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It is very important that you do not smoke,wear a nicotine patch, or chew nicotine gum in the first 5 days after surgery. Severe scarring may result from failure to observe this precaution.
- 1. Please have someone available to drive you home from the office and remain with you the first night after surgery. You do not, however, need medical care, only "TLC."
- 2. Go home to bed for at least 24 hours and do not get up except for trips to the bathroom. Sleeping on two pillows will be more comfortable and helps to keep swelling down.
- 3. You may have a large cotton head bandage on for one or two days. This helps to protect and cushion your face, and also to keep mild pressure on the suture lines.
- 4. You can expect swelling and bruising, sometimes unevenly. Rarely are the two sides of the face the same at any one time. Each side heals at a different rate, but be assured the swelling and bruising will gradually subside after the first few days.
- 5. You may drink small amounts of liquids as desired and as tolerated the first night. The following day, a soft diet is suggested and after that you may eat and drink as desired, with the exception of alcohol, which must not be taken for three days after surgery.
- 6. If you have had a blepharoplasty (eyelid plasty), use ice compresses 15 minutes per hour (while awake) for 48 hours after surgery. Soak 2 X 2 gauze pads in iced water, wring out, and apply. Change when warm. These may be continued longer as desired for comfort. Another useful option is to use a damp washcloth or gauze and place a small package of frozen babypeas on this. See the eyelid instruction sheet also.
- 7. Slight signs of blood may show on the bandages and this is normal.
- 8. Sleep on your back and not on your side (as best you can) for 5 days. Keep your head elevated at a 45 degree angle at all times.
- 9. Avoid strenuous activity, getting overheated, and sunbathing for three weeks. Avoid blowing your nose, coughing, straining, or raising your blood pressure. Do not bend head down!
- 10. Although you have been given a prescription for pain medication, you may only need regular Tylenol, and should try it first. If your stomach becomes irritated or upset, stop the medication. You may take Dramamine (no prescription needed) to help any nausea.
- 11. Please bring a scarf with you to the office on your first post-operative visit, as your hair may be in disarray.
- 12. You may shower 2 days after surgery, and wash your hair three days after surgery. It may take several attempts to fully clean it-- be gentle and use baby shampoo. Your hair can be combed out gently with a large toothed combed being careful around the stitches.
- 13. Gentle cleansing of the face and the stitch lines and use of moisturizing cream should be started on the 7th day after the surgery.
- 14. Make-up to cover any residual bruises can be worn after the 7th day. A brochure on camouflage cosmetics is available.
- 15. Hair coloring can be done three to four weeks after surgery.
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