Dr. Norman Lockshin : DermAssociates
Post-Operative Instructions
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Maximum discomfort should occur in the first few days, improving each day thereafter.
- Expect bruising, swelling, numbness, tightness and tenderness of the skin for 10 - 14 days.
- Sensation around the area of the operation may be decreased. This may or may not fully return.
ACTIVITIES
- Do not drive while you are taking pain medication (narcotics).
- You may tire easily. Plan on taking it easy for the first week.
- No strenuous activity, including running or working out for 2 weeks post op.
WOUND CARE
- If there is no steri-strip on, you can wash area with soap and water and apply Vaseline/Aquaphor 2 times/day without a bandage or Vaseline/Aquaphor under a bandage.
- If there is a steri-strip on the incision, leave it on for at least 7 several days, if possible.
- Typically you will be going home with a bulky pressure dressing. This can be removed the morning after surgery.
- BLEEDING: It is fairly common for the incision to begin oozing or bleeding, especially in the first few hours after surgery. This can effectively be controlled by applying direct pressure on the bleeding site with a clean bandage and keeping constant pressure on for 15 minutes by the clock.
- BRUISING: You should also expect to have a black and blue area around the wound from surgery. The worst of the swelling and bruising will take place within 48 hours. If the surgery is on the forehead, nose or near the eyes you should expect to have a black eye that may be swollen shut.
- PAIN: If you have some discomfort following surgery, take two extra-strength Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours, but do not take aspirin or aspirin containing products (such as Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Excedrin, Advil, Bufferin, Empirin Compound and many “cold pills”).
- REST: Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining or lifting any heavy objects for as long as you have stitches, usually 7 days. Sometimes these motions cam start bleeding from the incision.
- If you have had facial surgery, sleep with your head elevated on two pillows; it will help to decrease any swelling that might occur after surgery.
- You may shower the morning after surgery.
WHEN TO CALL
- If you have increased swelling or bruising.
- If you have increased redness along the incision.
- If you have increased pain that is not relieved by your pain medication.
- If you have any side effect from your medication; rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
- If you have a temperature greater than 101.0F
- If you have yellow or green drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
- If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.