Surgical Information »Postoperative Care

Very Important:

If you have excessive bleeding, swelling, or pain, call the office day or night.

Your First 24 Hours: If you are going home, a family member or friend must drive you because you have been sedated. Someone should stay with you overnight. If you have any questions about this, please ask one of our staff.

Dressing:

Keep your dressings as clean and dry as possible. Do not remove them unless instructed to do so.

Activity:

The key to managing your pain at home is activity management. You may go to the bathroom, sit and watch TV etc, but no matter how good you feel, do not do anything strenuous. Too much activity may cause more swelling and bruising than is unavoidable. Depending on your surgery, your physician may give you more specific instructions about how to perform specific activities. Please ask if the instructions seem unclear.

Ice Therapy:

Cold/ Ice helps to reduce swelling, bruising and pain. For certain types of surgeries, your physician may recommend the use of a cryo-cuff or other icing aids. Be sure that you have ice ready and a proper place to position this device before you need it. If the ice feels too uncomfortable, don't use it as often or insulate it with a soft cloth. Cold therapy should help, not hurt you.

Diet:

If you have postoperative nausea, carbonated sodas and dry crackers may settle your stomach. If nausea is severe, contact our office. If you feel normal, start with liquids and bland foods, and if those are well tolerated, progress to a regular diet.

Alcohol:

Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could increase postoperative bleeding. Please do not drink until you have stopped taking the prescription pain medications, as the combination could be dangerous.

Driving:

Please don't drive for at least 2 days after general anesthesia, intravenous sedation and/or while taking prescription pain medications.

Post Operative Appointments:

It is very important that you follow the schedule of appointments that we have established after surgery for physician visits and physical therapy.

Medications:

Please contact your pharmacy for medication refills 24 hours prior to running out.