Post Op Instructions

These suggestions should minimize discomfort and inconvenience, which follow and surgical procedures. They are not absolute requirements in every case. Some of the comments may not apply to your unique case. If you have questions, please call us.

• Ice
  As soon as possible, apply an ice pack to the surgical area. From the time of surgery until bedtime, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then take it off for 20 minutes. We suggest that you relax in a reclining chair, and avoid a completely horizontal position (bed) for a few hours. The ice pack may be applied for a few hours on the morning following surgery.
• Heat
  As a general rule; avoid application of heat to the outside of the face in the surgical area. Twenty-four hours following surgery, warm salt water rinses may be used.
• Rinsing
  You have been given a bottle of chlorhexidine mouthwash. Rinse morning and evening until your sutures (stitches) have been removed or dissolve. Do not swallow the solution.
• Pain
  Ibuprofen is very effective for relief of pain. You will be given a prescription for a medication stronger than ibuprofen if we feel it may be necessary. If you have pain beyond what ibuprofen will relive, and have not been given a prescription, please call the office.
• Swelling
  A normal, natural reaction to any injury is swelling. Surgical procedures are a form of injury. Some swelling is good, as it helps carry the materials and cells the body uses in healing and repairing tissues.
• Sleep
  Sleep works wonders for body and spirit. Following a surgical procedure, plan to go to bed two hours earlier than you would normally retire. Continue this postoperative routine for two to three days.
• Smoking
  Please refrain from smoking for at least three to four hours following a surgical procedure. This will allow blood to clot adequately.
• Alcohol
  Alcoholic beverages tend to cause dehydration, which slows healing. Do not drink alcoholic beverages when taking medications. Alcohol and pain pills, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills do not mix.
• Diet
  Usually, it is best to wait for one to two hours after surgery before eating. A high-protein diet is recommended to provide proper nutrition for tissue to heal. Drink more liquids than you really care for (orange juice, broth, water, or milk). If you have trouble chewing, there are several liquid diets available, like Ensure, which will supply you with adequate nutrition while you heal. Add some ice cream to the liquid diet if you want to make it more palatable. Soft or blended and pureed foods may also solve this problem. Resume your normal diet as soon as you can do so without discomfort.
• Bleeding
  Bleeding can usually be controlled by firmly pressing the area with your thumb against gauze or a tea bag. A small amount of bleeding for a few hours is not unusual. Blood mixes with saliva, and at times, can seem worse than it actually is. Do not hesitate to call for advice or help.
• Reactions to Medicines
  If you develop a rash, hives, itching, unusual swelling, etcetera, discontinue the medicine and call our office or your physician.
• Sutures (Stitches)
  Do not be alarmed if you lose one or several of the sutures, which are placed after a few days. This will ordinarily not affect healing.
• Morning Swelling
  Sometimes a patient discovers a slight increase in swelling after sleeping. This is a natural reaction and will subside after a few hours.
• Discolored Tissues
  The skin in the surgical area will occasionally appear discolored. Don’t be concerned, but prepare to put up with the attempted humor by your friends.
• Work and Other Activity
  Be kind to yourself! Go home and rest, and stay home until you feel better, if possible. Go to bed two hours early for several days.
• Brushing
  Avoid the surgical area, but brush all other teeth. Cotton-tipped applicators can be used to gently swab the surgical area.
• Talking, Laughing, etcetera…Excessive movement of the lips and cheeks tend to cause bruising of tissues and increase swelling. Keep conversation to a minimum during recovery.