Surgery

READ CAREFULLY:

IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT ABOUT ANYTHING AT ANY TIME, PLEASE CONTACT THIS OFFICE. POST-OPERATIVE CARE IS IMPORTANT FOLLOWING SURGERY.

Recovery may be delayed if this is neglected.

MEDICATIONS:

If there is no medication prescribed, take two mild pain relievers every 4 hours, if needed.
THE DAY OF THE OPERATION:
1. Do not raise your lip under any circumstances.
2. Do not eat, drink or smoke for 2 hours following surgery.
3. Apply ice bag to area 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Start 3 hours after the procedure for a minimum of 3 hours.
4. Do not lie flat. Keep head elevated and sleep with 2-3 pillows.
5. Avoid hot fluids and crunchy foods for 2 days.
6. Do not rinse mouth or brush teeth.
7. Apply Vaseline to lips if sore.
8. TAKE IT EASY

THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

1. Brush gently after meals, avoiding the surgical site and stitches.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water and use as mouthwash and to “BATHE” the surgical area, 1-2 times a day.
3. Maintain good nutrition. If you cannot chew, then drink.
4. Do not raise your lip.

The following can be expected to occur depending on the type of surgery involved

SWELLING :

Should be the greatest the second or third day after surgery and then slowly recede.

DISCOLORATION :

Black, blue oryellow areas may develop. These are not bruises but the result of bleeding into the tissues and are of little significance. It will resolve in 7-10 days.

BLEEDING :

Very slight oozing of blood may occur for several days. Any excessive bleeding should be reported.