What to do and what to avoid: recommendations after maxillofacial surgery

The moment when the operation in the operating theatre is over is only the halfway point. When a mother or a professional with a demanding schedule undergoes an operation on her face, the main concern when she returns home is usually the same: how to ensure a quick, uncomplicated recovery that allows her to return to her routine as soon as possible. The ultimate success of this procedure depends, to a very high percentage, on the care applied during the first few weeks.

Follow to the letter the recommendations after maxillofacial surgery not only prevents infection, but also drastically reduces inflammation and ensures that the tissues heal with the harmony and naturalness sought from the first diagnosis.

The first 48 hours: control of inflammation and bleeding

The immediate postoperative period is the most critical phase for the bone and muscle tissue of the face. It is completely normal to experience swelling, which usually peaks on the second or third day.

• Application of local cold: Place cold compresses or ice wrapped in a soft cloth on the affected area for the first 24 hours. Apply at 10-15 minute intervals to avoid frostbite to the skin.
• Posture at rest: Keeping the head elevated is essential. When sleeping or resting on the sofa, it is recommended to use two or three pillows to keep the torso semi-incorporated. This promotes lymphatic drainage and lowers blood pressure in the face, naturally relieving the sensation of throbbing or pressure.
• Management of minor bleeding: It is common for the saliva to turn red or for there to be a slight drip. In case of active bleeding at the incision site, a sterile gauze pad should be placed and bitten down firmly for 20 minutes.

Food and nutrition without compromising stitches

One of the most frequent doubts of patients managing their family's day-to-day life is how to organise meals during the post-operative period without neglecting nutrition or damaging the operated area.

Liquid and warm phase (Days 1 to 3)

The diet must be strictly liquid or pasty, but with one essential requirement: everything should be taken at room temperature or chilled. Heat stimulates vasodilation, which may reactivate bleeding. Filtered broths, thin vegetable purees, yoghurts and natural protein shakes are excellent choices.

Important medical note: The use of drinking straws is strictly forbidden. The suction effect generates a negative pressure inside the mouth that can dislodge blood clots necessary for healing or loosen stitches.

Soft transition phase (from day 4 onwards)

As the mouth opening improves, foods that are easily crushed with a fork can be introduced: omelettes, crumbled white fish, cooked vegetables or very soft rice. Chewing should be kept to a minimum so as not to overload the temporomandibular joint or the setting jaws.

Rigorous but gentle oral hygiene

Keeping the mouth clean is the main barrier against bacteria, but this cannot be done in the usual way immediately after surgery.

During the first 24 hours, avoid spitting and vigorous rinses, This mechanical movement may break the suture. If you need to evacuate saliva or toothpaste, let it drip gently from your mouth.

From the second day onwards, extremely careful brushing with a surgical bristle brush (very soft) should be incorporated, avoiding touching the direct incision line. The maxillofacial surgeon will prescribe a specific mouthwash, usually with chlorhexidine, for gentle manual rinses, simply by moving the head from one side to the other so that the liquid acts without friction.

Physical activity and daily habits

Rest does not mean being bedridden, but the body needs to divert all its energy into the cellular repair process.

1. Relative rest: During the first week, exercise routines, the gym or household activities that require bending or heavy lifting should be discontinued. Increased heart rate and blood pressure translate directly into facial pain and swelling.
2. Tobacco and alcohol: Smoking drastically delays healing due to nicotine and lack of tissue oxygenation, multiplying the risk of infection. It should be completely avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.

The importance of personalised monitoring

Each facial structure and each recovery process is completely individual. The use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs must be strictly in accordance with the prescribed medical guidelines, without self-medication or stopping treatment prematurely, even if the pain has disappeared.

At Unnic Health we understand that health care and facial aesthetics require continuous support. Our multidisciplinary team, which integrates the maxillofacial surgery with advanced dentistry and other medical specialties, evaluates each case comprehensively to ensure that your recovery is comfortable, safe and adapted to your lifestyle. If you are having a procedure or need an expert assessment to restore the functionality and harmony of your face, we invite you to request a personalised diagnostic consultation in our centre.