Post-Op Instructions

For detailed instructions, please consult the documented post-operative procedures.

During your initial post-operative period (two to three weeks) you can expect: -Swelling and bruising around the surgical areas that will peak at the third or fourth day. -To be resting, and avoid heavy lifting, pushing or pulling or exercising. -To avoid foods requiring heavy chewing if you have had facial surgery. -To have some slowing of your bowel habits. -To find yourself easily fatigued with activities and "feeling blue" at times. -To perform your wound care as directed until the sutures and staples are removed.

After your procedure, you may have a mild headache, nausea, incisional pain, muscle aches, sore throat, or feel tired and irritable. This is normal after surgery, and not serious. Rest and relaxation, light diet, pain medications and time should help you feel better.

When you go home: There needs to be a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours. Within the first 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking pain medication you should not: Drive or operate machinery, sign legal documents, drink alcohol of any kind, or perform any strenuous activity. You will not be allowed to drive for the first several days after surgery.

You will need to rest, and recline at 30 to 45 degree angle on your back, avoiding side or stomach position, for the first two weeks.

Alternate cold compresses on the surgical areas as much possible for the first 3 days. Applying them in intervals of 15 minutes on an area, 15 minutes off will help decrease the swelling and bruising. It is not necessary to do this through the night while you are asleep.

If you don't feel hungry at first you may want to try clear liquids or a light diet. It is important to drink more fluids the first few days, however you will need to have some solid food in you stomach before your take your antibiotics and pain medications. If you have unresolved nausea and/or vomiting, call (941) 366-8897.

Leave your dressings and garments intact until the doctor has seen you at your first post-operative visit. If you feel there is a need to adjust them, please call (941) 366-8897 and let us guide you through the adjustment. Take your antibiotics as directed until they are finished.

No smoking, or exposure to second hand smoking, or drinking of alcoholic beverages for the first two weeks.

You will need to call the doctor immediately if you have:

• A fever above 101 degrees, nausea and vomiting, bleeding that soaks through the dressings, or a hematoma (bleeding under the skin that causes severe swelling and pain.