Pre-Operative Instructions

This information is intended to provide an overview related to your surgical experience. No two surgeries or patients are the exact same, you may find you will be given additional instructions by your doctor and his staff at your consultation. We encourage any questions related to your procedure after you have read the following information.

Preparation For Surgery

Prior to scheduling your operation, your doctor will carefully review your medical history. At this time it is important to disclose any information related to past, and present medical problems, illnesses, operations, medications you are currently taking (prescribed or over the counter), allergies or any adverse reactions to medications or previous general anaesthesia.

You may be advised to stop taking certain medications (i.e. blood thinners) for a few days or weeks prior to your surgery. Your doctor will provide you with this information at you consult.

Mindset

Having a strong positive attitude towards the procedure and outcome will serve to make the whole experience a more positive one. If you are feeling negative and skeptical about the procedure take some time before booking the procedure to make sure this is something you are wanting and able to cope with. Having a support system such as family or friends to be with you for the first two to three days after surgery is important.

Physical Preparation

Prior to surgery we encourage you to get adequate sleep and physical exercise. Allow yourself time to rest as this allows your body to heal. Two weeks prior to surgery, be mindful of your diet. Reduce the sodium (salt) intake in your diet, as this will decrease facial swelling after surgery. A majority of sodium comes from processed and prepared (fast) food. Examples include: prepared (frozen) dinners, cold cuts, bacon, cheese, canned soups/ foods, dairy.
Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, rice and oatmeal are just some examples of low sodium foods.
If you are a cigarette smoker, it is best to minimize if not eliminate the amount you smoke before and after surgery. Stopping cigarette smoking before surgery will help your body cope better with the anesthesia. Smoking after your procedure can increase your chances of post-operative complications including delayed healing, wound breakdown, and infection.

Admission To Hospital

This type of procedure will be performed at the hospital. Waiting lists are currently long due to reduced hospital availability. You will receive notification indicating your surgery date. Before your surgery date, you may also be seen at the hospitals pre-admission clinic. At this clinic any of the following may happen:

• A nursing assessment of your health will be done.
• You will be told about your operation or procedure and what will happen to you,
• You may have blood work and a heart tracing (ECG) done.
• You may see a medical specialist from anesthesia or Internal Medicine (sometimes both) and have a medical history and physical examination.
• You may meet with a physiotherapist, specialized nurse, social worker or other members of your healthcare team.
• You may be given instructions for fasting before surgery. You must follow these instructions carefully—it is very important that your stomach is empty before your operation.
• Stop smoking and do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before surgery.
• Shower with an antibacterial soap and shampoo your hair the night before or the morning of your surgery.
• Shave any facial hair (beards and moustaches) if possible for the surgery.
• Remove all makeup and dark purple or black nail polish before coming to the hospital.

Day of Surgery And Anesthesia

You may receive medications in preparation for the general anesthesia and to reduce any pre- surgical anxiety. An intravenous (IV) will be placed in your arm; providing the means to deliver both fluids and medications, eliminating the need for repeated injections. It will be necessary for the anesthesiologist to pass a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) from the nose into the trachea (wind pipe). This will be done when you are asleep. When the surgery is complete this tube will be removed as soon as possible. Operations of this type are generally between 2-6hrs in length depending on the exact nature of the procedure.

Post-Operative Instructions

Jaw Surgery Instructions