Post-Operative Care
Sleep Apnea Surgery (MMA) Recovery
Maxillomandibular advancement surgery is a significant procedure for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Careful adherence to these recovery instructions is essential for optimal outcomes and successful airway improvement.
Track Your Recovery
Personalized day-by-day timeline based on your procedure
Enter your surgery date to see a personalized Sleep Apnea Surgery (MMA) recovery timeline.
Critical Initial Recovery
First 48 Hours
- •Apply ice packs: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for first 24 hours
- •Keep head elevated at 45-degree angle at all times
- •Jaw may be banded or wired - do not attempt to open
- •Keep wire cutters accessible at all times (for emergencies only)
- •Liquid diet only - use syringe or spoon for feeding
- •Take all prescribed medications as directed
- •Manage nasal congestion with saline spray
- •No CPAP for first 24-48 hours post-surgery
- •Sleep propped up on 2-3 pillows
- •Rest completely - no physical activity
Peak Swelling Phase
Week 1-2
- •Maximum swelling typically occurs days 2-5, then gradually decreases
- •Continue ice therapy as needed for swelling management
- •Begin CPAP therapy if tolerating - use humidifier setting
- •Continue liquid/pureed diet - may slowly introduce foods as tolerated
- •Swelling may cause temporary worsening of symptoms - this is normal
- •Sleep on back with head elevated to reduce swelling
- •Take all medications until completed
- •Bruising may extend down neck and chest - this will fade
- •Begin gentle jaw exercises as instructed
- •Attend all follow-up appointments
Transition Phase
Weeks 3-4
- •Swelling significantly decreases - major improvement expected
- •Bands/wires may be removed or adjusted by surgeon
- •Begin progressing to soft food diet (eggs, pasta, yogurt)
- •CPAP usage increases - continue every night
- •Physical therapy for jaw mobility begins
- •Perform prescribed jaw opening exercises 3-4 times daily
- •Sleep positioning: back or side sleeping, avoid face-down
- •Gradually increase activity level as tolerated
- •Nasal congestion usually improves - continue saline spray
- •Stitches removed if non-dissolvable
Progressive Rehabilitation
Weeks 5-8
- •Majority of swelling resolved - facial contours stabilizing
- •Soft foods progressing to near-normal diet (avoid hard/crunchy)
- •CPAP therapy essential - continue nightly throughout recovery
- •Physical therapy 2-3 times per week
- •Jaw opening significantly improved with exercises
- •Light physical activities can resume
- •Sleep study monitoring as directed by surgeon
- •Continue all follow-up appointments
- •Numbness/tingling begins to improve significantly
Full Recovery & Long-term Follow-up
Months 3-6
- •Surgical effects fully realized for sleep apnea treatment
- •Normal diet can be resumed
- •CPAP may still be used as recommended by sleep specialist
- •Full jaw function and comfort achieved
- •Follow-up sleep study scheduled to assess apnea improvement
- •Continue physical therapy if needed
- •Full return to normal activities and exercise
- •Any residual swelling completely resolved
- •Long-term lifestyle adjustments established
- •Regular follow-up appointments with surgeon