Double jaw surgery is a relatively new, cutting-edge surgical procedure that many people are now opting for. It involves breaking the lower jaw bone and repositioning it higher up on the skull, effectively correcting various dental and skeletal problems. This type of surgery can be pretty complex, and it is vital to engage in activities that enhance your jaw bone healing process. Double jaw surgery may seem like a daunting procedure, but you can make the process much smoother with the proper preparation and tips for recovery. By following these six tips, you can minimize your pain and discomfort and ensure a faster and more comfortable recovery after double jaw surgery.
1. Manage Your Pain.
If you’re considering double jaw surgery, you’ll want to make sure you’re well-informed about the recovery process so you can manage your pain and heal as quickly as possible. Here are a few tips to help you out.
1. Follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions closely. This means taking all of the medication prescribed and following dietary guidelines.
2. Make sure to get plenty of rest – take naps when necessary and go to bed early whenever possible.
3. Ice the surgical site regularly for the first week after surgery; this will help keep swelling down and reduce inflammation and pain.
4. Drink lots of fluids, especially water to stay hydrated and enhance blood circulation in your body.
5. Use ice packs on the jawline and neck muscles after surgery to reduce swelling and bruising
2. Avoid Strenuous Activities
Double jaw surgery can be a life-changing procedure, but it is essential to carefully follow your doctor’s orders to ensure a successful recovery. One of the most necessary post-surgery instructions is to avoid strenuous activities for some time. This includes exercise, sports, heavy lifting, and other activities that could put stress on your healing jaw.
The healing veins in your face may be irritated by over-activity, so make sure you give them time to heal before starting any strenuous exercise routine or increased physical workloads. The last thing you may want after you’ve just gone through major double jaw surgery is having your incisions reopened due to lack of care since you ought to know how dangerous double jaw surgery is. Thus, it’s essential not only during this period but also afterward not to engage in strenuous activities.
3. Allow Yourself Enough Time to Heal
If you are considering double jaw surgery, be sure to allow yourself enough time to heal correctly. This type of surgery is an effective procedure that requires plenty of time for healing and recovery. You will need to take it easy for at least eight weeks after surgery.
4. Maintain the Health of Your Lips
Double jaw surgery is a major dental operation that can positively impact your health, including improved breathing and a better overall appearance. However, it’s important to remember that your lips will need some special care to ensure that they heal correctly and look their best after surgery.
Here are a few tips for maintaining the health of your lips after double jaw surgery.
1. Avoid licking or biting at the skin around your lips because you could spread bacteria, which can lead to infection
2. Get enough rest since lack of sleep can cause dryness in the mouth and lips due to decreased saliva production
3. Avoid rubbing your lips together
4. Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to protect and soothe your lips after surgery
5. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth, which can lead to chapped lips
6. Use a soft toothbrush when brushing teeth in order not to irritate the surgical site
7. Avoid spicy foods that may cause a burning sensation on the surgical site
5. Elevate Your Head Whenever Possible
Elevating your head after surgery is a crucial step in the healing process. By keeping your head elevated, you can help reduce swelling, promote blood circulation, and speed up healing. This is particularly important after double jaw surgery, as the surgical procedure can cause a great deal of swelling and bruising.
Here are some tips for elevating your head after surgery:
1. Put a pillow under your head or neck during the day to elevate it
2. Sleep on an incline with pillows propping up your head
3. Avoid lying flat for long periods, as this can lead to pressure sores
4. Elevate your legs when sitting or lying down to enhance blood circulation
6. Drink Your Food
Have most of your foods blended. Be sure to have a balanced diet to supply your body with the necessary nutrients for quicker healing. By drinking your food, you will ensure that your body gets all of the essential nutrients it needs for healing despite having an injured jaw. Besides, liquids will help the food move through your system more quickly, which means you’ll heal sooner. Examples of healthy meal ideas that you drink after surgery include:
Snacks
- Desserts made with custard, yogurt, or other dairy products
- Fruit – canned, stewed, or fresh – puree
- Jelly, mousse, and caramel crème
- Creamed rice or sago pudding that is moist and creamy
- Without a crust, cheesecake
- Milo, smoothies, and milkshakes are all milk beverages.
Breakfast
- All cereals, including porridge, Weetbix, Vita Brits, Weeties, and semolina, must be softened with warm milk.
- Scrambled eggs that are extremely wet or runny poached eggs.
- Mashed stewed or canned fruit (for example, apricots, apples, and peaches) or mashed soft, fresh fruit (e.g., banana)
- Smoothie with fruit or milkshake.
Dinner / Lunch
- Soups prepared with pureed canned or homemade meat, vegetables, barley, canned legumes, cooked split peas, or noodles.
- casseroles or stews pureed
- Scrambled eggs with a lot of moisture or cooked salmon with a lot of moisture. Serve with veggies that have been adequately mashed or pureed.
7. Include Easy-to-Chew Meals
Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, ground poultry, scrambled eggs, applesauce, yogurt, and soft-cooked flaky fish. You should also avoid crunching down on anything with your jaws. This can cause unnecessary pain and setbacks in your healing process.
Conclusion
The recovery process from double jaw surgery can be long and painful. To make the most of your time, you must follow these steps. Remember to manage your pain as best as possible with medication, avoid any strenuous activities for at least eight weeks post-surgery, allow enough time to heal, maintain healthy lips by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sun exposure, elevate your head whenever possible in an effort not to strain yourself during feeding times, drink food where necessary and include easy-to-chew meals in your diet plan. These simple tips will help ensure you have minimal complications when recovering after a double jaw procedure.
