Orthognathic surgery · Recovery · Medellín
Jaw surgery recovery: what to expect afterwards
After orthognathic (jaw) surgery, recovery has three parts: check-ups that are frequent at first and then more spaced out, time off that depends on your job (from about one week for office work to about three months for high-impact activities) and, in almost all cases, orthodontics to finish adjusting the bite. That is how Dr. Santiago Chaves, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at 5:Cinco Face Lab in El Poblado, Medellín, works.
I'm Santiago. When someone thinks about surgery, the question that weighs most is often not the surgery itself but what comes after: work, food, your face in the mirror. Here I tell you what I can say right now. What depends on your case, I explain in person, without figures that aren't yours.
What you already know before surgery
- A written plan. Recovery starts to take shape in the evaluation (described in Spanish on valoración integral), which ends with a written summary of the plan.
- Your orthodontist is part of the team. I work with orthodontists I trust or with yours, and the joint evaluation is non-negotiable.
- The plan reaches the operating room. Surgery is planned in 3D shortly before the operation, and from that plan cutting guides and splints are designed and 3D-printed (CAD/CAM) for your case.
- The protocol is decided with you: conventional (orthodontics, surgery, then orthodontics) or, in selected cases, surgery-first.
If you are still figuring out whether surgery is right for you, start with orthognathic surgery in Medellín.
After surgery, step by step
Although recovery times can't be promised, we use a fast-recovery protocol to minimize discomfort and help you get back to normal life sooner.
- Written instructions and a direct line. You receive written post-op instructions and, as an operated patient, you have a direct line to me, not just the office line.
- Close check-ups at first. They are more frequent in the early stages, so I can follow you closely.
- Guided diet. I explain it in detail at the consultation, according to your surgery.
- Back to work depending on what you do. From about one week for office work to about three months for high-impact activities. When to drive, fly or return to non-professional exercise is decided at the consultation, because every case is individual.
- More spaced-out check-ups. As you recover and get back to normal life.
- Orthodontics to finish. In almost all cases, your orthodontist finishes adjusting the bite, in coordination with me.
If you live outside Medellín: there are virtual appointments before and after surgery, but ideally you stay in Medellín for at least 10 to 15 days after surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How much time off work do I need after jaw surgery?
It depends on your job. For office work, time off is usually about one week; for high-impact activities such as professional soccer or boxing, it can be up to about three months. We go over your specific case at the consultation.
What is follow-up like after surgery?
You receive written post-op instructions and, as an operated patient, you have a direct line to me, not just the office line. Check-ups are more frequent at first and become more spaced out as you recover and get back to normal life. The exact schedule depends on how you progress.
What can I eat after jaw surgery?
I explain your diet in detail at the consultation, because it depends on your surgery and how you progress. I'd rather not give general stages or days that aren't yours.
Will I need orthodontics after surgery?
In almost all cases, yes. With the conventional protocol there is orthodontics before and after surgery; with the surgery-first protocol, which I use in selected cases, surgery comes first and orthodontics follows. In both, orthodontics helps finish adjusting the bite.
Can I keep my own orthodontist?
Yes. I work with orthodontists I trust and also with the orthodontist you choose. What doesn't change is the joint evaluation: working in coordination with your orthodontist is non-negotiable for me.
Does it hurt, and how much will my face swell?
Every person and every surgery is different, so I don't give general figures. Although recovery times can't be promised, we use a fast-recovery protocol to minimize discomfort and help you get back to normal life sooner. What you can expect in your case is something we go over at the consultation.
When can I exercise, drive or fly?
That is decided at the consultation, because every case is individual. As a reference, for high-impact activities such as professional soccer or boxing, time off can be up to about three months.
I live outside Medellín. How do I start?
With a virtual consultation on Google Meet, scheduled by WhatsApp taking your time zone into account; before it, you can send me the studies you have by WhatsApp. Medellín is on Colombia time (COT, UTC−5), with no daylight saving changes. There are virtual appointments before and after surgery, but ideally you stay in Medellín for at least 10 to 15 days after surgery.
If you have more questions
Ask me anything you need before deciding; that's what the consultation is for. Message me without pressure and we'll book an evaluation in El Poblado or, if you live outside Medellín, a virtual consultation.
If your lower front teeth close in front of the upper ones, read about underbite jaw surgery.
+57 324 526 8748 (messages only, no calls)
Reviewed by Dr. Santiago Chaves ·
Author and office
Dr. Santiago Chaves (Santiago Chaves Villa) · Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, craniofacial subspecialist · 5:Cinco Face Lab · Calle 7 Sur #42-70, office 515 (Edificio Forum), El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia · WhatsApp +57 324 526 8748 (messages only) · @santiago_chavesmaxilofacial · Google Maps
Office hours: Mon–Thu 9am–5pm · Fri 9am–3pm
This page is for guidance and does not replace a consultation. Every recovery is different.
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