Orthognathic surgery complications.

Overall, orthognathic surgical treatment is safe when executed by a well-trained, experienced surgeon in a center that performs a large volume of such cases. Some of the complications and risks of orthognathic surgery are , 1- Blood loss - It is common to experience some minor bleeding following surgery, and minor nose bleeds may be expected for a period of one to two weeks following upper jaw surgery. It is unusual for blood loss at the time of surgery to be severe enough to require transfusion, but very occasionally transfusions may be required. 2- Infection - Infection is possible after any type of surgery. antibiotics will be given both during, as well as after the operation to help prevent this. If an infection should develop it is usually very easily treated. Although infection is surprisingly rare in these kind of surgeries. 3- Tingling/Numbness - altered sensation or numbness, particularly in the lower lip/chin in association with lower jaw surgery and in the upper teeth following an upper jaw procedure. While the nerve fibres are healing, you may encounter strange sensations or tingling. Normal sensation usually returns in six months or less. 4- Nasal Congestion - Nasal congestion may occur both from the tubes placed in the nostrils during surgery and also from surgical procedures involving the upper jaw. When this occurs, the congestion can be managed by using nasal sprays and cleansing the nostrils. 5- Weight Loss - Weight loss of 2-5kgs may be anticipated during the early post-operative period. In most cases, this is due to a loss of appetite coupled with the wearing of elastics. After the first week, your appetite should have improved enough to maintain and possibly increase your weight. 6- Jaw Stiffness & Jaw Joint Noises - After orthognathic surgery, the jaw joint will be stiff for several months. The best exercise to overcome the stiffness is normal jaw activity such as chewing. Sometimes clicking or grating noises in the jaw joint may occur as the jaw begins to function. 7- Pain - Some pain can be anticipated, but in most cases it is mild to moderate and satisfactorily controlled with analgesic medications. 8- Swelling - Swelling is a normal after-effect of surgery, the degree of which varies between individual to individual. Swelling will subside occasionally. Patient is usually discharged from the hospital in 2-3 days. Duration of the post operative care differs from person to person , 8-10 week home care is usually required.

Consult your Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon & Orthodontist for better evaluation of the procedure

Medication, instructions and follow up has to be followed very sincerely.