In some cases, orthognathic surgery does not require the binding of upper and lower teeth. Therefore, you can open your mouth after the surgery. However, you are not allowed to chew or bite anything with your teeth within 6 – 8 weeks after the surgery, even if you can open your mouth. As the bone moving to the new position has not recovered, you can only consume half-liquid or soft food such as scrambled eggs, marsh potatoes, cakes, oatmeal, congee, chowder, ice-cream and yogurt, as long as the food does not require chewing to swallow. Food should be consumed in a small and frequent portion. Therefore, you may need to eat 5 – 6 meals in a day.

On the other hand, surgeon may tie the upper and lower teeth together with stainless steel wires in more complicated orthognathic surgery. This procedure is to ensure the accurate reconstruction of the operated bone. If this is the case, you can only consume liquid food. After a period of time (usually 6 – 8 weeks depending on the situation), you can start eating soft food and later gradually switch to solid food. It is common to experience weight loss during this period of time.

During your recovery period, it is normal to experience weight loss of 3-7 kg because the change to your appetite and dietary habit. But you do not have to worry, your weight will soon return to normal after your regain your appetite and dietary habit.

As a matter of fact, many foods can be pureed to the extent that you can consume the food with straw or directly swallow the food. You can try to puree your favorite food with blender. The food may look different but it will taste the same.

Use small amount of toothpaste and soft toothbrush to clean your teeth.
It is recommended for you to use mouth rinse at the same time because it is important to prevent wound infection.

Patients should have abundant rest during the first week post-surgery.
After a week, you can return to most of the activities, but more strenuous exercise should only be started approximately two weeks after the surgery.
However, some exercises which may hurt the face should be avoided including basketball, baseball and other exercises involving physical body contact.

Antibiotics – Generally it is taken for 5 days after the surgery

Analgesic (pain reliever) – It is used only when needed, generally is prescribed for 2 – 3 days after the surgery

Antiemetic (medications to prevent or control vomiting) – It is used during post-anesthesia (recovery from anesthesia) and frequently it will not be prescribed after the first night post-surgery.

In some cases, patients may have intense reaction after the general anesthesia, please do not panic! We will use anti-vomiting medications to relief your symptoms.
If you have nausea and vomiting, please face your head downward and allow the liquid to flow from your nose and mouth.