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Skeletal Surgery - Common Concerns About MMA
Common Concerns About the MMA
MMA bone incisions
Pain
Tylenol with hydrocodone (Vicodin) usually controls pain adequately at time of discharge from the hospital. Most patients continue to take pain medications intermittently for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Numbness of the face and/or chin
Sensory nerves that supply the upper and lower face and jaws are stretched during the MMA. There is almost always numbness of the chin. Sometimes, the cheek areas can also be numb. It can take a long time (weeks to months) for nerve sensation to return, and in some instances it does not. These are sensory nerves, which means there will be no changes to your appearance, speech, or facial expressions.
Change in bite
Your occlusion ("bite") may shift a little after surgery. In less frequent instances, the bite needs to be adjusted before and after surgery, in which case we will refer you to orthodontists. Nonetheless, for most of our patients with proper perioperative care, there is minimal change to the existing occlusion.
Diet
Your diet progresses as the rubber bands that hold your upper and lower jaws together are removed. In the first two weeks after the MMA, you will be on a full liquid diet (juices, milk, soup). By week three, this is advanced to a Puree diet (mashed potato consistency). By weeks four or five, you may be advanced to a soft diet. While the exact timing of this sequence will vary, this is the general trajectory.
Appearance
Studies have shown that most people have a favorable response to the change in facial appearance after MMA. The most frequent changes include slight flaring of the nostrils and upward tipping of the nose. We do modify the upper jawbone during surgery to minimize and control soft tissue changes. We do pay attention to harmonizing your new facial features within the context of maximal airway enlargement.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can be bothersome especially when the jaws are banded shut. Most of the nasal congestion comes from blood clots associated with surgery, and does gradually clear in a few weeks. To maximize comfort during that period, vasoconstrictive nasal sprays such as Afrain can help for a defined period of time. Frequent use of saline nasal spray is recommended. Humidifier for the room may also help.
Infection
Infections of the intraoral wounds are infrequent, and when they do occur, are easily managed with antibiotics with possible surgical drainage. Sometimes, if there is delayed bone healing, there can be an indolent infection (osteomyelitis) of the jaw bones that requires more extensive treatment. We carefully screen for risk factors including certain medical conditions, medications, and smoking habits.
Temporomandibular joint pain
Any form of jaw surgery can potentially cause or exacerbate temporomandibular joint pain. For patients with existing TMJ pain who still need MMA, we will work closely with TMJ experts to assist with perioperative management. Adjunctive procedures including Botox injection to muscles of mastication and night guards may also be Recommended.