What Is the Orthognathic Surgery Recovery Time in Singapore?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is performed by Singapore oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct skeletal or dental irregularities that cause functional and aesthetic issues in affected patients. For patients who have been advised that they could benefit from orthognathic surgery, one of the most common concerns is what they can expect after surgery – especially how long it will take to make a complete recovery. While recovery time does vary from one patient to another according to individual circumstances, we can provide a general idea of how recovery goes for the average patient.

About Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery uses a combination of orthodontic and surgical treatments to correct dental and jaw abnormalities. Issues that are treated with orthognathic surgery include misalignment of jaws and teeth, which can cause problems that include overbite, underbite, open bite and cross bite, among others. These conditions can cause difficulties with chewing, speech and breathing, as well as long-term dental problems. They can also be the source of aesthetic issues, such as an abnormally prominent or recessed chin, a lower jaw that appears elongated or unusually prominent upper teeth.

Singapore orthognathic surgery patients can expect to begin the process with several months of orthodontic care, during which braces and other treatment methods will be employed to reposition teeth in preparation for corrective jaw surgery. Then, a Singapore oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform the surgical portion of treatment, during which one jaw or both will be resized, reshaped or repositioned to achieve proper jaw alignment. Most patients will then go on to have another round of orthodontic treatment to fine-tune tooth positioning in their newly symmetrical jaws.

Singapore Orthognathic Surgery: Recovery Time

Recovery from the surgical portion of treatment occurs in two basic phases. Initial healing is the period immediately following surgery, during which the incisions will heal and post-surgery swelling, bruising, stiffness and pain will resolve. Typically, initial healing takes about six weeks. Complete healing of bone, nerves and deep tissues takes longer, approximately 9 to 12 months for the average Singapore patient. Individuals who undergo orthognathic surgery are generally able to return to most normal activities within 3 to 6 weeks. However, Singapore oral surgeons generally advise that corrective jaw surgery patients avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or sports, for at least 3 months.

Of course, these are just general guidelines in terms of recovery after orthognathic surgery. The amount of time you can expect to spend recovering after surgery may vary to some degree from those guidelines, depending upon factors that include the complexity of your procedure, your age and your general health, among others. Your own Singapore oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who will be familiar with your circumstances and treatment plan, will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how long recovery may take in your particular case.