THE OPERATION – WHAT TO EXPECT
The operation takes approximately 2–3 hours for 1-jaw surgery and 4–5 hours for 2-jaw surgery, depending on the extent of surgery. Please refer to your jaw osteotomy information booklet for details.
Immediately after the operation, you will be drowsy and your jaw will feel numb due to a long-lasting local anaesthetic. You will have facial swelling and ice packs applied to reduce it.
There will be a drip attached to your arm for fluids and medication. You will also be given a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia), which allows you to self-administer pain relief safely. Most patients stop using this after 48 hours, after which Panadeine Forte is usually sufficient.
If you have had lower jaw or 2-jaw surgery, small drainage tubes may be placed and removed after 24 hours.
With upper jaw or 2-jaw surgery, expect some nasal oozing for 24–48 hours followed by congestion for up to 2 weeks. Decongestants may help. A small stitch on the nose may be present and will be removed at your review.
All stitches inside the mouth are resorbable and dissolve after 3–4 weeks.
Titanium plates and screws will remain permanently and are not noticeable.
Elastic bands will be placed between your teeth to stabilise your bite. These are typically worn for up to 4 weeks.
You will be reviewed in hospital and discharged once stable.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:
YOUR DIET:
- Day 1: Clear liquids only
- Days 2–3: Full liquids, progressing to pureed foods
- Days 4–7: Pureed diet
- Week 2: Pureed + very soft foods (e.g. mashed potato, eggs)
- Weeks 3–6: Strict soft diet
MEDICATIONS:
Complete all prescribed antibiotics. Oxycodone may be used for pain but can cause drowsiness and nausea. Alternative pain relief includes Nurofen and Panadol within recommended limits.
ORAL HYGIENE:
Rinse your mouth four times daily starting 2–3 days after surgery. After one week, begin gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush.
PAIN, SWELLING AND BRUISING:
Pain medication is usually required for up to 1 week. Swelling improves after 2–3 weeks, with minor residual swelling up to 6 weeks. Bruising may occur and resolves within 1–2 weeks.
Temporary numbness in the lips, chin, and gums is common and may take 3–6 months (or longer) to resolve.
FOLLOW-UP VISITS:
You will be reviewed one week after surgery and regularly over the next 4–6 weeks. Your orthodontist will also review you after 2–3 weeks. Final reviews occur at 6 months and 1 year.
