Is it normal for outpatient lower jaw surgery?

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#1 Post by **dvdrdiscs** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 8:24 pm

Having read a lot of the stories on here, it seems like most (if not everyone) stayed at the hospital for some time after surgery. But my surgeon stated that my lower jaw surgery will be an outpatient procedure so I can go home the same day. He also stated that I won't even be wired shut, but only banded for a week.

So do you guys think this is because he's just a skilled surgeon? From what I've researched, he's the head of the maxillofacial department at Kaiser, a professor at a major university, and has had lots of experience (close to retiring). I guess coming into this, I thought of and prepared for the worst; you know 5 weeks of wired shut, 3 days in hospital, etc. But now it seems like it's not a big deal at all!

#2 Post by **ColoradoGirl** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 11:17 pm

Hi dvdrdiscs,

I think all surgeons--and all procedures, for that matter--are different. I'm getting a double jaw, and will be banded shut for 8 weeks, but I personally think it really depends on what you're getting done and what the doctor(s) feel are best practices.

But, if I were you, I'd ask for references from the surgeon, and see what past patients have thought by calling or emailing them. I'd also make sure to really do research to the dregs--I personally asked a librarian to help me find resources on my surgeon so that I wouldn't miss any obscure print sources.

Good luck with your journey!

~M

#3 Post by **TwitBerry** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 12:43 pm

I believe outpatient surgery is standard Kaiser policy for lower only. I was released almost immediately after I woke up. I looked pretty beaten up, but I felt alert and energetic enough to leave.

That being said, I'd follow Coloradogirl's advice and check into your surgeon's background, if possible.

#4 Post by **TwitBerry** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 12:47 pm

I believe outpatient surgery is standard Kaiser policy for lower only. I was released almost immediately after I woke up. I looked pretty beaten up, but I felt alert and energetic enough to leave.

That being said, I'd follow Coloradogirl's advice and check into your surgeon's background, if possible.

#5 Post by **dvdrdiscs** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 2:59 pm

twitberry,

how long was it for the surgery? from time of check in to check out?

#6 Post by **TwitBerry** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 3:41 pm

I recall checking in at around 9 or 10 a.m. but waiting for many hours for the surgeon to get to my case. They seemed backed up with other surgeries that day. I was home by mid/late afternoon. Specific check in/check out times should be in my files, but I don't have that on me at the moment.

When are you having surgery?

#7 Post by **dvdrdiscs** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 3:53 pm

Oh that's not too bad. So surgery was about 2-3 hours? Did you come home in one of those head wrap thingies?

I'm scheduled for surgery on November 8th.

#8 Post by **TwitBerry** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 4:34 pm

They didnt give me a jaw bra, but they did try to secure a long ice pack along my jawline. It wasn't very form-fitting, and it didn't stay on long. I found two bags of frozen peas was more effective. An over-sized scarf kept them in place much better.

#9 Post by **dvdrdiscs** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:17 pm

So I received a call today to set up the following 3 appointments:

Oct. 20th
Nov. 3rd

Nov. 8th - Surgery

Nov. 15th

From my understanding the 15th is the post op one so I'm going to assume it's where my bands would be taken off. Any idea what to expect in the first two appointments drawing from your own experience?

#10 Post by **matty63** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:08 am

Nov 3rd i would imagine would be a pre-assesment. Get your vitals checked etc to make sure you're healthy for surgery.

Not sure about Oct 20th. That could be a consultation to go over some finer details.

I'm into my 2nd day into having lower jaw surgery and although i stayed in over night i was pretty much alert hours after the surgery. All the best! x

#11 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:12 am

FWIW, in the Toronto area, very few orthognathic surgery patients spend the night. Those that do usually require medical monitoring, rather than something related directly to the jaw surgery.

#12 Post by **qwertz1** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:37 pm

not being wired shut, and only 2 hours is pretty much standard for lower only (wired shut: depending on the procedure used)

I`m going to be in the hospital for 4-5 days for both jaws, and I don`t know anyone who left on the same day where I live, be it both or lower only.
but then again, I guess it depends on in what condition you expect to be when you leave. some even drive home themselves when they leave here.

#13 Post by **TwitBerry** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:55 pm

Have you had molds taken by your surgeon? I recall having this done at least 2.5 to 3 months before surgery. Once molds were taken, no changes to teeth position were allowed. My ortho placed me in static wires to avoid any tooth movement.

Have you discussed aesthetic changes with your surgeon? I assume your Oct and Nov pre-op appointments are to check health status and address last minute surgery questions. Post surgery, you'll see the surgeon on a weekly basis, up to 6 weeks or so. After that, they'll space appointments at every 2 weeks, increasing the time between follow-ups as time goes on.

#14 Post by **dvdrdiscs** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:18 pm

My surgeon didn't take molds but my orthodontist did back in August when I went in for my 2nd consultation. Maybe that Oct. 20th day is for molds and x-rays?

#15 Post by **TwitBerry** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:00 pm

I'm guessing that molds will be taken at your Oct 20th appointment. In my case, they seemed more careful than my ortho's dental techs in mold making. Your surgeon will need accurate impressions with which to fabricate a splint, assuming you'll be wearing one post surgery.