After Orthognathic Surgery
- Rest at home for the next week with activity as tolerated NO HEAVY LIFTING, NO SPORTS.
- Keep ice on cheeks for 48 hours. Then you may use moist heat intermittently until the edema resolves.
- Keep lips moist, you may use vaseline as needed.
- If your doctor has instructed you to wear elastics (rubber bands), wear them continuously, changing them once a day. An instrument such as tweezers or a hemostat may facilitate this.
- Beginning tomorrow, rinse your mouth four times per day with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) and brush your teeth after meals and at bedtime.
- Clean the small incisions on your cheeks with 50% peroxide 50% water then apply Bacitracin ointment for three days. After that, soap and water will do.
- If you have a pressure dressing, this may be removed after 48 hours.
- Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows.
- Diet: NO CHEWING until the doctor tells you that you can (usually 4-6 weeks). Eat a balanced but FULL LIQUID / PUREED diet. > SEE WIRED JAW COOKBOOK
- If you have any questions, concerns or problems before your follow up appointment, call 405-271-4955 during business hours or 405-271-4700 after hours to speak to the oral surgery resident on call.
For prescription refill, or for appointments, call 405-271-4955.
