Following surgery at the hospital, you will be given an oral antibiotic and pain medication. You may be given an antibiotic ointment. Take these medications according to the Doctor’s instructions.
If your incision is close to the eye, the ointment can work its way onto the eyeball itself, causing your vision to appear slightly blurry. Some oozing of blood and fluid from the incision is normal.
You should call our office immediately:
• If pain and discomfort persist
• If you feel an intense burning or itching from the ointment
• If bleeding becomes excessive (enough to soak a washcloth)
• If you experience oozing of fluid that is greenish or yellowish in color, or observe progressive redness
For the first three days following your surgery, you should apply cold compresses at least six times a day for no longer than 15 minutes at a time to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain. Cold gel packs or crushed ice wrapped in a clean towel are recommended. Continue applying the compresses until the swelling begins to subside.
Don’t lift more than 10 lbs or do any rigorous activities for 7-10 days.
If the suture lines are along the hairline, wait 2-3 days after surgery before showering. Keep your head tilted back to avoid getting shampoo in the sutures. Also, when washing your face, carefully use a washcloth and don’t scrub. Keep soap and water away from the suture lines.
Keep your head elevated at night by propping it up with two or three pillows. Sleep on your back instead of your side or stomach, as this will keep blood flowing away from the swollen area.
As the bruising and swelling subside, your skin can begin to become dry, itchy, or irritated. This is all part of the normal healing process. You can begin to apply warm compresses by taking a clean washcloth and wringing it out with warm water. Make sure the temperature is not too hot as this can damage the skin that is trying to heal.
The sutures should dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. If you have had staples or non-dissolvable sutures placed, you will be informed and an appointment will be made for you to have them removed.
A post-operative appointment will be made for you when your surgery is scheduled. Please keep this appointment.