SURGERY POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Please read all information carefully. Feel free to ask questions

Rev. 03/09/2005

1.      (KEEP DRY) Keep the pressure dressing on for 36 to 48 hours and the operative site DRY until you post-operative visit. Upon removing the pressure dressing, try to remain in a seated position.

 

2.      (CLEAN WOUND) After removal of the initial pressure dressing, gently clean the surgical wound with Hydrogen Peroxide. Use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply the hydrogen peroxide over the incision line.

 

3.      (POLYSPORIN) Apply Polysporin (or Aquaphor ointment or White Petrolatum-Vaseline) directly on the surgical wound with a clean Q-tip two times each day. DO NOT USE NEOSPORIN OR TRIPLE-ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT.

 

4.      (DRESSING) Cover the surgical wound with Telfa pads or other non-stick bandage material and secure with medical paper tape two times each day. Continue twice a day wound care until you return for your Post-Op visit. DO NOT GET THE SURGICAL WOUND WET UNTIL AFTER YOUR POST-OP VISIT.

 

5.      (ORAL ANTIBIOTIC) Continue your antibiotic prescription until all the pills are finished.

 

6.      (PAIN MANAGEMENT) Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken as indicated by the products dosage instructions. AVOID blood thinners such as Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, and Advil. Cold Packs and elevation may also reduce swelling and pain.

 

7.      (OBSERVATION) Please notify our office of any signs of infection, which includes increased redness beyond the wounds margins, foul discharge, or fever or chills. Also notify our office of excessive bleeding of the surgical site after continuous pressure of 10 minutes.

 

    Alcoholic beverages should be discouraged until antibiotics are finished. Smoking may   impede the healing process. Exposure to sunlight and allowing the surgical wound to become uncovered and dry may also compromise the healing process.

 

8.     (SKIN GRAFT SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS) Do not remove the Bolster that is sewn in place. KEEP THE EDGES SEALED with Polysporin, Vaseline, or quaphor ointment and change the outer dressing two times each day. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on the Bolster site.

 

9.  Please note that any post-operative scarring, discoloration, and textural changes should improve over the next several months.