After Facial Fracture Repair

After Facial Fracture Repair

IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVING HOME:

Head Elevation:

Lie down with your head and back elevated with two pillows. This will encourage the resolution of any swelling.

Dressings:

Do not remove bandages unless specifically instructed To do so. These will be removed at the office on your first post- surgery visit.

Ice Packs:

Place ice packs (ice in ziploc baggies or packages of frozen peas) over cheek and jaw areas for the first 24 hours after surgery. DO NOT put ice on after 24 hours unless you are told to do so.

Swelling:

Ice packs will keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. Bruising and swelling peaks at 48 hours and often lasts 7-14 days.

Medication:

Take pain medication ONLY IF NEEDED and with liquids.

Diet:

Begin with clear liquids like water, juice, etc. Advance to dairy products and blenderized diet as tolerated.

Suture Care:

Keep all skin sutures clean with peroxide/water solution described on the "Suture Line Care" sheet. Keep sutures covered with antibiotic ointment at all times. Clean 3-5 times per day.

Oral Hygiene:

Begin by rinsing vigorously and advance to brushing as tolerated. The cleaner you can keep your mouth the better you'll feel.

Wires and Elastics:

If you have rubber bands or wires holding your teeth together, DO NOT remove them except in an emergency. If you get nauseated and vomit, lean forward and the liquid will drain out. If you have to remove wires or bands, please call us immediately.

DAY AFTER SURGERY

Moist Heat:

Ice packs are discontinued 24 hours after surgery. WAIT 12 HOURS, then you may BEGIN MOIST HEAT. Use a moist wash cloth between an electric moist heating pad and your face. Do not use heat continuously, but on for 30 minutes, off for 30 minutes. Moist heat helps to expedite the resolution of swelling and bruising. DO NOT set heating pad higher than MEDIUM at any time regardless of how cool it feels to you.

Activity:

Stay up as much as possible. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for one week. Strenuous activities should be limited for 2-3 weeks.

Work:

Most people plan to return to work in 2 weeks. This depends upon how you feel about being seen with swelling and bruising.

Bathing:

You may bathe or shower on the 2nd day after surgery, but keep bandages as dry as possible.

Hair Care:

You may wash your hair on the 2nd day after surgery. DO NOT bend over to wash your hair. This may cause bleeding or swelling to occur.

Diet:

Your diet will consist of liquids initially. You will need Your vitamins and minerals to help with healing. We will Be glad to give you vitamin and mineral information

PLEASE REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TO OUR OFFICE: