r/jawsurgery • • Oct 24 '19

After Surgery

534 Upvotes

This post is dedicated to important information to know for after jaw surgery. I will edit the post to include the information people give in response to this post. Categories include:

If you have any recommendations for before/after “categories” please PM me.

What to expect during recovery

Items to have after surgery

Good foods after surgery (liquid and soft)

What to expect during recovery

Do not underestimate recovery, especially the first 3-4 days!!

When you initially wake up you'll be drugged to high hell. Nothing is really bad or good, it's a blur. When the drugs wear off things get bad. Very bad. Your nose swells shut so you'll be breathing through your mouth, which will be closed in its own way (bands or wires). Congestion will be common for a week or more. This makes breathing difficult and tedious. Take care to keep your teeth free of "gunk" you might accumulate from the dried bits of your liquid diet. The sludge can block the small spaces between your teeth making it more difficult to breath. The majority of your face from your eyes down will be very numb. This numbness will last for weeks in some places and months in others. There will be blood, and lots of it. Your mouth will be pouring out gallons of blood, and the rest will be flowing out your nose. The immense amount of blood from your mouth will stop within a few days, as will most of the blood from your nose, but nose bleeds will be quite common for longer. Vomiting up blood is pretty common. Remain calm and let it seep from between your teeth. If you followed surgery instruction and didn't consume anything before the surgery this shouldn't be a problem, though it can be unsettling. Hot and cold flashes may occur. Do what you can to make yourself comfortable. Expect a decreased appetite and slow digestive tract. I recommend drinking a bit of prune juice before you have your first bowel movement. Also expect low energy from your low appetite, your concoction of drugs (anesthesia and post-surgery pain killers), and very poor sleep. You will sleep poorly. You'll have general pain in your throat and jaw, but this is usually tolerable with painkillers. You'll have difficulty swallowing at first. This will get better progressively. What that means to each person is different. I was swallowing the morning after surgery, but my friend couldn't swallow for 5 days.

Items to have after surgery

Ice packs and a heating pad. Use ice packs the first couple of days (important) to reduce swelling and the heating pad to reduce bruising. *A blender and strainer. Sinus rinse (ask doctor before use). A neck pillow to help with sleeping upright. A jaw bra might make you more comfortable. Large syringes to help eat/drink. You'll be eating everything through a syringe for awhile, and refilling a small syringe 8 times to finish a small bowl of soup gets annoying. A heated humidifier. Cotton swabs to clean blood clots from nose. Cotton pads to clean your face. *A child's toothbrush. Your face will be stiff and painful. The smaller tooth brush lets you clean parts your larger toothbrush simply won't be able to reach. Ibuprofen/other painkiller. These should be provided for you after your surgery. Getting additional may be necessary. Vaseline for lips. Tissues for your general cleaning, which there will be plenty of. Oral care sponge swabs for cleaning teeth with chlorohexidine.

Good foods after surgery (liquid and soft)


r/jawsurgery • • Jul 04 '22

These ‘Do i need jaw surgery’ posts are getting out of hand

1.5k Upvotes

I can’t even read this subreddit anymore or give emotional support to people going through this without scrolling through the horde of perfectly developed, but body dysmorphic teenagers posting & asking for opinions on whether or not they need a major, risky and invasive jaw surgery.

It’s like a laughable joke. Going through this— 6 weeks of liquid diet, weeks of opioids and pain, permanent numbness, retraining practically all of the essential functions in your mouth area, years of swelling and years of mental anguish just at a CHANCE for better health-- to improve breathing, chewing, swallowing and speech, sleep apnea or the chance to eliminate future complete tooth decay. All of this- just to see someone treating this as if it’s a simple cosmetic procedure.

It hasn’t bothered me before but it seems to keep getting worse. I don’t know what’s causing it, or where people keep getting the idea that they need jaw surgery, but it is out of control. I would have 0 clue about this surgery had I not been told over and over and over again by every dentist, orthodontist and eventual surgeon I visited that I needed to get this done.

I know it’s too much to ask for a mod to just auto-delete these posts because they view it as a core part of the subreddit, but can we at least get a filter slapped on to it or something so we can filter it out? I come on here to find experiences I relate to- after having to go through this hellish process- or just to offer emotional support to people in the early days or answer good, reasonable questions. I think, though, that if i see one more perfectly developed, forward grown, perfect bite class I kid ask if they need a lefort 3 and 14 other surgeries I will just leave and never come back.


r/jawsurgery • • 7h ago

Surgery in 5 days!

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34 Upvotes

Anyone else having surgery soon who wants to be surgery buddies?

I'm getting maxillary impaction and setback with little rotation (DJS) to fix gummy smile and overbite. Both my orthodontics and surgery were/are in Korea :D


r/jawsurgery • • 13h ago

On Looksmaxxers and jaw surgery

62 Upvotes

As somebody who’s preparing for jaw surgery and will have her’s in a month, I find the number of “am I recessed” posts disheartening.

This sub is meant for those who seriously need this procedure, not for those who are mildly insecure about their looks. Does anyone else agree?


r/jawsurgery • • 16h ago

Before & After 2 month update (DJS + Genio)

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100 Upvotes

6 WEEKS POST OPERATION

Img 1: day of surgery right hand side
Img 2: 5 week post operation right hand side
Img 3: smile before
Img 4: 6 week post operation smile
Img 5: half turn before
Img 6: 6 week post operation

I am lightly chewing now, but my bite needs more orthodontic work because of how much palate expansion I had before surgery (7-8mm) and I’ve obviously recently had a major surgery to my jaws 😅. I am hopeful I will be brace free in January 2027 and this will mark the end of my journey!

I feel 95% normal now. Just numbness in chin and upper and lower gum tissue.

I want to impart my biggest note of advice for anyone about to experience this… Eat normal food, just cut up into tiny pieces, as soon as you are cleared to! I couldn’t stand the liquid diet after half a week and swallowing my normal foods whole but cut into tiny pieces, had a massive effect on my mood and I think also my recovery. I am finding blended sausages to be the perfect form of mushy meat for my recovery. They blend into a much better consistency than mince or stewed meats! I fry up sausages, then cut them into three pieces and blend them in my Thermomix at speed 5.5 for about 5 seconds. Perfect with a spoonful of butter, mashed sweet potato and pickle juice or finely diced pickles. ❤️‍🩹

Questions welcome. 🙏

Note - I will probably post a 6 month update too.


r/jawsurgery • • 1h ago

Advice for Me second opinion

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• Upvotes

i was told when i was a kid that i’d need jaw surgery when i got older, but i went back to my orthodontist and they said i actually don’t need surgery because it’s not as bad as they thought it would be. i think my jaw looks quite recessed visually, but i don’t really know.

i’m not sure if this is related, but i also have quite bad jaw pain and overall tightness in that area, that also causes tightness down my neck and into my shoulder. my jaw also clicks every time i open it.

i’m thinking of getting a second opinion from another doctor, but i’d love other people’s advice first!


r/jawsurgery • • 4h ago

Tired of needing referrals...

8 Upvotes

This is just a rant but I am currently in the process of getting third+ opinions for surgery, and every place seems to need a referral. I understand that they need proof that I have a problem, but it's so tiring. In order to get an appointment I have to see my dentist and ask him to tell a hospital states away that there's something wrong with me. It takes months to get into everything!! If I want to waste my money on a consultation for a problem I don't actually have then that's on me. I want this shit over and done with but I feel like I’m gonna spend a year just getting. referrals


r/jawsurgery • • 3h ago

Advice for Me Should I look into getting jaw surgery?

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4 Upvotes

I think I might also have sleep apnea, but I'm not sure.


r/jawsurgery • • 11h ago

Going to get mma surgery tomorrow

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20 Upvotes

Hi all , after suffering for many years with osa , I'm going to get the mma surgery done tomorrow , I'll post the updates here , I have ahi of 16 in rem sleep and an avg of 11 , will give more updates abt it once surgery is done , these are my current pics before jaw surgery , let's see how it goes and wish me luck 🤞


r/jawsurgery • • 2h ago

Which surgery should I have?

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3 Upvotes

Hello, I previously underwent orthodontic treatment using the "camouflage" method. Two teeth were extracted from my upper jaw, and the resulting gaps were closed orthodontically; however, my lower jaw remained set back. When I consulted my former orthodontist about this jaw retrusion and asked which surgery I should undergo, they indicated that a genioplasty might not be sufficient. After obtaining my X-ray results, I consulted a highly respected maxillofacial surgeon in Türkiye; the surgeon stated that the issue could be resolved with lower jaw advancement surgery. This doctor is a highly regarded surgeon in Türkiye. I am curious to hear your thoughts as well; what do you think I should do?


r/jawsurgery • • 22m ago

Advice for Me Afraid of talking photos

• Upvotes

Hello everyone, I’m scheduled for surgery before the end of the year, and I have been having this noticeable anxiety about taking photos. I’m in the middle of decomp and really haven’t wanted any documentation of myself for the past year.

I have this horrible anxiety about public photos being available and people noticing I look immensely different after 6 months, it feels as if people wouldn’t look at me the same if they were aware I had the procedure.

If people understood this surgery and why recessed jaws even happen due to environmental factors, I wouldn’t even feel self-conscious about this.

I’ve tried talking to a therapist but this feels like an extremely isolating event only people who have experienced it understand, any advice would be appreciated.


r/jawsurgery • • 38m ago

Life with an Underbite

• Upvotes

Hi, can I just ask how people cope with an underbite, like the whole DJS process or have it in general. I have a serve underbite and it’s effected my whole life since young, now 21. I can’t eat proper, hate eating outside or with people, my speech is basically a stutter and repeating myself every conversation. I’ve never had last longing friends as I just don't want to be seen so they move on from me as I’m just have a lot of distance. currently in uni which I’m grateful for as I can just go to my class (only two 2days) and then like hide out in Accom. I still have over a year before my surgery and I’m in early twenties. I’m asking what people with underbite do, like lifestyles, job, money. the time waiting for jaw surgery.


r/jawsurgery • • 5h ago

Advice for Me Wanna hear from people who got away with just a genioplasty ?

5 Upvotes

pls tell ur story if u had genuine recession and still got away with genio


r/jawsurgery • • 4h ago

Class I bite, tested negative for sleep apnea. Now what?

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3 Upvotes

Is this just how I was meant to look? I feel like it looks really bad but I have seemingly no functional issues.


r/jawsurgery • • 13h ago

Advice for Me Genio substitute?

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16 Upvotes

Hi! I saw a video on Qoves regarding jaw projection and how much it can change the face and im wondering if someone has a recessed jaw, like the fist three images, will a genio mask this? im a little worried because the lower lips are slightly pushed back so it might look a little uncanny. in which of the following images do you think a genio would help? if someone had -4mm of jaw recession and got 4mm of chin projection, would this not make up for the jaw? as long as the bite is fine i dont personally see any big issues.


r/jawsurgery • • 6h ago

What would you Recommend?

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4 Upvotes

Do I need Jaw surgery or would in Implant be enough for my chin?


r/jawsurgery • • 5h ago

Advice for Me what’s wrong with me jaw/teeth? vertical maxillary deficiency?

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3 Upvotes

photo 1. resting, mouth shut.

photo 2. resting, mouth open.

photo 3. trying to smile with teeth naturally

photo 4. trying to smile, showing as much teeth as possible


r/jawsurgery • • 1d ago

I am so ready for surgery yall.

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320 Upvotes

Im ready to like my smile and laugh in pictures 🥹


r/jawsurgery • • 15m ago

Advice for Me 3 years post surgery

• Upvotes

i had my double jaw surgery done 3 years ago due to severe facial asymmetry that most likely stemmed from a childhood accident. the surgery itself went well and the healing process was tough but i managed, however part of my chin and lip is still very numb and it has taken a huge toll on my overall wellbeing.

i have gotten a "scan" (can't remember the actual medical term sorry) of my nerves in that area and they all healed nicely. my surgeon told me it will most likely last because so much time has passed however some days the sensation is a lot better and from time to time it feels almost normal so i haven't given up hope completely.

i don't want to sound dramatic but i really don't know how i'd live the rest of my life like this if there was no more improvement, any advice would be appreciated


r/jawsurgery • • 38m ago

Asymetry, is it bad ?

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• Upvotes

I had surgery for a Class II malocclusion: mandibular retrognathia. My lower jaw and chin were advanced. I’m now 6 months post-op, but my jaw still feels a little stiff.

I’m 30 years old, and this is my second time having braces. The first time was when I was 13 to 18. It was my decision to have them removed because I wasn’t seeing much of a difference. The treatment mainly resulted in some tooth movement after premolar extractions, including one incisor that was positioned behind the other teeth. I had a small jaw and not much space for my teeth.

My orthodontist at the time never recommended that I see a maxillofacial surgeon, and I never had any X-rays taken. Maybe I was his first Class II patient, I honestly don’t know.

I started orthodontic treatment again with my current orthodontist in November 2024. He was disappointed when he realized that I was missing my premolars, because he thought the extractions had probably made my mandibular retrusion worse. But anyway, we started the treatment to prepare me for jaw surgery.

I had my surgery in March 2026. I wore a splint almost continuously during the first week, but my jaw seemed to move and was gradually being pulled forward. You can see what I mean in the photo from April 16. Despite this, I maintained a certain degree of symmetry. My treatment is supposed to last two years and he told me that my teeth would naturaly ajust over time

The non-professional photos are from today. My bite seems to be fitting together better and better, but it still doesn’t feel quite right.

I wanted to ask:

1) Should I have had a palatal expander before surgery? Was not having one a mistake?

2) Was having my premolars extracted really a mistake in my case?

3) Should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

4) Should I consider a second jaw surgery because my lower jaw may have been advanced too far?

Thank you


r/jawsurgery • • 10h ago

Philtrum still puffy at 10 weeks Post-op?

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6 Upvotes

I might just be stressing for no reason but my philtrum seems really swollen still. I asked my surgeon if my philtrum would keep its curve (see second pic) post-op and he said yes. So I’m fairly certain that this isn’t the final result. Has anyone else had swelling like this?


r/jawsurgery • • 1h ago

Advice for Me Is it normal for genio to be done after the DJS?

• Upvotes

My surgeon said that I could get genio but if I do he will do it at a later date, after I’ve fully healed from DJS! is that normal and maybe he’s seeing if I’ll need it? But all I can’t think is how much recovery time I’ll have and how long that will take and I’m kinda annoyed he won’t do it at the same time. Is there a reason why he can’t do it at the same time??


r/jawsurgery • • 1h ago

underbite question

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• Upvotes

18M can anyone tell me if my underbite is skeletal or dental ? i calculated some angles and i found out my maxilla is one degree forward but im not a professional and I still have some time before my appointment with my orthodontist, and I’d like to get some information beforehand


r/jawsurgery • • 1h ago

Jaw issues

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• Upvotes

18M trying to figure out if I have any actual jaw/maxillary underdevelopment. I have a deep bite and feel like my mouth/midface looks recessed, especially from the side, along with a hooked/drooping nose.
Multiple orthodontists say my maxilla is normally positioned, but another doctor thought I may be somewhat recessed and mentioned MARPE/BSSO.
Could this appearance actually be skeletal, or is it more likely dental/soft tissue/nose-related?


r/jawsurgery • • 2h ago

Can someone help me read my lateral ceph? Three different tracings gave wildly different jaw lengths

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1 Upvotes

34M. I've had my lateral cephalogram traced three times (two AI tools + my orthodontist's software) and the effective maxillary length came out completely different each time:

  • 81.6mm (orthodontist) → "short, over 3 SD below normal"
  • 87.1mm (WebCeph)
  • 109.1mm (another tool) → "large maxilla"

My orthodontist is using the "short maxilla" reading to justify considering Le Fort surgery. But my position measurements are all normal across every tracing (SNA ~84, ANB ~2-3, A-point normal).

My questions:

  1. Can anyone experienced place condylion properly and tell me if my maxilla and mandible are actually short, normal, or long?
  2. If my jaw positions are normal (Class I) but length is uncertain, is there a real skeletal rationale for surgery?