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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.
You may find 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.
If there is oozing of blood onto the dressings (it is not uncommon to have a moderate amount of drainage after this procedure and you may wish to protect your bed linens), place sanitary or gauze pads under your compression garment.
Prolonged external bleeding is easily detected. Blood may seep through the incision and may leak through the dressing. You may experience acute swelling of the area, discolouration of the skin, pain and a feeling of tension. If you experience these symptoms, please contact us.
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.
Bruising and discolouration are to be expected. This will mostly disappear in approximately 2-4 weeks. You may find, due to swelling following surgery, that you appear larger than before surgery. Skin tightening begins about 4 weeks after surgery and continues slowly up to one year.
You may experience some numbness and tingling in the skin over the areas that have been operated on. This will also resolve with time.
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. When in bed, lie comfortably. Using several extra pillows under your head and knees may help you to lie more comfortably. It is okay to lie on your side if this is comfortable. In other words, sleep and rest in whatever position is comfortable for you.
You may shower after 24 hours. 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.
We encourage you to start walking almost immediately after your surgery to diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs, as a result of immobilization from the anaesthetic. Even while you are resting, you should be moving your feet and ankles frequently to promote circulation in your legs. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.
Wear your support garment continually for the first four weeks; thereafter, during the daytime for another two weeks.
Social activity involving large amounts of alcohol and sexual activity should be limited for approximately one month. During this period, avoid 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.
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 |