Life After Jaw Surgery: What To Expect After Having Jaw Surgery

If your Singapore oral surgeon has recommended jaw surgery to correct a skeletal malocclusion, such as overbite, underbite or cross bite, you're probably quite curious about what you can expect after surgery, both during recovery and after your healing is complete. No two patients have exactly the same experience as they undergo orthognathic surgery, so the specifics of your situation are best addressed by your oral surgeon and orthodontic specialist. That said, there are some basic guidelines that can give you a general idea of what to expect from life after surgery.

[Guide to Cosmetic Jaw Surgery]

Orthognathic Surgery Basics

If you have been told that you need orthognathic surgery, that doesn't mean your jaw surgery will be done immediately, nor will your treatment be complete once that surgery is performed. Orthognathic surgery is a process that involves pre-surgical orthodontic care, surgical jaw correction and, in most cases, post-surgical orthodontic care. Orthodontic care before jaw surgery generally involves the use of braces and other techniques to move your teeth into the proper position for your soon-to-be properly aligned jaws, and takes, on average, six to nine months. Then, your Singapore oral surgeon will adjust the size and position of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both as necessary. After surgery and a healing period, you'll likely undergo treatment with braces for another six to nine months to fine tune your bite.

The First Week After Jaw Surgery

You will have some pain and discomfort after surgery, particularly during that first week of recovery. You can expect swelling, which most frequently affects the lips, cheeks and sometimes, the neck. Bruising is common as well, as is some oozing of blood from your incisions and, in some cases, the nose, within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your jaw may be fixed shut for a few days by wires or tight elastics, and you'll be on a liquid diet. Most patients experience temporary numbness in the lips and/or face after surgery.

The First Few Months

Once that first week of recovery is over, your pain and discomfort should steadily decrease. Most swelling should subside after two or three weeks, although some subtle swelling may persist for up to three months. Feeling in areas that became numb after surgery will likely begin to return, and most patients, after a week or so on a liquid diet, will be allowed to progress to soft foods. During this time, you'll be provided with list of exercises for the lips, mouth and jaw. Doing these exercises as instructed by your Singapore oral surgeon will aid in your recovery, helping to reduce stiffness in your jaw and restore optimal range of motion. Initial healing of incision sites takes about 6 weeks, while complete healing of the bone will take longer, generally nine months to a year. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks, and post-surgery orthodontic treatment typically begins 8 to 12 weeks after jaw surgery.

After Orthognathic Treatment and Recovery is Complete

Patients who undergo surgery to correct severe malocclusion generally experience a significant improvement in their quality-of-life. Once the orthognathic surgery process and recovery are complete, functional difficulties caused by your malocclusion will be a thing of the past. You will be able to bite and chew efficiently and you won't lisp or spit as you speak. Your appearance will be changed for the better, with a more attractive smile and profile, as well as more balanced facial features. Many patients describe the experience as life-changing, one that restores their self-esteem and confidence.