Post-Op Jaw Surgery

Helpful Hints For Post-Op Orthognathic Surgery

  • Use ice for the first 48 hours following surgery. This will help with swelling. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and take off for 10-15 minutes. Repeat cycle.
  • Sleep sitting up, or prop up on pillows for the first week. This will help with swelling.
  • Using a pediatric size tooth brush with SOFT bristles will make it easier to keep your mouth clean.
  • Use VASELINE to prevent dry, chapped lips.

Suggested foods:

Yogurt
Chef Boyardee
Pudding
Soup
Mashed potatoes
Rice
Spaghetti (cut up)
Pancakes
Milk Shakes
Eggs (scrambled, poached, etc)
Smoothies
Grits, Oatmeal, etc
Ice Cream (with out nuts)
Macaroni & Cheese
Pasta Roni (cut up)
Baked Potatoes
Apple sauce
Jell-O
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Baby Food

** Remember, the rule is: If it is softer than Macaroni & Cheese, you can have it!!!

Please remember that these are only suggestions. Please feel free to walk the grocery store isles for ideas. There are a lot of convenient foods available today that will fall under the “soft” category. Just remember NO CHEWING FOR 6 WEEKS. You can always try to mash the food on the roof of your mouth, mash it with a fork, or put it in a food processor for a few seconds, so that it is easier to get down. Be careful not to choke. Be creative, you will be surprised what you can eat!