After Zygomatic Orbital Complex/Cheekbone Fracture Surgery
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected after surgery to repair your cheekbone and/or orbital fracture. Swelling is usually greatest during the first 48–72 hours and gradually improves over the following 2–3 weeks. Bruising around the eye and cheek may take several weeks to resolve.
Activity
- Rest for the first 24–48 hours after surgery.
- Keep your head elevated (30–45 degrees) while resting or sleeping for the first week to reduce swelling.
- Walking is encouraged beginning the day after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting (>10 lbs/5 kg), bending over, or vigorous exercise for 4–6 weeks or as directed by your surgeon.
- Do not participate in contact sports or activities that could result in facial trauma for at least 6–8 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.
Ice Packs
- Apply ice packs to the affected side(s) of your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while awake during the first 48 hours.
- Wrap the ice pack in a towel— do not place ice directly on the skin.
Diet
- Begin with liquids and soft foods.
- Progress to a soft, non-chewing diet as tolerated.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Examples of appropriate foods include: Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, scrambled eggs, pasta, oatmeal
- Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or tough foods for approximately 6 weeks or until instructed otherwise.
Oral Hygiene
If you have incisions inside your mouth:
- Begin gentle saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed beginning the day after surgery.
- Brush your teeth gently using a soft toothbrush, avoiding surgical sites.
- Use prescribed mouth rinse (if provided) as directed.
Sinus Precautions (Very Important)
Many cheekbone and orbital fractures involve the maxillary sinus and/or orbital floor.
For 2–3 weeks:
- DO NOT blow your nose.
- Sneeze with your mouth open.
- Avoid forceful coughing whenever possible.
- Do not use straws if instructed by your surgeon.
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Avoid scuba diving or flying until your surgeon approves (if applicable).
Failure to follow these instructions may force air into the tissues around your eye and interfere with healing.
Eye Care
It is common to experience:
- Mild blurry vision
- Double vision that gradually improves
- Swelling around the eye
- Increased tearing
- Difficulty fully opening the eye due to swelling
- If prescribed: Use antibiotic eye ointment or drops exactly as directed. Artificial tears may be used for dryness.
- If your eyelid incision has sutures: Keep the incision clean, Apply ointment as instructed, Do not rub your eye.
Medications
Take all medications exactly as prescribed.
- These may include: Pain medication, Antibiotics, Anti-inflammatory medication, Nasal decongestant (if prescribed), Steroids (if prescribed)
- Do not drive or operate machinery while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Avoid alcohol while taking prescription pain medication.
Incision Care
If you have skin incisions:
- Keep the incision clean and dry.
- Apply antibiotic ointment only if instructed.
- Avoid direct sunlight on scars for at least 12 months.
- Once healed, use sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) over scars whenever exposed to sunlight.
Swelling & Bruising
Swelling usually:
- Peaks at 48–72 hours
- Improves significantly after one week
- May take several weeks to completely resolve
- Bruising around the eye and cheek is normal.
- Temporary numbness of the cheek, upper lip, nose, or upper teeth is common and may take several months to improve.
What to Expect
You may experience:
- Facial swelling
- Bruising around the eye
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Mild double vision
- Numbness of the cheek, upper lip, nose, or upper teeth
- Mild blood-tinged drainage from the nose or mouth during the first 24–48 hours
These symptoms generally improve with healing.
Emergency Signs
Call Our Office Immediately If You Experience
- Fever greater than 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Increasing facial swelling after the third postoperative day
- Increasing redness or drainage from the incision
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision
- Severe or worsening double vision
- Eye bulging or inability to move the eye
- Persistent nausea or vomiting preventing you from taking medications
- Clear fluid draining continuously from the nose
If you experience vision loss, severe eye pain, or difficulty breathing, proceed immediately to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
Questions or Concerns?
A 24-hour answering service is available for after-hours contact.
Prescription renewal is only accepted during office hours.
Prescription renewal is only accepted during office hours.
Contact Information
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office at 604-507-0514. Please try to call during office hours; however a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with one of our oral surgeons. For after hours please call 604-507-0514 and then press 1 when the recording begins.
Please note: telephone calls for narcotic (pain killer) prescription renewal are ONLY accepted during office hours.