1 year post-op, swelling

[Quince]

Hi,

It's been 12 months since my surgery and things are generally good. My main issue is the residual swelling: I'd say my face is about 80-85% puffiness-free, which isn't what I expected. It's noticeable in the sense that my face/profile looks "odd" and my upper lip is very puffy. I did have double jaw surgery with genioplasty, which isn't a light procedure, but is this normal? Could anyone share their experience? Should I expect the swelling to fade on its own, and will my face ever be completely puffiness-free? I've heard of a case where the swelling became a permanent condition, and this worries me.

I'm also looking for ways to try to speed things up. From what I gather, the swelling is basically lymph. I've heard of lymphatic draining massage, but is it actually effective? And if I massage the puffy area often, will it help get rid of it? Any supplements I could take? Also, is there any medical procedure that can get rid of it, in case it's permanent?

I really, really want to do whatever it takes to get rid of this ASAP.

[class3underbiteboy]

That sounds terrible. Have you asked your ortho/surgeon for any advice?

How do you respond to anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin/ibuprofen?

[Quince]

Thanks for your reply. The reason why I haven't had a follow-up is because I've been out of the country since the surgery, but I'll schedule an appointment once I'm back.

I've taken the required Ibuprofen post-op, but I don't know if taking it for a longer period is recommended. Do you think Ibuprofen or Aspirin at this point could help?

I'm not as swollen as I was 3 months ago, so there is some progress, but I just hope it continues. I've often heard that what you see 1 year post-op is what you're stuck with. Scary.

[Sams]

Hi Qunice,

I saw a YouTube vid the other day about the after effects of nose surgery (I'm a little obsessed with my swollen nose at the moment). Anyway this plastic surgeon said that the swelling from nose surgery can take TWO YEARS to fully diminish. I'm only a few weeks in myself but it's the swelling around my nose/sinuses that is having the greatest effect on me, not anything that happened to my jaw. I really would talk with a professional about it to put your mind at rest. Hope it works out for you.

Sams

[Quince]

Thanks, Sams.

Two years actually gives me some hope. I can deal with it as long as it's not permanent. It's not clear whether or not you've had nose surgery in addition to jaw surgery, or if the nose issue is strictly due to jaw surgery. My nose is definitely wider now, especially when I smile. But it's mostly because of the puffy upper-lip.

I can't wait to get my surgeon's opinion, though. Best of luck.