Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. As long as there are no medical issues that prevent you taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen, use the two in an alternating manner to keep a steady control of discomfort. Initially take 800mg Ibuprofen. Two and a half hours later take an Extra-strength Tylenol. Two and a half hours later take the 800mg Ibuprofen again and continue on during the day following this pattern. It is better to stay ahead of the discomfort than to try to play catch-up once it has settled in.
Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), 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. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. 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, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible. Two days after surgery you can also use a heat compress to help reduce the inflammation.
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 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
- Call the office if bleeding persists.
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and some fruits are more easily eaten. Avoid hard crunchy foods, nuts and those with seeds. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
Smoking
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. You will have a prescription for Peridex to gently swab the surgical site to keep it clean until your next post operative visit.
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site. After 2 weeks of healing, you will receive post operative surgical care instructions, depending on the procedure you had at your two week follow up appointment.
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. Dr. Grenier uses sutures that typically dissolve in 5-7 days, so no need to have them removed.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Plantation Florida Office Phone Number (954) 473-1806.
