Surgical Instructions > Osteotomy

General Post-Operative Instructions

Diet:   

Even though you can open your mouth a small amount, you still will not be able to chew for approximately 6-8 weeks.  You therefore will be on what we term as a swallowing diet.  This means anything that you can swallow without chewing.  Anything blended or liquid is acceptable.  You may also have any foods that are soft enough or small enough to be mashed between your tongue and teeth without chewing.  These things may include any liquids, soups, scrambled eggs, applesauce, pie, cake, ice-cream, yogurt, pasta that is well chopped and small and soft, as well as meat which is ground up fine. High-calorie, high-protein meals are the best with plenty of liquids.  This may require eating a small meal 5-6 times a day rather than three large meals. 

Weight:   

Weigh yourself when you arrive home and once every 4-5 days following. You should maintain your weight after leaving the hospital!!

Hygiene:   

Brush and rinse using a small amount of toothpaste and mouthwash.  Oral hygiene is the single most important thing you can do to minimize possible infections.

Activities:   

Take it easy the first week.  You may resume most of your normal routine after the first week as tolerated.  Avoid activities that might cause an injury to the face (athletic like football, basketball, racquetball, weight lifting, etc.).  Aerobic exercises may be started after two weeks.

Medications:   

Antibiotics – use only the first 4-6 days following surgery.
Pain Medications – use only as needed.
Anti-nausea – use as instructed and notify doctor if relief is not quickly obtained.

Nausea/Vomiting:           

DON’T PANIC.
Use medications as instructed.
For mild vomiting or any “empty stomach feeling” lay in a face down position to allow fluids to drain out of mouth and nose.
Notify the doctor of any nausea problems.

Miscellaneous:  

Use nose spray if needed and no more than twice a day.
Use ointment on lips to reduce swelling and avoid drying and chapping.
 Sleep with head elevated (2 pillows) the first week then normal elevation after     that.

Please contact your oral surgeon’s office if you have any additional questions.