Recovering from maxillofacial surgery requires care, patience, and support, but knowing what to expect makes the process easier. From managing swelling and medication to maintaining nutrition and hygiene, these post-op tips can help patients feel more confident during healing. Athens Oral Surgery Center is here to provide expert care and guidance at every stage of recovery.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery can address a wide range of conditions, from impacted wisdom teeth and jaw realignment to facial trauma and dental implants. No matter the reason for surgery, though, recovery plays a crucial role in long-term outcomes. Knowing what to expect, how to care for your surgical site, and when to seek help can make a meaningful difference in your healing process.
Below, we’ll walk through the typical post-op experience and offer practical tips to help you recover with confidence.
The First 24 Hours: Rest, Ice, and Monitoring
Most patients feel the aftereffects of anesthesia and begin experiencing swelling, bruising, or discomfort the first day after surgery. These symptoms are normal and expected, especially for procedures involving the jaw, cheekbones, or other facial structures.
What to Expect:
- Mild to moderate swelling that typically peaks at 48–72 hours
- Some bleeding or oozing from incision sites
- Stiffness in the jaw or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Fatigue or grogginess as the anesthesia wears off
Recovery Tips:
- Rest with your head elevated. Use pillows to prop your head up while sleeping—this helps reduce swelling and promote drainage.
- Apply cold compresses. Ice packs or cold gel wraps can be applied for 15–20 minutes at a time to help minimize inflammation.
- Stick to liquids and soft foods. Smoothies, broths, and soft foods like mashed potatoes are easiest on your mouth while healing begins.
Managing Pain and Medications
Most patients receive a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications to help manage pain and prevent infection. It’s important to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions exactly, even if you start to feel better.
Best Practices:
- Don’t wait until the pain sets in. Pain medications are more effective when taken before discomfort escalates.
- Finish all antibiotics. If antibiotics are prescribed, take the full course to avoid complications.
- Avoid aspirin. Unless otherwise directed, skip aspirin products, as they may increase bleeding risk.
Your surgeon will also advise when it’s safe to resume other medications you may have paused prior to surgery.
Oral Hygiene and Incision Care
Cleanliness is essential after oral or facial surgery, but it has to be done gently. You’ll receive instructions tailored to your procedure, but a few basic principles apply across the board.
General Guidelines:
- Don’t brush surgical sites for the first day or two. After 24 hours, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean surrounding teeth.
- Use saline or prescription rinses. Saltwater rinses (or any surgeon-provided rinse) can help cleanse the mouth without irritating sutures.
- Avoid swishing vigorously. Instead, let rinses roll around your mouth slowly before tilting your head to let them drain out.
If you have external sutures or facial incisions, you may be advised to use gentle soap and water or topical ointments to keep the area clean.
Swelling, Bruising, and How Long They Last
Facial swelling is normal after maxillofacial surgery. It often appears worse before it gets better and, depending on the procedure, may spread to the neck or under the eyes.
What’s Normal:
- Swelling peaking around day 2 or 3
- Bruising that changes color (red to purple to yellow) as it resolves
- Mild numbness or tingling in the lips or cheeks, which may take days or weeks to subside
What’s Not:
- Sudden or severe swelling after the third day
- Pus, foul odors, or excessive redness around incisions
- Fever over 100.4°F
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact your surgeon immediately.
Activity Restrictions: When to Rest and When to Move
Light activity is fine after the first couple of days, but your body needs time to heal—especially after jaw surgery or procedures involving bone grafts or implants.
Avoid:
- Heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous exercise for at least a week
- Smoking or vaping, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications
- Drinking from straws, which can disturb surgical sites (especially in the mouth)
Do:
- Take short walks to help circulation and reduce stiffness
- Ease back into daily routines as you feel able, listening to your body as you go
Nutrition and Hydration
Healing well starts with staying nourished and hydrated—even if you don’t feel like eating much after surgery. Focus on nutrient-dense, easy-to-chew foods that support tissue repair.
Suggested Foods:
- Protein-rich smoothies or shakes
- Soft scrambled eggs or cottage cheese
- Mashed sweet potatoes or well-cooked pasta
- Applesauce, yogurt, and broths
Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods until cleared by your surgeon.
Follow-Up Appointments and Recovery Timeline
Healing time depends on the specific procedure, but most patients begin feeling more like themselves within a week or two. Still, full recovery can take several weeks or even months for more complex surgeries.
Your oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing, remove sutures if needed, and address any lingering symptoms. Don’t skip this appointment, even if you feel fine.
When to Call Your Surgeon
While most discomfort and swelling are normal parts of recovery, there are signs that something may not be healing correctly. Call your oral surgeon right away if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Persistent or worsening pain after day 3
- Signs of infection (fever, foul taste, pus)
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure
Early intervention can prevent complications and keep your recovery on track.
Recovery Is a Process—But You’re Not Alone
Maxillofacial surgery is a significant step, but with the proper care and guidance, healing is absolutely achievable. Athens Oral Surgery Center provides detailed recovery instructions, tailored recommendations, and personalized follow-up to help you feel supported every step of the way. By staying informed, following your post-op plan, and communicating with your surgeon, you’ll set yourself up for the smoothest recovery possible.
Call Athens Oral Surgery Center and Learn How We Can Help You
Advances in maxillofacial surgery are making treatments safer, faster, and more precise than ever before. If you want help or have questions about maxillofacial trauma treatment, contact our experienced team today at 706-549-5033.
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