How Long Do I Stay in the Hospital After Jaw Surgery?
Knowing what to expect about your hospital stay can help you plan. Here is the typical timeline.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 1β2 nights after orthognathic surgery. The exact length depends on the type of surgery and your recovery progress.
Typical hospital stay:
| Procedure | Typical Stay |
|---|---|
| Lower jaw surgery only | 0β1 night |
| Upper jaw surgery only | 1 night |
| Double jaw surgery | 1β2 nights |
| Double jaw + genioplasty | 1β2 nights |
- Why you stay in the hospital:
- Monitoring your breathing and oxygen levels
- IV fluids and medication through a drip
- Pain management
- Monitoring for any immediate complications
- Making sure you can swallow and manage your diet
- What happens during the stay:
- You wake up in the recovery room with ice packs on your face
- You are moved to a regular room once stable
- Nurses check your vital signs regularly
- You may have a small tube to drain any fluids (not always)
- You start with clear liquids and progress to full liquids
- The care team helps you with oral hygiene
Discharge Criteria
- You can go home when:
- Your pain is controlled with oral medication
- You can drink enough fluids
- You have no signs of complications
- You have someone to drive you home and stay with you
Clinical Guidance
Plan on 1β2 nights in the hospital after jaw surgery. This is for monitoring and pain management. Most patients go home the day after single-jaw surgery and after 2 nights for double-jaw surgery.