Wound Care
·
Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed until you arrived home, and then remove it gently.
·
Do not smoke within 3 days after surgery because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
·
Do not sleep on the operative side.
·
Avoid sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
Bleeding
·
Blood may ooze from the area of surgery. You may also find blood stains on your pillow in the morning. This is normal.
Do not panic.
·
When bleeding occurs, rinse slowly and apply pressure on the area by biting on a moistened gauze. If bleeding still
continue, get a moistened tea bag wrapped in a thin sheet of gauze, place directly on the area and bite firmly. The tannic
acid ingredient in a teabag will help promote clotting.
·
Do not spit or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.
·
Keep your head elevated with at least 2-3 pillows high during sleeping to prevent bleeding.
Discomfort
· Some discomfort
is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the
pain pills you were prescribed.
· Take your
pain pills with full stomach and 1 glass of water when the pills cause nausea.
·
Do not drive or drink alcohol when you take your pain pills.
· When fever
occurs after surgery, take your usual anti-pyretics (ex: paracetamol).
·
Medications must be taken completely as prescribed.
Diet
·
It is important to increase fluid intake after surgery. ( ex: water, juices and milk)
·
Eat regular meals as soon as possible.
· Cold soft
diet is most comfortable for the 1st 24hrs. The rule of thumb is “C.S.S.”
(cooler, softer, smaller). Anything that is cool, easy to chew and soft is O.K. to eat (ex: Jello, yogurt, ice cream, cereal,
mashed potatoes, congee or lugaw, fish, eggs, etc. Avoid spicy or hot foods.
Oral Hygiene
·
Do not rinse or spit vigorously when rinsing with Povidone-Iodine 1% gargle mouthwash or with warm salt water (1/2
teaspoon of salt on warm water).
·
Brush your teeth using soft bristled toothbrush every after meals. Use cotton buds to brush on the teeth near the
area of surgery.
·
Apply Vaseline on lips to prevent chapping or dryness.
Swelling
·
Swelling after surgery is normal body reaction. Maximum swelling will peak 48-72 hours after surgery and will last
for 4-7days.
·
Apply ice pack over the area of surgery for 20-30 mins. every hour for the first 24 hours only. This will help with
the swelling, pain and bleeding.
·
On the 3rd day after surgery, apply warm compress on the area of surgery for 20-30 mins. every hour for
at least 8-12 hours.
Rest
·
Rest is strictly advised for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
·
Avoid strenuous activities like sports, weight lifting, aerobics and sex for 5-7 days after surgery.
·
Do not sleep on the operative side.
Bruising/Hematoma
·
Mild bruising on the area of surgery may also be expected. This will disappear within 7-14 days.
Stiffness
·
After surgery, you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited mouth opening. This will improve within 7-14 days.
Stitches
·
If absorbable sutures were used, it need not be removed. It will dissolve in 14-28 days.
·
When non-absorbable sutures were used, this will have to be removed after 1 week to prevent suture tract infection.
Allergic
Reactions
·
Stop all medications and call me immediately.
Check-Up
·
You have to come back 1 week after the surgery for post-operative check-up.
Call the office or me when:
·
Bleeding cannot be controlled by biting on a gauze or teabag.
·
Allergic reactions are observed.
·
You have any questions.
