What Is the Downtime for Osteotomy Surgery? Post-Surgery Recovery and Precautions Explained

"I'm scared of the downtime from bone-cutting surgery and can't take the first step……"
"When can I return to work or school?"

Bone-cutting surgery can fundamentally change your facial features, but because it is a major procedure involving bone, many people feel anxious about the post-operative course and its impact on daily life.

The downtime for bone-cutting surgery varies depending on the procedure, but spending the recovery period correctly not only reduces the burden but also directly affects the beauty of the final result.

In this article, we will explain in detail—drawing on the expertise of KAI CLINIC TOKYO—everything from the estimated downtime after bone-cutting surgery, tips for spending the post-operative period, to precautions in daily life.

Would you like to properly understand the post-operative course, prepare fully, and take the first step toward your ideal self?

Estimated Downtime for Bone-Cutting Surgery

First, we will explain the estimated downtime for bone-cutting surgery by procedure.

Downtime for Corrective Surgery of the Mouth and Jaw

The estimated downtime for "Le Fort I osteotomy + Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (SSRO)," which are often performed in combination, or for upper/lower segmental osteotomy (setback surgery) aimed at correcting protrusion of the mouth area, is as follows.

• 2–3 days after surgery: The period when swelling and bruising are at their strongest
• Up to 1 month: Symptoms gradually subside and you can appear in public
• Up to 6 months: Complete resolution

It takes approximately 2 weeks to 1 month before you can speak smoothly and clearly.

Estimated Time to Return to Work

For desk work with low physical strain, where you can obtain understanding from those around you even if they know about the surgery, the estimated return is 1–2 weeks after surgery.

On the other hand, for those in sales or customer-facing roles who wish to return without others noticing, the estimated time is approximately 1.5–2 months.

※Even for desk work, if you do not want others to know, the same period as for sales or customer-facing roles applies.
※If you are in an environment where you can wear a mask, it will be harder for others to notice.

Learn more about "Le Fort I Osteotomy + Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (SSRO)" Learn more about "Upper/Lower Segmental Osteotomy (Setback Surgery)"

Downtime for Small Face / Facial Contouring (3-Point Contouring)

The estimated downtime for small face / facial contouring by jaw angle reduction, cheek, and chin osteotomy, or cheekbone setback, is as follows.

• 2–3 days after surgery: The period when swelling and bruising are at their strongest
• Up to 2 weeks: Symptoms gradually subside and you can appear in public
• Up to 3 months: Complete resolution

Estimated Time to Return to Work

For desk work with low physical strain, where you can obtain understanding from those around you even if they know about the surgery, the estimated return is approximately 2 days to 1 week after surgery.

On the other hand, for those in sales or customer-facing roles who wish to return without others noticing, approximately 1 month is the estimated time.

※Even for desk work, if you do not want others to know, the same period as for sales or customer-facing roles applies.
※If you are in an environment where you can wear a mask, it will be harder for others to notice.

Learn more about "Small Face / Facial Contouring" Learn more about "Cheekbone Setback"

[By Procedure] How to Spend the Downtime After Bone-Cutting Surgery

We will explain how to spend the post-operative period after bone-cutting surgery, divided into common points and points specific to each procedure.

For Corrective Surgery of the Mouth and Jaw

After corrective surgery of the mouth and jaw, please take care of the following points.

• Jaw fixation:
  To stabilize the bite, the upper and lower jaws are fixed with rubber bands for approximately 3 weeks. Conversation is possible, but you will not be able to open your mouth wide.
• Diet:
  During the fixation period, nutrition is supplemented with liquid food. Following the doctor's instructions, you will gradually transition to softer foods.
• Oral care:
  It is important to keep the mouth clean by gently rinsing and gargling after meals. If there are wounds, brush gently with a small-headed toothbrush.

For Small Face / Facial Contouring (3-Point Contouring)

After small face / facial contouring (3-point contouring), please take care of the following points.

• Diet：
  To reduce the burden on the jaw, you will need to choose soft foods for approximately one month after surgery.
• Aftercare：
  To minimize swelling, IV drip care may be provided, and Botox injections to prevent complications may be administered as needed.

【Common】Precautions After Bone Cutting Surgery

Regardless of the procedure, the following are common precautions to keep in mind.

• Sleeping position：
  Sleeping on your back with your head elevated helps avoid blood flow concentration in the face and reduces swelling.
• Daytime activity：
  Staying in bed all day after surgery can actually prolong swelling. It is recommended to get up and engage in light, quiet activity during the day within a comfortable range.
• Brushing teeth：
  While there are wounds inside the mouth, the key is to brush gently with a small-headed toothbrush.
• Frequent rinsing：
  Rinsing and gargling gently and frequently after meals to keep the oral cavity clean at all times helps reduce the risk of infection.
• Exercise：
  Light exercise can resume 1–2 weeks after surgery. However, it should be restarted gradually under the guidance of your doctor while monitoring your condition.
• Alcohol：
  Strictly prohibited for one month after surgery, as it can worsen pain and swelling.
• Smoking：
  Must be avoided for three months after surgery, as it significantly impairs wound healing.

The downtime periods and symptoms introduced here are only guidelines, so please visit us if symptoms persist or if you feel any concern, no matter how minor.

KAI CLINIC TOKYO Bone Cutting Surgery Cases

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we conduct thorough counseling in advance so that each patient can achieve the beauty they are aiming for, and then propose and perform bone cutting surgery accordingly.

Here we introduce actual surgical cases performed at our clinic.

Full Face Cosmetic Surgery

This case involves a patient who visited us with the wish to "improve a bony impression and achieve a cuter facial appearance."

By eliminating the overall unevenness through bone cutting, even the untreated features now appear more refined and neat.

【Surgeon】
Mitsunori Harima

【Procedures】
Bimaxillary surgery, facial contouring 3-point, double eyelid incision, ptosis correction, septal extension rhinoplasty, augmentation rhinoplasty, nasal tip plasty, costal cartilage harvesting, auricular cartilage transplant, aristocrat surgery

【Risks/Side Effects】
Swelling, asymmetry, bruising, infection, scarring, pigmentation, pain, numbness, sensory abnormalities, bone displacement, oral adhesion, facial nerve palsy, sagging, allergic reactions, etc.

View the Full Face Cosmetic Surgery Case in Detail

Facial Contouring 3-Point + Pelican Surgery + Alar Plasty

This patient first underwent facial contouring 3-point surgery (cheekbone reduction + V-line contouring), and one year later received pelican surgery and rhinoplasty (alar base plasty and alar plasty).

By adding pelican surgery and rhinoplasty, the effects of the initial facial contouring 3-point surgery are further enhanced, resulting in a more refined overall appearance.

【Surgeon】
Ryo Takanashi

【Procedures】
Facial contouring 3-point (cheekbone reduction + V-line contouring), pelican surgery (submental muscle ligation), alar base plasty (Gore-Tex), alar plasty (medial + lateral)

【Risks/Side Effects】
Swelling, asymmetry, bruising, infection, scarring, pigmentation, pain, numbness, sensory abnormalities, bone displacement, oral adhesion, facial nerve palsy, sagging, allergic reactions, etc.

【Price】
Total: approximately 2,000,000 yen (tax included)

View the "Facial Contouring 3-Point + Pelican Surgery + Alar Plasty" Case in Detail

For Bone Cutting Surgery, Please Consult KAI CLINIC TOKYO

"I'm considering bone cutting surgery, but I'm worried about the downtime…"

If you have such concerns, please feel free to consult KAI CLINIC TOKYO at any time.

At our clinic, we begin with thorough counseling to help each patient achieve the ideal beauty they are seeking.

Based on that, we propose a treatment plan to fulfill your wishes and provide bone cutting surgery utilizing our continuously refined medical expertise and knowledge to the fullest.

Furthermore, we not only perform the bone cutting surgery but also provide thorough post-operative follow-up care, ensuring you can consult us at any time if you have even the slightest concern.

If you are considering resolving facial contour concerns through bone cutting surgery and taking a new step forward, please feel free to book a counseling appointment via LINE.

Summary

Bone cutting surgery is a procedure that can fundamentally change your facial appearance.

However, there are many people who cannot take the first step due to concerns about downtime.

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we provide careful counseling, high-quality surgical techniques, and thorough aftercare support so that even those concerned about downtime can undergo bone cutting surgery with confidence.

"I want to change my appearance with bone cutting surgery, but I'm anxious about the downtime."

If you have such concerns, please feel free to consult KAI CLINIC TOKYO first.