Breathing easy.
Recovery: calm and supported
When you wake up, the change is already done. What comes next is taken step by step, as a team.
When you wake up
When you wake up, the change is already done. Orthognathic surgery is not a painful surgery: it's uncomfortable, with swelling in the first weeks, and that discomfort is managed with medication and clear instructions. That same day you talk, stay hydrated, eat and walk. I visit you to see how you're doing and, normally, you're discharged home the next day. Your questions were already answered beforehand; that day, all you need to do is rest.
The first weeks
In the first weeks, progress is fast. There is discomfort, and swelling is the most noticeable thing at first, but it goes down little by little and you don't go through it alone: the team is with you and guides you every step of the way. It's normal for your lips and chin to feel numb: that feeling gradually wakes up. Your bite feels new, because it is, and sometimes soft elastics are used to guide it. Your team will tell you how to take care of yourself at home—cold compresses, rest, hygiene, eating, physiotherapy—and will be available for your questions.
Getting back to your routine
The return is gradual, but it moves quickly. Generally, by around the third or fourth week, you're back to your routine almost completely as normal. Sports and changes in what you eat move forward when the team approves them, depending on how your recovery is going. Everyone has their own pace, and there's no need to compare yourself with anyone. Follow-up visits are there to support that progress and adjust whatever is needed at each stage.
What doesn't change
Your voice doesn't change with orthognathic surgery. Neither do you: your face gradually loses its swelling and settles over the months, and it looks more natural every week. At first, it's normal to need some time to get used to what's new in the mirror; with the days, what's new becomes yours. In the months that follow, everyday life goes back to being completely normal.
You're not doing this alone
Recovery is teamwork, and you're part of that team. I'm with you at the moment of change and in the days that follow, maxillofacial physiotherapy supports you from the first days, and orthodontics continues with you for the fine-tuning. If your case requires it, psychological support joins in too. Your part is to follow the instructions and tell us how you feel. Your support network—family, partner, friends—also matters: having someone with you during the first days makes everything simpler. And the whole team is available for any questions that come up at home.
Your questions about recovery deserve time. At the evaluation, we go over them one by one.
Frequently asked questions
Is recovery from orthognathic surgery painful?
Orthognathic surgery isn't painful: it's uncomfortable, mainly because of the swelling in the first weeks. That discomfort is managed with medication and clear instructions, and it eases day by day. Your team is with you at every moment and answers your questions.
How many days will I stay in the hospital?
Normally, you're discharged home the day after surgery. That same day you're already talking, staying hydrated and walking. Each case is evaluated at the time, and your team will tell you when you can go home.
When can I go back to work or school?
Generally, by around the third or fourth week, you're back to your routine almost completely as normal. It depends on what you do and on how your recovery goes: everyone has their own pace. We talk about it before surgery, so you can plan it calmly.
Will I be able to talk after surgery?
Yes, from the first day. At first, swelling may make you speak a little more slowly, and that passes as it goes down. Your voice doesn't change with orthognathic surgery: it's still yours.
Why do my lip or chin feel numb?
During surgery, we work close to the nerves that give feeling to the lips and chin. That's why it's expected for them to feel numb at first. Feeling comes back gradually; physiotherapy also works on it, and your team will follow up at every check-up.
When can I go back to sports?
When the team approves it, gradually. Walking is part of recovery from the start; more intense exercise and contact sports come back later, depending on how your recovery progresses. The same goes for eating: each step is approved by the team.
Who do I talk to if I have questions at home?
Your team. Recovery is teamwork with you, and the whole team is available to support and guide you. No question is too small: if something seems unusual to you, let us know early.
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