Jaw Surgery Recovery
Myofunctional Therapy Before & After Orthognathic Surgery
Surgery changes the anatomy. Recovery retrains the muscles.
Together, we'll help your muscles learn their new home.
A Note From Me
In June 2026, I underwent double jaw surgery myself. As both a speech-language pathologist and Certified Orofacial Myologist, I expected I'd know exactly how to navigate recovery.
Instead, I discovered just how many questions remained unanswered.
That experience didn't replace my clinical knowledge; it gave it a new perspective. It gave me a firsthand understanding of the physical, functional, and emotional realities of jaw surgery recovery, and it inspired me to create the kind of support I wish I'd had.
Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters
Orthognathic surgery changes the position of the jaws.
However, the muscles, tongue, lips, and nervous system must learn to function within that new anatomy.
While your surgeon focuses on moving the bones into an ideal position, myofunctional therapy helps your muscles adapt to their new anatomy by restoring comfortable, coordinated movement for speaking, chewing, swallowing, smiling, and facial expression.
Surgery is only one part of the journey.
Functional rehabilitation is what helps your new anatomy begin to feel like your own.
Before Surgery
Preparing your muscles before surgery can help you enter recovery with greater confidence and a stronger foundation for healing.
Establishing proper tongue resting posture
Optimizing chewing patterns and efficiency
Refining swallowing mechanics
Practicing pill swallowing before movement becomes limited
Optimizing nasal breathing when appropriate
Learning what to expect during recovery
Creating an individualized plan for the first weeks after surgery
Pre-operative myofunctional therapy may include:
As healing progresses and your surgeon clears you for rehabilitation, therapy focuses on helping your muscles and nervous system adapt to their new anatomy.
After Surgery
Neuromuscular re-education of the facial muscles
Improving facial symmetry and coordinated movement
Restoring lip mobility, strength, and closure
Increasing tongue mobility, coordination, and strength
Improving jaw range of motion
Supporting clear speech and articulation
Rebuilding safe, efficient swallowing
Relearning functional chewing as foods are gradually reintroduced
Addressing compensatory movement patterns that may develop during recovery
Treatment may include:
Every rehabilitation plan is individualized and progresses according to your surgeon's recommendations and healing timeline.
One of the most unexpected parts of my own recovery wasn't just the swelling or adjusting to a face that suddenly looked and felt unfamiliar. It was realizing how few people talked about that part of recovery, and how isolating it could feel.
Sometimes you don't need someone to tell you to "be patient." You need someone who understands why your smile feels different, why chewing feels impossible, why your lips won't move the way they used to, or why you're wondering if what you're experiencing is normal.
While I can't promise to have every answer, I can promise to listen, to help you make sense of what you're experiencing, and to walk alongside you as you regain confidence in your speech, swallowing, chewing, facial function, and perhaps most importantly, in the face looking back at you in the mirror.
Some days you'll celebrate a new milestone. On other days, you may wonder whether what you're experiencing is normal or if you'll ever feel like yourself again. Both are part of recovery.
I hope to provide not only evidence-informed care, but also a place where you feel heard, understood, and supported, without having to apologize for how you're feeling.
Recovery is hard enough. You deserve guidance grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience.
Recovery Can Feel Lonely.
It Doesn't Have to.
Ready When You Are.
Whether you're preparing for surgery, recovering from it, or simply looking for guidance along the way, I'd be honored to help.