Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for jaw surgery (orthognathic): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Nutrition During Recovery
- •Aim for 2000+ calories daily even on liquid diet
- •Protein shakes, smoothies with protein powder, pureed soups
- •Supplement with vitamins if directed by your surgeon
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic) recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- You will be in the hospital for 1-2 nights
- Jaw may be wired or banded; follow surgeon's instructions exactly
- Swelling will be significant; ice packs on both sides
Breathing & Nutrition
- Breathe through your mouth if nose is congested (common)
- Liquid diet only: protein shakes, broth, smoothies through a syringe
- Keep wire cutters/scissors nearby at all times (for emergencies with wired jaws)
Swelling & Pain
- Swelling peaks at days 3-5, then gradually improves
- Jaw stiffness and numbness are expected
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Sleep upright or semi-reclined for 1-2 weeks
Diet
- Strict liquid diet if jaw is wired
- Soft, pureed foods if jaw is banded (as directed)
- Use a syringe or small spoon for feeding
- High-protein supplements to support healing
Recovery Milestones
- Bands/wires typically removed at 4-6 weeks
- Begin jaw opening exercises as directed
- Transition to soft foods once cleared
- Numbness in chin/lip may take months to resolve (possibly permanent)
Long-Term Recovery
- Jaw strength gradually returns over months
- Resume normal diet as tolerated
- Orthodontic adjustments continue (if applicable)
- Full bone healing verified by imaging at 3-6 months
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg
Take 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain
Amoxicillin 500mg
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily until finished
Chlorhexidine Rinse 0.12%
Rinse with 15mL for 30 seconds twice daily. Do not swallow.
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Difficulty breathing
- •Excessive bleeding from mouth or nose
- •Hardware (plates/screws) feels loose
- •Wires break or loosen
- •Fever above 101°F
- •Inability to keep liquids down
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 5
Peak swelling
Swelling worst at days 3-5 then gradually improves
- Day 14
Soft foods allowed
Transition from liquid to soft diet if cleared
- Day 42
Bands/wires removed
Jaw opening exercises begin
- Day 60
Expected recovery
Jaw strength returns, resume normal diet
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact jaw surgery (orthognathic) recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No credit card. Cancel anytime.