Swelling and Sinus Pressure 3 months out?

[trc]

Hello,

I am 39 and I had upper, lower, genioplasty and bone graft/sinus lift (for future implant) on May 25th. It has been 12 weeks and I still have significant swelling in the cheeks around the nose. I had a question for those that had upper jaw surgery - how long did the swelling last? Did you still have sinus pressure this far after surgery? I am trying to be patient but I still don't feel happy about my results yet. I was happy with the way I looked before and only had the surgery to correct my open bite that was destroying my back teeth. The wooden mask feeling is not going away, my lips are still hard to move and my chin feels wooden. I try to keep positive thoughts and not dwell on it every day but it is hard. What is making it harder is that none of my back teeth touch anymore so I can't chew food yet. Still only on soft and liquid foods. Ortho has me in elastics to close the open bite in the back but that will take many months. Anyone have any advise or tips on how to cope with the swelling or improve it?

Thanks!

[AF104]

See your surgeon. You may have an infection. If not, you could ask for a 6-day taper of Medrol or alternatively take NSAID's and apply ice.

[Super Smile]

You definitely need to talk to your doctor. What you had done was deferent, but I don’t think you should still be significantly swollen at the 12 week mark. For most procedures the swelling should peek day 3-5 and then decrease a good amount each week. I hope it’s not a serious problem and wish you the best recovery.

[Super Smile]

FYI – Ice will not help after the first 48-72 hours. Ice is used to constrict the blood vessels and prevent additional fluids from getting to the trauma location. After this initial period, continuing to constrict the blood vessels will not do anything to decrease the swelling. At this point, using a hot cloth or taking a hot shower will be more helpful as it will open the blood vessels to help get the fluids moving and away from the trauma area.

Be sure to keep the area elevated above your heart (to include sleeping elevated). A NSAID (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug) such as Motrin may help bring down the swelling also.

I highly recommend talking to your doctor.

[trc]

Thanks for the comments and advice. I don't see the surgeon again until October so I guess I will just have to wait.

Thanks.

[AF104]

You can call and ask for an earlier appointment.