How Long Is Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery?
Knowing the full recovery timeline helps you plan your life around surgery. Here is a detailed timeline.
Recovery from orthognathic surgery can be divided into three phases: early, intermediate, and long-term.
Early recovery (0β2 weeks):
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Hospital stay | 1β2 nights |
| Peak swelling | Day 2β3 |
| Liquid diet | 2β4 weeks |
| Return to work/school (desk job) | 2β3 weeks |
| Pain medication needed | 3β7 days |
| Sutures dissolving | 2β4 weeks |
| First follow-up with surgeon | 1β2 weeks |
Intermediate recovery (2β8 weeks):
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Soft food diet | 4β8 weeks |
| Return to light exercise | 4β6 weeks |
| Splint removed (if used) | 2β6 weeks |
| Orthodontic elastics adjusted | Ongoing |
| Most swelling gone | 4β6 weeks |
| Back to normal daily activities | 4β6 weeks |
Long-term recovery (2β12 months):
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Return to full exercise/sports | 8β12 weeks |
| Full bone healing | 6β12 months |
| Numbness resolution (most) | 6β12 months |
| Final orthodontic results | 4β6 months after surgery |
| Final facial appearance | 6β12 months |
How This Compares
- Single jaw surgery: 2β4 weeks for most recovery
- Double jaw surgery: 4β8 weeks for most recovery
- With genioplasty: Similar to double jaw
Clinical Guidance
The most intense part of recovery lasts 1β2 weeks. Most patients feel back to normal within 4β8 weeks. Complete bone healing takes 6β12 months, and final nerve recovery can take up to a year. Plan your time off and support accordingly.