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CICATRIX * OPTIMA 1720 HOWARD AVE, SUITE 364 WINDSOR, ON N8X 5A6 TEL/FAX: 519.971 0971 |
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Post-Operative Instructions Wound Care Keep all bandages dry and do not remove them until advised by our office. A dressing change will be done in the first 1 to 2 days. At this time your incisions will be inspected and a light head dressing re-applied. Another dressing change will be done 1 to 2 days later. You will be able to shampoo your hair on day 3 or 4. The action of the shower water over your incision will keep it clean and studies show that people who shower often post operatively have a significantly decreased infection rate. However, do not soak your incisions.
You may find that you become dizzy or lightheaded when changing position. In addition you will be sore. You should move slowly and with caution until this feeling passes. Please call us if you experience severe pain and swelling.
There may be some slight drainage from your incisions and you may wish to protect your pillow linens with a towel. Your face is going to be bruised and swollen. This is NORMAL. All swelling and bruising will disappear.
You may apply ice (or a small package of frozen peas or carrots) intermittently for comfort and to decrease the bruising and swelling. Do not apply the ice directly on to the operative site.
Medications:
Getting your life back to normal Drink regularly and as much as you can. It is important that you stay well hydrated. In addition to a healthy diet, you need to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for the first week following your surgery. Do not drink any alcohol during the first two weeks. It is important for you to be up and about as soon as possible. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.
Clean your incisions gently and regularly with a mild soap and water. Products like baby shampoo or Dove are ideal. Do not use any harsh cleansers or hydrogen peroxide.
After you shower we ask that you apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to your incisions using a Q-tip. Do not share tubes or containers with others.
Social activity involving large amounts of alcohol and sexual activity should be limited for approximately one month. During this period, avoid bending over, lifting objects heavier than 5 kg and strenuous aerobic activity. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.
Bruising, discolouration, and swelling are to be expected. This will mostly disappear in approximately 2 to 4 weeks. A feeling of tightness in your forehead may persist for several weeks. This is a natural result of removal of excess tissue and will resolve with time.
You may experience some numbness and tingling in the skin over the areas that have been operated on. This will also resolve with time.
Sleep with your head elevated on several pillows, or in a recliner chair for the first week or until the swelling subsides. This will decrease the amount of swelling that will accumulate.
Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
You can call us with any further questions you may have. |
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© cicatrix optima 2008 |