SWELLING

•  It is possible to have some swelling after surgery.
   

• The swelling will be at its greatest between 48-72 hours after the surgery. 
   

• Ice compresses to the cheeks in the first 48 hours will help to reduce swelling.
   

• To drain the swelling, it is recommended to sleep in a reclining position (45 degree angle) for the first 3 to 4 nights.

 

ICE COMPRESS TO THE FACE 

• ​Helps reduce pain and swelling.
   

• To be applied to the cheeks in the first 48 hours. We recommend a 15 to 20 minute application each hour.
   

• After the first 48 hours, ice will have a lesser effect on the swelling but will help reduce pain.

 

HOT COMPRESS TO THE FACE

• After 48 hours of ice compresses, it is recommended to start applying a humid hot compress.  
   

• A face cloth wet with hot water or a small heat pad ("magic bag") may be used as hot compresses.
     

• The humid heat will help soften the cheeks. 

 

BLEEDING 

• During the first 48 hours it is possible to have bloody nose and wounds.
   

• A nasal bandage and nasal compressions will help with nose bleeds.
   

• If bright red heavy bleeding occurs in the days following your surgery, it is crucial that you notify your surgeon rapidly.
   

• Bruises may occur in the days following your surgery.

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DIET

• For the first 2 weeks, it is essential that you stick to a liquid or pureed diet.  
   

• Following this, and for the next 4 weeks, you must adopt a soft food diet (eggs, fish, pasta,...)  least amount of chewing. 
   

• After these 6 weeks, you can start introducing foods back into your diet as you see fit.  

 

ORAL HYGIENE

• It is recommended to start brushing your teeth the day after your surgery. 
   

• A children's toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles will make brushing easier during this time.  
   

• A mouthwash will be prescribed to complete your oral hygiene and help heal the wounds. 
   

• You will start using the mouthwash the day after your surgery. 
   

• It is favourable to rinse your mouth following each meal.

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NASAL CONGESTION

• Nasal congestion is quite frequent following surgery, particularly with upper jaw surgery.
   

• After upper jaw surgery, it is important to not blow your nose for the first 2 weeks. 
   

• A saline nose vaporiser can be used to alleviate congestion.  

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NUMBNESS 

• It is normal to have a numb face after surgery.  
   

• Time and the prescribed anti-inflammatories will help you regain feeling. 

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STITCHES

• All stitches are dissolvable and will fall out on their own, most likely within 2 weeks of your surgery.  

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BANDAGES 

• If a bandage has been applied to your chin, you must remove it 5 days after surgery.  

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ELASTICS 

• If elastics have been put in place, these must not be removed. They will be removed at your first follow-up appointment. 
   

• If eleastics were to break or fall before your first follow-up appointment, do not worry. Nothing is required.

 

PAIN 

• Ice compresses in the first 48 hours will help alleviate the pain. 
   

• It is recommended to take pain killers regularly in the first 48 to 72 hours and then, as needed.  

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MEDICATION 

•  It is recommended to take medication as prescribed. 
   

• If you were prescribed antibiotics, you must complete the entire prescription.

 

ALIGNMENT TRAYS

• Wear them as recommended by your surgeon. 

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 

• You will want to rest in the few days following your surgery.
   

• A low impact activity such as walking is possible, depending on your comfort and energy levels.

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• It is not recommended to practice a high impact activity for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. 
   

• Activities with a risk of falling or any contact sports are to be avoided for the first 3 months after surgery.