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The First 6 Weeks After

FACIAL SWELLING

  • Increases right after surgery

  • Peaks at about 72 hours after surgery

  • Expect swelling to come down 3 days

  • At 2 weeks most people comfortable

  • Swelling makes everything difficult

  • Expect drooling because the lips can not close

PAIN MANAGEMNT

       Please Use the following Guidelines

             

EATING

       Please use the following Guidelines

MOUTH OPENING

  • Difficult for the first week until swelling comes down

  • Jaw muscles will feel tight with the swelling

  • Week 2-3: practice opening and closing your mouth (without dental elastics) in front of a   mirror, 10 times each morning and evening.

ACTIVITIES

  • Shower the next day.  

  • Sleep with your head elevated and helpful with a neck                   pillow for support.

  • Each day you should continue to be as active as you                     can be.

  • The sooner you try to return to your normal activities, the             faster you will recover

ORAL CARE

  • Mix in equal parts Hydrogen Peroxide and Water     Irrigate the mouth using a syringe that we give you.  This will help clean out the blood.

  • After the first  3 days, use salt water  (1/4 tsp of salt in a warm glass of water. Irrigate the mouth using a syringe that we give you.

  • Start brushing the teeth 5-7 days after surgery.  Use a baby tooth brush.  Continue to use the salt water to irrigate the teeth and gums. You can also start to use the mouth rinse.

  • At two weeks from surgery, brush the gums also both outside and inside (roof of the mouth).  You can use your finger with tooth paste. This will also help remove any remaining sutures. 

NASAL CARE

  • You can also use a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to clean any of the blood that crusts on the nasal rim first 3-5 days

  • If you have had upper jaw surgery, then begin to use nasal salt water to clean the inside of the nose after 1 week.

  • Some patients will experience nasal bleeding for a week after surgery. You can use Afrin nasal spray and cotton.

APPOINTMENTS

  • The first 6-8 weeks are the most important appointments to keep to maintain the new bite.

  • After Surgery: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks

  • At 2 weeks, dental elastics are placed to guide the bite

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