Jaw Surgery and Sports: When Can I Go Back to Sports After Surgery?

1. Is it possible to do sports after jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is a serious surgical procedure that corrects the position of the face and jaw bones. After this surgery, athletes and individuals who lead an active lifestyle "When can I return to sport?" often asks the question.

The response depends on the individual's recovery process, the type of sport they do and how quickly the jaw bones fuse.But in general, the first 6 weeks is a critical period to be careful and It is recommended not to start heavy sports without the surgeon's approval.

2. Return to Sport after Jaw Surgery

⏳ First 2 Weeks: Absolute Rest and Light Movements

• Low-impact activities such as walking can be done.
• The head should be kept upright to reduce swelling in the chin and face.
• Activities such as heavy lifting, brisk walking, jogging should be avoided.
• All activities that increase intraoral pressure should be avoided (e.g. diving, playing wind instruments).
• Exercises involving upside-down movements, such as yoga, are contraindicated.
• Exercises that increase blood pressure should be avoided.

 2-6 Weeks: Light Cardio and Resistance Exercises

• Light brisk walking or stationary cycling (without raising the heart rate too high).
• Light resistance exercises (e.g. leg exercises, but without lifting weights).
• The duration of physical activity should be kept short (20-30 minutes).
• Activities such as weight lifting, swimming, running are still unfavourable.
•  All kinds of sports that can hit the jaw area should be avoided (basketball, football, combat sports, etc.).

6-12 Weeks: Gradual Transition to Intermediate Exercises

• Low-impact cardio exercises such as light jogging or elliptical cycling.
• Light resistance training (e.g. body weight exercises).
• Low-paced swimming with a doctor's approval.
• Exercises requiring high pressure such as weight lifting should not be started before the bone union process is completed.
• Sports with a risk of impact on the jaw area should still be avoided.

 12 Weeks and Beyond: Gradual Transition to Heavy Sports

. Weight lifting (starting with light loads).

. Light contact sports (e.g. basketball and football, but with face protection).

. Back to full-body training.

. Sports with the risk of direct jaw impact such as boxing, combat sports, rugby should be suspended for 6 months.

. Chin protection should be used in contact sports.

3. Recommendations for Sports After Jaw Surgery

• . Lifting weights is not recommended for the first 3 months.
• . After the 3rd month, light weights should be started.
• . From the 6th month onwards, normal weights can be returned with the doctor's approval.
• . Swimming in the pool or sea can be done after the 6th week with the doctor's approval.
• . Diving into water or being hit by hard waves is risky for the jaw.
• . It is not recommended for 3-4 months due to the high risk of impact on the chin area.
• . Chin protection masks should be used when turning.
• . It should not be done for at least 6 months!
• . Taking heavy blows before the jawbone is fully healed can prevent bone union or lead to re-fracture.
• . Movements involving upside-down postures should be avoided.
• . Starting with light movements, intensive exercises can be started after the 8th week.

4. Risks of Sports After Jaw Surgery

• . There is a risk of delaying the healing process of the jawbone.
• . Excessive exercise can increase swelling by accelerating blood circulation.
• . Sudden movements or impacts can cause the stitches to open at the operation site.
• . High-pressure exercises can overload the jaw joints.

Conclusion When can you return to sport after jaw surgery?

. The first 2 weeks: Strictly rest and light walks.

. 2-6 weeks: Light cardio and low-intensity exercises.

. 6-12 weeks: Start of low-contact sports and weight training.

. After 12 weeks: Return to contact sports and heavy exercises with doctor's approval.

👉 It is important to plan your return to sport in consultation with your doctor!