After Surgery
POSTSURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day. Routine, nonstrenuous activity is not harmful unless otherwise directed. Smoking and alcohol consumption delay the wound healing process and should be avoided or minimized for 3 days following surgery.
- It is essential that you maintain an adequate diet with proper solid and fluid intake during the first 3 days following surgery.
- Avoid manipulation of the facial tissues as much as possible. Do not raise the lip or pull back the cheeks to inspect the surgical site as you may dislodge the sutures (stitches).
- Some oozing of blood from the superficial site is normal during the day and evening of surgery. Slight swelling and facial skin discoloration (bruising) may be experienced. This is temporary and will resolve on its own in a few days.
- Apply an ice bag with firm pressure to the face directly over the surgical site. You should apply the ice bag alternately 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for 6-8 hours following surgery. After 8 hours, the ice bag should not be applied. Frequent moist heat applications to the face are recommended after the third post-surgical day. Maximum swelling may occur 48 hours after surgery.
- Post-surgical infection is unusual but possible. Signs of infection may cause increased pain, increased swelling and tenderness, elevated body temperature, chills, and other flu-like symptoms. An objectionable odor and taste may also be experienced. If these conditions exist, please call our office.
- The superficial site will be tender and sore. For this reason you should follow the analgesic regimen prescribed: ______ tablets/capsules of ______________________ every ______ hours following surgery. Additional prescription medication may be required as well.
- Careful tooth brushing is desirable and promotes healing. Brush only the teeth and make every effort to avoid the gums. Twenty-four hours after surgery, you may begin rinsing with Peridex if prescribed or a mild saltwater solution of ½ tsp. of table salt and ½ glass of warm water.
- The sutures (stitches) that have been placed must be removed to ensure proper healing. It is important that you return at the appointed time for suture removal.
- Recall visits are necessary to monitor the progress of healing.
- Should any complications arise, please do not hesitate to call. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician and you are unable to reach us, go to the closest emergency room immediately.