Post Orthognathic Surgery Nutrition & Home Care

Remember the Rule of Twos:

  • 2000 calories a day
  • 2 liters of liquid a day
  • 2 hours suction rotation (Do not wake patient up in the middle of the night to suction. It’s hard enough to get any sleep!)
  • 2 weeks of no nose blowing (upper jaw surgery only)

Significant dehydration may occur silently over 1-2 days. Drinking should be strictly enforced by the care giver, whether or not the patient desires to drink. The only alternative is to place an intravenous line (IV) to replace lost fluids.

Intravenous fluids only temporarily hydrate a patient. You will incur a fee since your insurance does not reimburse this charge.

All patients benefit from proper nutrition which includes proteins, carbohydrates and fats (yes, even fats!). Supplements, such as Ensure, Boost, PowerAde and Gatorade add calories and help the healing process. Be CREATIVE!! Squeeze bags will reduce the frustration of fluid intake during the time your jaws are wired together. These may be purchased at our office.

You will be provided a suction machine after surgery. Instructions will be given to you by our staff regarding the proper operation of the suction machine. After you use the machine, do not discard the contents of the canister! The suction machine will fail to operate if the filter at the top becomes moist. Return the suction machine on the 3rd follow-up appointment. At that time, we will discard the canister contents, clean it and determine whether or not you will continue to benefit from the machine. Please return the machine on time as failure to do so will inconvenience other patients needing the device.

Afrin may be sprayed in each nostril every 4 hours, alternated with Saline spray every 4 hours. You may suction your nose every 2 hours. Afrin may be sprayed up to 5 days after surgery then switch to Saline only. Wire cutters are not routinely given to patients! Please call your surgeon immediately if you have a question or feel your breathing is compromised.

Nasal decongestants may be helpful. Over-the-counter liquid Benadryl in the evening and liquid Sudafed in the morning may be used; ask your doctor for correct dosage. Please note: Over usage of decongestants can cause more problems!

Proper oral hygiene is strongly encouraged since it prevents inflammation and speeds healing. Brush your teeth, not your gums; stay on the wires and plastic splint. You may use a bent spoon to retract the cheek to facilitate brushing in the back of your mouth. You may take a “Navy” shower until the doctor gives you the okay for a normal shower. (Navy showers-jump in, wet your body, turn shower off, soap up and then rinse.) Keep the facial tape dry so it stays in place. When instructed to remove the tape dressing, get in a warm, steamy shower to wet the tape. Slowly remove the tape in small sections.

Contact our office if you should have any questions or concerns.