Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi,
So I had double jaw surgery on the 16th July 2015 (UK). When I woke up, my right side was much much more swollen than my left, I put it down to having had more work done on that side as I had a crossbite and underbite previously. However, the lump on my right side didn't disappear with the rest of my swelling and made my face lopsided, stiff and very sore.
I saw my surgeon who gave me antibiotics (which didn't work) and removed my remaining stitches around the infection.
Since then the infection has gotten slightly worse meaning I am now scheduled in for day surgery to remove my lower right jaw plate, my question is, how long were you guys off work with a plate removal? I tend to swell up quite badly to these things and have recently started a brand new job which is in customer service. I start my first shift on Thursday and my plate removal is on the 5th October. I'm a little worried I'll be laid off from my new job for all the time I'm taking off with orthodontic appointments and now this surgery.

Assuming your bone healed up properly, I would not think you'd have to take off more than the day, but your surgeon could give you a better idea. You might need some pain meds the next day, but you shouldn't be incapacitated (unless your job won't let you be a little spaced). The removal should be a lot more like very minor gum surgery vs. "bone" surgery.

Ah ok, thank you so much!

I had similar to you, my lower right plate was infected and had to be removed. I'm sorry to say you're going to need a lot more than a day off work, mine swelled more than after the original operation and I still have recurring pain now 8 months down the line. I don't know what your job is but I'm a teacher/tutor and speaking for any length of time was impossible.

I just had my lower plate removal today and my face hasn't swollen up at all (I was still quite swollen from the infection on that side). I'm feeling fine, almost like I've just had a tooth removed! I'm going back to work Friday so fingers crossed!

Hey there, I actually recently underwent double jaw surgery and had the same thing happen to me. There was a lump and we found out it was an infected plate that was coming to the surface. Did your face become symmetrical after having the plate removed? If so how long did it take?