After Jaw Surgery

Swelling

Apply moist hot packs to outside of face 20 minutes every 2 hours. This may be done by wetting 2 wash cloths and warming them in the microwave 30 seconds. Apply moist heat as directed for 1-2 weeks or until swelling is gone.

Diet

Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of fluid daily. Since you are on a liquid diet, you do need to be taking in nourishment every 2 hours throughout your day. Nourishments: smoothies, ice cream, yogurt, pudding, Ensure or Boost drinks.

Pain

Please take 600mg of Ibuprofen every 4 hours. Advil or Motrin may be used in place of Ibuprofen. If a narcotic pain medication was issued, you are to take that as directed also, along with the Ibuprofen, altering them every 2 hours. Ibuprofen is to be continued to 7-14 days until swelling has subsided.

Oral Hygiene

Please continue with your chlorohexidine rinses for 14 days. In between, please rinse with saline (1/2 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water) 4-5 times daily.