Our Summary

This research paper is about the diets that patients follow after they have had orthognathic surgery, which is a type of surgery that corrects conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems owing to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces.

The researchers looked at the diet advice given by different medical centers around the world, and also looked at the weight changes of patients at their own institution after they had this surgery. They found that the diet advice varied a lot - the most common recommendation was for patients to have a liquid diet for 2 to 4 weeks, followed by a soft diet for 2 to 6 weeks.

The researchers found that the patients at their institution, on average, lost about 4.1 kg (about 9 lbs) in the first month after surgery, but then they gradually gained weight again. They also found that patients who were heavier to start with lost more weight after surgery than those who were lighter. After about 4 months, patients generally returned to their original weight.

The researchers concluded that there’s a lot of variability in the diet advice given to patients after this kind of surgery, and that more research is needed to determine the best diet protocol.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and what conditions does it treat?
  2. What is the typical diet recommended for patients following orthognathic surgery?
  3. What were the findings regarding weight changes of patients after undergoing orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow the specific dietary guidelines provided by their healthcare team. This can help ensure proper healing and minimize complications. It’s important to stick to a liquid or soft diet as recommended, avoid hard or chewy foods that could put strain on the jaw, and stay hydrated. Following these guidelines can also help prevent excessive weight loss or gain during the recovery period. Additionally, it’s important to communicate any concerns or difficulties with eating to your healthcare team so they can provide additional support and guidance.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery include those with severe malocclusion, facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty chewing or speaking, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or other skeletal disharmonies that cannot be corrected with braces alone. These patients may have difficulty with normal jaw function and may experience pain or discomfort due to their jaw structure.

Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth and development, typically in their late teens or early twenties. Patients should also have good oral hygiene and be in overall good health to undergo this type of surgery.

Overall, patients who have significant jaw and facial structure issues that are impacting their quality of life and oral function may be recommended for orthognathic surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if orthognathic surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a series of consultations with orthodontists and oral surgeons to determine the need for surgery
  • Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment is often required to align the teeth and jaws
  • Patient may undergo orthodontic braces or other appliances to prepare for surgery
  • Pre-surgical tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care and diet restrictions

After orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to correct the jaw and facial structure
  • Patient is placed on a liquid diet for 2 to 4 weeks to allow for proper healing
  • Patient transitions to a soft diet for 2 to 6 weeks to gradually reintroduce solid foods
  • Patient may experience weight loss in the first month after surgery, with gradual weight gain over time
  • Patients are monitored closely by medical professionals for any complications or issues during the recovery period
  • Patient undergoes post-operative orthodontic treatment to finalize the alignment of the teeth and jaws
  • Patient receives instructions on post-operative care and diet restrictions to ensure proper healing and long-term success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific dietary restrictions should I follow after orthognathic surgery?
  2. How long should I follow a liquid diet and a soft diet after the surgery?
  3. Are there any specific foods or drinks I should avoid during my recovery period?
  4. How can I ensure that I am getting enough nutrients while following these dietary restrictions?
  5. Will I need to take any supplements or vitamins during my recovery period?
  6. How will my diet change as I progress through the recovery process?
  7. Will I need to make any long-term changes to my diet after the surgery?
  8. How will my weight be monitored during the recovery period?
  9. Are there any dietary recommendations that can help prevent complications or aid in a faster recovery?
  10. Are there any resources or support groups available to help me navigate my diet during the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Irgebay Z, Beiriger JC, Beiriger JW, Matinrazm S, Natali M, Yi C, Smetona J, Schuster L, Goldstein JA. Journal: Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2023 Nov;60(11):1411-1418. doi: 10.1177/10556656221113998. Epub 2022 Jul 15. PMID: 35837697