Discomfort

• Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
• Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.
  
  

Rest

• Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
• Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
• Limit physical activity.
• To encourage rapid healing please REST!
  
  

Ice

• As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
• Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.
  
  

Medication

• Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
• If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
• Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
• Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.
  
  

Mouth Care

• Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery. This may dislodge the clot that has formed and cause bleeding.
• Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL area the day following surgery. Do not rinse vigorously for 2 days! Weak salt-water rinses may be used, GENTLY, to loosen food debris. You may begin to brush the surgical area 1 week after surgery.
• When brushing the graft site, run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.
• Begin rinsing very gently with Chlorhexidine mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
  
  

Eating

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
• Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
• Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.
  
  

Fluids

• Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
• Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.
  
  

Bleeding

• Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes.
• If bleeding does not subside, please call! 727-799-6733
  
  

Swelling and Bruising

• Some swelling often occurs and this is normal.
• Bruising may occur in the surgical area as well as into your chin and neck area.
• If fever accompanies swelling, contact us immediately! 727-799-6733
  
  

Smoking

• We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.