Postoperative Instructions – Lincoln, NE

Activity

It is very important that you go home after the procedure and rest. Tomorrow you may resume your normal activity. However, you should go lightly with physical activity the first few days. You may have brief periods of chills or weakness; this is not unusual following a surgical procedure.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. Your prescription for pain control should be taken as directed for the first day. Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve may be substituted as soon as possible.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen, i.e., Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Swelling

Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, apply an ice pack to the side of the face that was treated for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This process will be beneficial for up to 8 hours after surgery. Do not use ice after the first day. Frequent warm water rinses (addition of salt to warm water is optional) may be used the day after surgery. 

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:

• Do not rinse your mouth.
• Elevate your head when lying down.
• Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 10-15 minutes; repeat if necessary.
• Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 10-15 minutes.
• Call the office if bleeding persists.

Do not try to stop the bleeding by removing the surgical dressing or by rinsing. Try to avoid rinsing or using a straw after any surgical procedures. No smoking or limited smoking for 24 hours following the surgical procedure helps achieve the best result.

Smoking

Avoid smoking if at all possible as smoking can significantly slow healing and compromise results.

Dressing/Bandage

The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. If you are a patient for whom antibiotic pre-medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.

Diet

Adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing. Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery so as not to soften the dressing. A soft diet is important so healing tissues will not be traumatized. We suggest soft foods for a few days following surgery.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 402-483-7631 during regular office hours.