A successful orthognathic surgical procedure can help to not only improve the look and feel of your jaw but will also help to fix any alignment issues. Immediately after the surgery is complete, you will notice large amounts of swelling along your jawline. If you notice swelling, you should not panic since this does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong with your jaw. This just means that your body needs time to heal. The more time that you give your body to heal, the more that the swelling will subside. In some cases, the swelling can last for months. Dealing with swelling for this amount of time can be frustrating. Luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to help reduce swelling along your jaw once your orthognathic procedure is complete.

Avoid Foods That are Difficult to Consume

Once your surgical procedure is complete, it is important to avoid applying too much pressure to the surgical site while it heals. Excessive pressure applied to these areas can irritate and rupture these wounds. A ruptured wound will begin bleeding, and this can increase swelling along other areas throughout your mouth. In order to prevent this, avoid foods that are difficult for you to break down immediately after surgery. Eating something like hard candy will work your jaw to the bone. Instead, look for foods that can easily be swallowed and require very little work to consume. This might involve sticking to a liquid diet of soups and smoothies immediately after your oral surgery. This liquid diet will give your jaw ample time to heal.

Sleep on Your Back

After your orthognathic surgery, it may be difficult to come up with a comfortable position to sleep in. This happens because every position can cause some form of pain. However, in order to avoid applying too much pressure or force against your jaw, you should stick to sleeping on your back. You can use a pillow to keep your neck and head elevated in order to make the position more comfortable. Sleeping on your back will ensure that your surgical site is not being pressed against while you sleep. This will ensure that the swelling does not increase.

Experiencing a moderate amount of swelling along your jawline is completely normal after your orthognathic procedure. However, you can use these tips to ensure that the swelling does not get worse and reduces at a steady rate. For more information and assistance with your recovery, talk with an oral surgery professional. 

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