Jaw Surgery Side Effects & Complications You Should Know EP. 1
By Reface OMFS Dental Hospital
When it comes to jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), one of the most common search terms is “jaw surgery side effects” or “orthognathic surgery complications.” These are among the biggest concerns for people considering the procedure.
However, when searching online, much of the available content tends to focus on dramatic experiences or attention-grabbing reviews rather than providing clear, medically grounded information about the real risks, side effects, and possible complications of jaw surgery.In reality, jaw surgery is not necessarily associated with more frequent or more severe risks and side effects than other major surgical procedures. When performed with proper planning, appropriate patient evaluation, and experienced surgical care, the risks can be managed systematically.
For this reason, I created this article series to provide clear, medically grounded information about jaw surgery risks, side effects, and possible complications, so readers can better understand the procedure based on facts rather than fear or misinformation.The doctor has identified approximately 28 possible jaw surgery side effects and postoperative symptoms. Although that number may seem high, it does not mean that every symptom is severe or that every patient will experience all of them.
In many cases, these are simply unfamiliar sensations or temporary changes that patients encounter for the first time after orthognathic surgery, which can understandably cause anxiety or concern. However, learning about the possible jaw surgery side effects, recovery symptoms, and complications in advance can make the recovery process feel much less frightening and easier to understand.To help patients better understand the jaw surgery recovery process and feel more confident before treatment, I have organized the possible side effects and complications of orthognathic surgery into five main categories for easier understanding.
Because the topic is quite detailed, this guide will be divided into three consecutive episodes, covering the most important jaw surgery side effects, postoperative symptoms, and recovery concerns step by step.Overview of the 5 Main Categories of Jaw Surgery Side Effects and Complications
- 4 Side Effects of General Anesthesia After Jaw Surgery
- 3 Potentially Serious Jaw Surgery Complications That Can Resolve with Proper Treatment and Care
- 11 Common but Temporary and Generally Non-Serious Side Effects After Jaw Surgery
- 5 Rare Jaw Surgery Complications That May Require Additional Treatment
- 5 Soft Tissue Side Effects After Jaw Surgery
Side Effects of General Anesthesia (Commonly Associated with Major Surgery)
1. Sore Throat After General Anesthesia
A sore throat after jaw surgery can occur because a breathing tube is inserted into the airway during general anesthesia. This may cause temporary throat irritation, dryness, or discomfort after surgery.
To help relieve these symptoms, patients may be advised to rinse the mouth gently with cool water and drink cool fluids frequently beginning the day after surgery, according to the medical team’s postoperative instructions.
2. Phlegm or Mucus After General Anesthesia
The insertion and removal of a breathing tube during general anesthesia may temporarily increase mucus or phlegm in the throat for approximately 1–2 days after jaw surgery. If secretions are not cleared properly, throat irritation may worsen and may sometimes be accompanied by discomfort or fever.
If you feel mucus building up or irritation in your throat, your medical team may recommend gently coughing to help clear the secretions. The phlegm can then be swallowed or spit out as appropriate. Always follow your surgeon’s jaw surgery postoperative care instructions, especially if coughing causes significant pain or discomfort.
3. Nausea, Vomiting, and Dizziness After General Anesthesia
After jaw surgery, a small amount of blood may be swallowed and enter the stomach. In addition, general anesthesia can temporarily slow gastrointestinal activity, which may lead to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), dizziness, or a motion-sickness-like sensation for about a day.
These symptoms usually improve gradually as the effects of anesthesia wear off. If the nausea or vomiting becomes more severe, the medical team may administer anti-nausea medication through an IV to help relieve the symptoms.
4. Malignant Hyperthermia: A Rare but Serious Reaction to General Anesthesia
During general anesthesia, certain anesthetic medications and muscle relaxants may trigger a rare but potentially life-threatening condition known as malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals. Symptoms can include sudden muscle rigidity, a rapid rise in body temperature, and other serious changes in vital signs.
If malignant hyperthermia is suspected, immediate medical treatment is required. The medical team may rapidly cool the body, administer dantrolene, closely monitor vital signs, and arrange transfer to a larger medical center or tertiary hospital if necessary.
People with a family history of malignant hyperthermia should inform their surgeon and anesthesiologist before undergoing jaw surgery or any procedure requiring general anesthesia. Specialized testing, such as genetic testing or muscle biopsy-based testing, may be considered in selected cases.
Although malignant hyperthermia is very rare, it can become life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly.
Potentially Serious Jaw Surgery Complications That Can Resolve with Proper Treatment and Care
1. Bleeding Control and Blood Transfusion After Jaw Surgery
Bleeding is an expected part of any surgical procedure. During jaw surgery, the surgical team monitors blood loss closely and can control bleeding or provide a blood transfusion when necessary.
Even when bleeding has been properly controlled during surgery, a small amount of oozing from the incision inside the mouth may still occur for approximately 2–3 days after jaw surgery, which can be part of the normal recovery process.
When to seek immediate medical attention: If there is heavy bleeding from the mouth, especially enough to rapidly fill the mouth, the medical team should be notified immediately. A small amount of blood may also drain from the nose after surgery. Occasional drops may represent old blood remaining in the nasal cavity and can sometimes continue for several days. However, heavy or continuous nosebleeding after jaw surgery requires prompt medical evaluation.
A blood transfusion after orthognathic surgery may be considered if postoperative blood tests show that the hemoglobin level has fallen too low. Emergency transfusion during surgery due to significant blood loss is uncommon, but the need for transfusion depends on the individual case, the extent of surgery, and the patient’s condition.
For safety, it is important to undergo jaw surgery at a properly equipped hospital with an experienced surgical and anesthesia team, appropriate emergency systems, and access to blood products if a transfusion becomes necessary.
2. Dizziness and Lightheadedness After Jaw Surgery
Dizziness or lightheadedness after jaw surgery may occur during the first 2–3 days after orthognathic surgery. This can be related to blood loss during surgery or to orthostatic hypotension, a temporary drop in blood pressure that may occur when standing up suddenly after lying down or sitting for an extended period.
During jaw surgery recovery, patients should stay adequately hydrated according to their medical team’s instructions and change positions gradually. When getting up from bed, first sit upright and rest for a moment before standing. After standing, remain still briefly to check for dizziness or lightheadedness before beginning to walk.
If dizziness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fainting or other concerning symptoms, contact the medical team for evaluation.
3. Breathing Difficulty After Jaw Surgery
After jaw surgery, patients may experience throat discomfort, nasal congestion, increased mucus, or excess saliva in the mouth, which can temporarily make breathing feel more difficult. Nasal blockage is particularly common after upper jaw surgery, and some patients may need to breathe through the mouth during the early recovery period.
Because maintaining a clear airway is extremely important during jaw surgery recovery, any significant or sudden difficulty breathing should be treated as an urgent medical concern. Hospitals that use rubber bands or other forms of jaw fixation after orthognathic surgery should have appropriate airway-monitoring and emergency protocols in place. Rubber bands or wires may be used to stabilize the jaws during healing, depending on the surgical technique.
Patients should receive clear, surgeon-specific instructions about what to do if breathing becomes difficult while jaw elastics are in place. If severe shortness of breath or airway obstruction occurs, seek immediate medical assistance and follow the emergency instructions provided by the surgical team.
Nasal congestion after jaw surgery may persist during the early recovery period and generally improves as swelling decreases. Nasal care, including saline-based methods, may sometimes be recommended, but patients should follow their surgeon’s specific instructions—especially after upper jaw surgery, when certain nasal activities such as forceful nose blowing may need to be avoided.
📌 Continue Reading in the Next Episode: ➔ Jaw Surgery Side Effects and Complications You Should Know About – EP. 2
