What to Know Before Your Oral or Facial Surgery
Many conditions are treated with facial surgery that doctors recommend for issues in the face and neck region. Before you head into surgery, read this guide so you know what to expect during the process.
What Is Oral and Facial Surgery?
As the name suggests, these kinds of surgeries focus on correcting issues within the head and neck. You can be recommended for this type of surgery for many reasons, such as cancers of the head and neck, impacted teeth, cysts, facial injuries, and more.
Some surgeries are known as maxillofacial surgery, as they focus on the jaws and mouth. Because of this, these surgeries are seen as the bridge between dentistry and medical care. You may find that your dentist refers you for surgery, rather than your doctor.
What to Do Before You Go in For Surgery
Before your operation date, you will be advised on what to expect during your surgery. It’s a good idea to pay close attention and even take notes. Your doctor will be more than happy to answer any questions you have, so that’s the best time to ask them.
You may be asked to fast for a certain period before your surgery. It can be difficult for you but ensure that you do as you’re asked. If you don’t, it could delay your surgery.
When preparing for surgery, make sure that you arrange transport for yourself to and from the hospital. You won’t be able to drive after you’ve had surgery, so you’ll want to get a loved one to take you home after your procedure.
Undergoing Surgery
When you undergo surgery, the team at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Private Healthcare will keep you as comfortable as possible. They’ll keep you informed at every stage of the procedure, and make everything as easy and as painless as possible.
In most cases, facial surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Once you’ve had your surgery and have been cleared by the medical team, you’ll be allowed to leave and recover in the comfort of your own home. When you’re discharged, you’ll be given lots of advice on how to make your recovery go smoothly. You’ll also have an appointment arranged for you to come back in the future to check up on how you’re doing.
Eating After Facial Surgery
After your surgery, you’ll want to stick to soft, room temperature foods for 2 days. This includes things like yogurts and soups. After this phase, you’ll want to avoid crunchy food, like popcorn and pretzels, for up to 8 weeks.
Directly after your surgery, it’s best to avoid hot drinks and hot foods. This is because the anesthesia will still be in your system, and you may not feel if something is too hot. This puts you at risk of burns.
These tips will help you prepare for your facial surgery and recover quickly afterward. Pay attention to your doctors and follow this advice for the best results.
