The persistence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) episodes can cause further complications to the patient, such as: dehiscence of the surgical wound, dehydration, esophageal rupture, hematoma, hemorrhage, and may even lead to death. Considering its high incidence in surgical procedures of the face and oral cavity, the present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of PONV episodes in oral and maxillofacial surgeries under general anesthesia as well as to identify the main risk factors associated with these episodes. This analytical, observational, retrospective study was based on the documentary analysis of 200 medical records of patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital of the Federal University of Ceará. Data on patient profile and surgical procedures were collected. PONV episodes were reported in 9% of cases, with 100% occurring in the first 12 postoperative hours. Non-smoking patients, who underwent surgery via intraoral access lasting 3 hours or longer and with greater blood loss were more likely to experience PONV episodes. The identification of patients at greater risk as well as the understanding of the impact that certain surgical procedures have on the occurrence of PONV are fundamental to plan and establish strategies to control PONV episodes.