Orthognathic Surgery in Palo, Alto, CA
Overview of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery involves surgery of the maxilla and mandible. Since the maxilla and mandible are in intimate association with the surrounding teeth as well as structures of the face and airway, the position and size of the maxilla and mandible significantly influence the dental occlusion, facial esthetics and airway dimension. Therefore, indication(s) for considering orthognathic surgery in order to improve the size and position of the maxilla and mandible are invariably aimed at improving dental occlusion, facial esthetics and airway dimension.
Orthognathic Surgery Treatment Course:
- Domestic patients require a total of 2 week stay in the area
- International patients require a total of 3 week stay in the area
Preoperative requirement:
- CT scan at least 2 weeks prior to surgery
- Dental impression or scanning of your teeth 2-3 weeks prior to surgery
- Active movement of the teeth must stop 6-8 weeks before surgery if you have braces
- Covid Test 24-48 hours prior to surgery
Intraoperative and hospital course:
- Surgery duration is approximately 4 hours under general anesthesia
- Hospitalization is 1-2 days
Postoperative management:
- Sleep with head elevated (two pillows so the head is above the heart)
- No nose blowing for at least 10 days
- Apply ice to cheeks to reduce swelling for 2-3 days
- Pain control consists of Hydrocodone every 4 hours
- Occasionally, Dr. Li may add another medication to supplement the Hydrocodone
- Pain medication is typically needed for 7-10 days
- No exercise for 4 weeks but walking is encouraged starting post-surgery day 1
- Liquid diet for 4 weeks after surgery
- Soft food diet such as well-cooked pasta, fish, tofu after chewing is resumed
