Our Summary

In a nutshell, this research paper discusses the importance of minimizing blood loss during surgery, and how a drug called tranexamic acid can help achieve that. This drug, which is used to slow down the breaking down of blood clots, has been proven to significantly reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions after surgery. While it is commonly used in surgeries such as heart, orthopedic, and trauma, its use in plastic surgery is not as widespread. This is mostly because plastic surgeries generally don’t lead to severe blood loss resulting in anemia or requiring blood transfusion. However, the authors suggest that there could be significant benefits to using tranexamic acid in plastic surgery as well. The paper delves into these benefits, as well as the recommended dosages and how to effectively use this drug in plastic surgery procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is tranexamic acid and what is its main function during surgery?
  2. Why is tranexamic acid not commonly used in plastic surgery?
  3. What potential benefits could tranexamic acid have in plastic surgery according to the research paper?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing jaw surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including maintaining a soft diet, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed pain medication as needed. They may also recommend practicing good oral hygiene to prevent infection and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to gently massage their jaw muscles to reduce swelling and promote circulation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorders, and facial trauma. In some cases, jaw surgery may also be recommended for cosmetic reasons to improve the overall appearance of the face. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for jaw surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient consults with oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Pre-operative appointments for medical history review, imaging scans, and dental impressions
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align teeth
  • Surgeon creates a surgical plan and discusses risks and benefits with the patient

After jaw surgery:

  • Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, lasting several hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home
  • Recovery period involves pain management, swelling, and a liquid diet for several weeks
  • Follow-up appointments with surgeon for monitoring healing progress and adjusting orthodontic treatment
  • Gradual return to normal diet and activities as healing progresses
  • Long-term follow-up to monitor jaw function and aesthetics

Overall, jaw surgery is a complex procedure that requires careful planning and management both before and after the surgery to ensure successful outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process after jaw surgery and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  3. Are there any alternative treatment options to jaw surgery that I should consider?

  4. How will jaw surgery impact my ability to speak, eat, and breathe?

  5. What are the long-term effects and benefits of jaw surgery?

  6. Will I need to follow a specific diet or post-operative care regimen after jaw surgery?

  7. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery procedures and what is your success rate?

  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential risks associated with it?

  9. How much will jaw surgery cost and will my insurance cover any of the expenses?

  10. Are there any specific pre-operative tests or evaluations that I need to undergo before jaw surgery?

Reference

Authors: Rohrich RJ, Cho MJ. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 Feb;141(2):507-515. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003926. PMID: 28938364