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How long does swelling last after orthognathic surgery?

Author

Gabriel Cooper

Updated on March 28, 2026

How long does swelling last after orthognathic surgery?

The swelling is maximal at Day 4 and will slowly subside after 2 weeks. There is still about 10 to 20% of swelling that can maintain up to 2 months after surgery. You should only be critical of the result about 3 months after surgery.

How do you reduce swelling after maxillofacial surgery?

Ice packs applied to the sides of the face will help minimize swelling. Use ice packs for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well. After the first 48 hours, discontinue ice packs and begin warm compresses.

What are the side effects of jaw surgery?

Risks

  • Blood loss.
  • Infection.
  • Nerve injury.
  • Jaw fracture.
  • Relapse of the jaw to the original position.
  • Problems with bite fit and jaw joint pain.
  • Need for further surgery.
  • Need for root canal therapy on selected teeth.

How long does it take for nerves to heal after jaw surgery?

Sensation is expected to return 2-6 months after surgery. A numb feeling in the upper gums and roof of your mouth may persist after surgery. Numbness of the lower lip and chin is also expected after lower jaw surgery. Recovery of sensation may take 12 months.

What is residual swelling?

Residual inflammation: it is concentrated in the tissues closest to the bone, and it is not as noticeable as the superficial, being normally the patients and those who know them well the only ones to notice this inflammation. This type of inflammation can take up to 18 months to disappear completely (patience!).

When do elastics come off after jaw surgery?

At one week the swelling should be starting to come down. You should still be on a liquid diet at this point. Your doctor will change out your rubber bands and answer any questions you may have. At two weeks after surgery, you will begin to take off and put on the rubber bands yourself.

How long does swelling last after oral surgery?

Your face may swell in the first 24 hours after oral surgery. The swelling may last for 5 to 7 days. Once the swelling starts to go down, your face may bruise. The bruising could last for up to 10 days after your surgery.

How do you reduce swelling after facial surgery?

Tips to Minimize Swelling

  1. Apply ice packs to the cheeks closest to the surgical site; apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time several times a day for the first 48 hours of recovery.
  2. Take over-the-counter pain medication that contains anti-inflammatories.
  3. Keep the head slightly elevated while resting.

Can you relapse after jaw surgery?

This is generally rare, and the benefits of this would be discussed with you. Relapse after surgery:This is unusual. However, there may be a relapse in the position of the jaws or the teeth. When this occurs it does not usually require a further operation as the changes tend not to be significant.

Why is my cheek swollen 2 weeks after wisdom teeth removal?

Some patients develop a lump between the jawline and the cheek area which is mostly hard swelling. It often forms after wisdom tooth removal or occurs when an infection has caused the lymph nodes to swell. It can take a week or two for the swelling to go down.

How long can swelling last after surgery?

Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months. Bruising may last for 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.

What is the fastest way to recover from jaw surgery?

5 Tips to Speed Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery

  1. Drink your meals.
  2. Add easy-to-chew foods.
  3. Keep pain under control.
  4. Take care of your lips.
  5. Give yourself the recovery time you need.