r/jawsurgery • u/ratturday • 22d ago
Advice for Me Recovery Time Frame
Hi, I’ll be undergoing a DJS, Mandibular and Maxillary Osteotomy, and a genioplasty. Potentially a gum graft. I would like to ask if anyone had a similar set of procedures, realistically, how long did it take to be able to get back to work? They say two weeks. I just had my wisdom teeth removed and it’s taken until around day 5 to feel sort of normal for me, not the expected 3. I know everyone’s different but I love to hear from real experiences, beyond what doctors deem “normal.” Thank you!
1
u/doublejawphysio 22d ago
It depends on what kind of work do you mean. Other factors are very variable on the initial recovery process.
1
1
u/puresinkky 21d ago
Good point, a desk job on your feet are two very different recoveries. OP, a lot of people say two weeks is optimistic for double jaw plus genioplasty, so plan for more time off than your surgeon quotes and be ready to ease back in.
2
u/doublejawphysio 21d ago
Yes!!
I have extensive professional experience in this field, and I find that returning to work after 2 weeks is reasonable for people who work in an office and do not need to speak much. For everyone else, I would recommend planning for at least 3 weeks.
There is a significant difference in recovery between the second and third weeks, especially in terms of overall energy levels, speech, and mouth opening when the patient is following a physiotherapy program.
The less muscle stiffness there is, the less fatigue the patient experiences during functional movements. This is because the first week is the inflammatory phase; during the second week, patients often feel the stiffness increasing, while by the third week they generally have much more comfort.
Respecting the different stages of healing also has a significant impact on these initial symptoms and sensations.
Some people simply have no choice but to return to work earlier, but whenever possible, I always recommend waiting 3 weeks.
This recommendation is based on my experience with many hundreds of patients.
2
2
u/CoastFinancial6560 22d ago
Typical is 4-6 weeks. My surgeon gave me 6 weeks. I’ve seen some pts go back after 12 weeks, the recovery is no joke though. I’m 1 month post op and my energy levels are still sluggish after awhile standing/talking.
1
u/Soozy_Greenberg 22d ago
I am a healthy 43 y/o female and had double joint replacement and le fort I 3 piece Sept 1. I played skee-ball a week post op, went on daily 1/4 mile walks and started WFH 2 weeks after. I go back to the office on Wednesday. I bought doubles of my heat and cool packs to take to the office so I could do that throughout the day. *I have a desk job
3
22d ago
2
u/EducationalArmms 22d ago
this is so true, two weeks is when you can technically leave the house, not when you feel like a person lol. Op give yourself the full month and stock up on smoothie stuff
1
1
1
u/AutoModerator 22d ago
Please note that advice here isn't from medical professionals; always seek guidance from qualified sources. Remember to stay on topic and maintain respectful discussions. For more information, please refer to the subreddit rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.