Post Operative Instructions For Cosmtic/Soft Tissue Surgery

• If the patient was sedated for surgery, a responsible adult must accompany them and REMAIN IN THE WAITING ROOM and stay with them for the remained of the day.
  
  
• Tobacco products should be avoided for several days after surgery to decrease the chances of infection and slow healing.
  
  
• Take all medications as prescribed and do not take them on an empty stomach. Do not mix medications with alcoholic beverages.
  
  
• Apply an ice pack for the first 24 hours. A zip-lock bag filled with ice and wrapped in a towel works well. Thirty minutes on/thirty minutes off. After 24 hours of ice, you may apply moist heat to help decrease stiffness and soreness in the jaw and face.
  
  
• Apply ointments to affected area as directed by the doctor.
  
  
• If a dressing is in place remove the dressing in (nurse to fill in) hours.
  
  
• At (nurse to fill in) am/pm the patient may start taking their pain medication. One cup of strained soup needs to be eaten before this medication is given. Do not take pain medications on an empty stomach. The patient may resume all other medications at this time.
  
  
• Some swelling and bruising is anticipated after certain types of facial surgery. This usually peaks about 36 - 48 hours after surgery and normally the swelling should start to resolve at that point.
  
  
• Some numbness is expected after certain types of facial surgery and may take several days or possibly several months to resolve.
  
  
• Remember while taking narcotic pain reliever or other medications that make you sleepy, you should avoid driving a vehicle, operating heavy machinery, or use of fire arms. This is extremely important.
  
  
• Other instructions could be given at time of surgery