Post-Op

Taking all medications as prescribed will aid tremendously in your post-op comfort and healing. Pain medication is most effective when an even blood level is maintained (as opposed to taking the medication AFTER the pain is intense). Antibiotics are particularly important.

Swelling following surgery is common and usually peaks on the third day.  In order to reduce swelling, use ice packs, alternating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, for the first 12 hours. Keep your head elevated and use an extra pillow when sleeping. Some bruising, discoloration and/or swelling are not uncommon.

Apply the ice packs to your face post surgically (15 minutes on and 5 minutes off). Continue applying ice packs over the next 72 hours. Keeping crushed ice or cold substances i.e. (ice cream, sorbet or ice water) in the mouth will aid in controlling postoperative swelling. This may be helpful up to 3-5 days after your procedure.

PAIN: You may have some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Continue taking the medication as prescribed by our office. You can supplement the prescribed pain medication with 2 tablets of Tylenol. If you experience minimal pain, instead of taking the prescribed pain medication you can substitute 2 tablets of Tylenol and 2-3 tablets of an anti-inflammatory i.e. (Advil, Motrin, or Aleve). Do not drive or operate machinery if you are taking prescribed pain medication which impairs your judgement and/or senses.

Minor bleeding is normal. If bleeding is heavy, apply continuous pressure to the bleeding part with a moistened tea bag (black tea) or gauze. Pressure must be applied directly to the site of the bleeding, so look in the mirror to see where the bleeding is coming from.  Hold the pressure continuously for 15-20 minutes and re-apply as needed. If the bleeding does not stop, please telephone our office. You will also have been given my personal phone number, please feel free to contact me personally. 

In an effort to avoid causing bleeding, do not rinse or swish vigorously for the first 2-3 days. Holding ice-cold water in your mouth and allowing it to drain out with no forceful rinsing or spitting may be helpful.  Do not use a straw when drinking. Try not to irritate the surgical site when eating or brushing.

Relax as much as possible after your surgery. We advise you not to return to work the day of the surgery. We recommend sleeping with your head slightly elevated, using extra pillows, if necessary, for the first few nights. Please limit your physical activity (no tennis, jogging, etc.) and avoid stressful situations for the first 72 hours.

Please avoid smoking and the use of alcohol for the 3-5 days after surgery.

Take it easy on the day of your surgery.  Avoid strenuous exercise, stooping or bending for the first three days.

Avoid drinking anything hot for 3-5 days after surgery. Maintaining an adequate diet is very important. If chewing is difficult, try to eat a smaller amount of food more frequently. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid eating hard, spicy or acidic foods. Recommended foods include broth, eggs, custard, cooked cereals, chopped or ground meat, soup, yogurt, pudding, baby food, cottage cheese, etc. You might also try food supplements, such as Instant Breakfast.