, repeat. It makes me not want to bother eating. So frustrating. Do I need to have everything to basically a water like consistency?
Also a few more bands popped off while brushing my teeth. The surgeon said 5 more could and I’d still be fine, this was only 2 and I go back to see him Wed. I hope it’s nothing to worry about.
Feeling good, but frustrated when it comes to eating. I think I need a walk…
March 29, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Janine, if you’re having difficulty getting certain soups down, you may want to switch to drinkable meal supplements such as Ensure and Boost for a few days. You’ll be able to drink thicker soups soon (when you’re allowed to remove your bands for eating), but until that point, liquids will be best for you. Enjoy the sugary meal supplements, go for walks, and try to entertain yourself for a few more days until you can eat a bit more. =)
March 27, 2013 at 5:37 pm
Thanks Graham and Mary. I have been staying positive. I go for the recommended daily walks (thanks Graham). I have two kids so it’s hard when they can’t understand me. And Spring Break just started today 🙁
The hubster just made me Ensure w/peanut butter. I miss peanut butter!
March 27, 2013 at 11:52 am
Hi Janine…My lower jaw surgery took place 8 weeks ago. Graham is soooo very right when he says stay positive:) And it most certainly does get much easier in so many ways – dental hygiene, eating, sleeping etc. When I am asked how I have come to recuperate so well (at 59:) ), I say I made a firm decision before surgery to follow and trust in my surgeons requests and decisions. It wasn’t always easy, especially when not talking for 3 weeks; wanting to eat something solid, and get on with my exercise program. Rest, rest, get the liquids in you – the soft solids will be such a treat real soon 🙂 You are already drinking from a cup, which is something I wasn’t doing at 2 weeks! Trust in yourself and your Dr. and listen to what your body is telling you. Every week will bring positive steps forward to a new you. Take care 🙂 Mary
March 27, 2013 at 10:01 am
Hi everyone, I just had lower jaw surgery last Thurs. the 21st. These comments have all been great to read both before and after. I’m on day 6 and getting used to being shut. I’m drinking from a cup, but the thicker soups are harder to get done so I’m sticking to Ensure and brothy type soups. Naked Juice is good to.
I go next Wed to the surgeon for my 2nd visit. He said the bands can come off for 1 hr 4x/day come then. I’m nervous!
March 27, 2013 at 11:33 am
Janine, that’s exciting that you’ll soon be able to remove your bands for a little while each day. That will be incredibly freeing for you, I promise! Stay positive for your second week (it all gets much easier after that). =)
March 23, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Hi all,
Its been awhile since I posted on here, but I just wanted to give an update 🙂 I am 5 months post-op and I am doing wonderful. All of my freaking out was unecessary! I didn’t vomit and the surgery went off without a hich. If I could give one piece of advice it would be to follow all of the directions you are given by your surgeon! and if you feel uncomfortable about something speak up! Thanks Graham for this blog, it helped me A LOT!!
March 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Cara, I’m super happy that everything worked out perfectly for you. It’s funny how important every little pain and twitch seems at the time, isn’t it? Good to hear you’re on the other side of this operation and I hope you’re smiling heaps!
March 23, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Ok so I’m at 3 weeks and 3 days after surgery. I’m allowed to take my bands off to eat but I am finding it difficult to eat because I can’t open my mouth that wide and still not allowed to chew. Any advice on how long that will last?
March 23, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Savanna, you are in a perfectly normal place as far as recovery goes. If you’re able, try to chew soft, sugar-free gum as often as you can to rebuild the muscles in your jaw. To give you an idea of what to expect regarding movement, I wasn’t able to open my mouth all the way until approximately one month after beginning to eat without my bands. But the time will go by quickly and this will all be behind you soon enough!
March 17, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Four weeks post-op, and still no feeling in any part of my lower lip, and the little feeling i had in my chin has disappeared again. How long did it usually take ya’ll to get most your feeling back? I was talking to one of my shop’s Master Sergeants who had the same surgery as me several years ago, and he said his feeling was all back in 2 weeks, except for the one spot that still has no feeling 15 years later. I’m slightly concerned, as this is a large area to not have feeling in still.
March 20, 2013 at 2:27 am
Jeff, I received approximately 80% of my feeling back within the first three weeks. I’d say the remaining 15% returned over the course of the next two full months. And then, of course, I was left with a small numb patch on my lower lip that I honestly don’t even notice any longer. I wouldn’t worry until at least the three-month mark. Nerves are touchy things and some take longer to heal than others. Keep doing what you’re doing and hopefully more feeling returns over the next month or so for you.
March 14, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Hi Lynda…I cannot tell you too much about the surgeon over this blog due to privacy, and I know that is the way he likes it to remain. I will say that he is an excellent, skilled surgeon, and I have been pleased right from the beginning.
If you would like to know where the surgery is done, please send me an email at moi.mar@hotmail.com and i will be more than happy to give you further details 🙂
For whatever reason, I did not experience pain following my surgery. Although I bought the prescription pain med I did not use it at all and returned it to the pharmacist. I did take a couple of Tylenol 1 the first couple of days at bedtime to relax and sleep better. It is different for everyone, but once again, email and I will fill you in on more of the surgery and why I probably didn’t have the pain that most other people experience.
I was obedient to all that my surgeon requested that I do and NOT do, which also brought me along a smooth path of recovery. We have all been surprised at how well I had done by 4 weeks, considering I am 58. I didn’t speak a word for 3 weeks; used lots of hand signals and paper notes, with a few grunts tossed in lol. My swelling went down quickly, but bruising decided to travel down my neck and to my chest…no big deal. Liquids of all kinds for the first month, then soft solids, which I am still on for now. I was able to get enough nurishment from my liquid intake. Lost only 8lbs. Gaining it back now.
I am finding it difficult at this point, as I am busy exercising my jaw to get it open wide. I think it is more me expecting more from myself! I am able to stack three fingers between my teeth at 6 weeks post-op. It will come.
I noticed a change in my voice (the clarity)and of course in appearance of jaw placement. (moved 1cm forward).
Hope all of this helps you out a bit.
If you have any further questions, please give a shout out by way of email and I will be more than happy to answer. Mary
March 14, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Karen- I am at 2 weeks post op and I am completely wired so I am still using a syringe. I am kind of skeptical to try and use a cup cuz the syringes do not bother me so much anymore. I’ve been trying to be creative with my food. I’ve been blending baby food with soup broth and drinking ensure. Sometimes I will blend smoothies but if it is not very watery food gets stuck in my teeth. I just feel like its been forever. And I still have a long way to go. Most of my swelling is gone down and I am very fortunate to have such a great family and friends to support me. I have no problem going out except I find I tire very easily. I am trying to stay positive and everyone says I look different but not that different so that makes me feel better because I was scared I wouldn’t look like me. I do miss food though. Every food commercial is torture or just watching other people eat in general. That’s what I miss the most. I can’t wait for this to be over. I am seeing the surgeon tomorrow so I will see what he says on my recovery.
March 11, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Hello All,
I am approx 4 weeks post op and will be getting my wires removed tomorrow however the splint stays on for another two weeks. I am still look like a balloon just not as bad as the first few das. I can finally go to the market with ease now without people looking at me…. what the heck happened to her! The feeling absolutely sux. I almost feel like I got cosmetic surgery instead of jaw surgery. This is how this all started, I got into a car accident approx. 10 years ago which left me with broken facial bones to my left. I was admitted to ER and there they performed surgery on me the same day. Due to my swollen face and crooked teeth (no braces yet) they did the best they could. Months past and the swollen has gone away but now I clearly see that my jaw is crooked. My bottom jaw was slighly shifted to the right. I went to several doctors and they all said the same thing, we don’t recommend going back in to perform another facial bone surgery which left me with only one option and that is jaw surgery. I finally went through with it after 10 years. The first 5 days were just depressing and painful, physically and mentally. Things got better at two weeks as I was able to throw away the syringes and finally drink from a cup. I tried using a straw but it didn’t work for me as I am wired shut. I found using a small plastic cup works because it fits my mouth and I can bend it a little as I drink. I just have to pour it very slowly and tilt my head back a little. For those of you finding it very hard to eat because food is too thick or it gets stuck in your teeth I may have a solution. I would first blend my food then run it through a net filter to get all the big chucks out. If the food can’t go through the filter it’s definitely going to get stuck in my teeth. I also do the same thing to my smoothies, sometimes the pineapples and strawberries don’t blend so well. I occasionally make myself some ice cream shakes to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have about every flavor of ice cream and thank god they also come in different flavors of chocolates for example snickers and reeses peanut butter cup. It’s hard but you just have to be creative and make the best out of it. Keep it up! We will get through this.