Pain Control
- Pain is typically mild to moderate after surgery and subsides after the first 24-48 hours. Severe pain is rare; if you experience it, please contact us immediately.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) should be your first option for pain control. You may take up to 1 gram every 6 hours, not to exceed 4 grams in any 24-hour period.
- Dr. Namin will prescribe Norco (5 mg hydrocodone / 325 mg acetaminophen) for breakthrough pain. Norco also contains acetaminophen, so if you take it, be sure your total acetaminophen does not exceed 4 grams within a 24-hour period.
- Do not take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medications unless you have discussed it with Dr. Namin.
- Do not combine Norco with alcohol. Doing so can depress your respiratory drive and cause serious problems.
- If you regularly take any pain medication, anti-anxiety medication, or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Ativan), please discuss this with Dr. Namin before surgery, as these can interact with Norco.
Incision Care
- The dressing will be removed the first day after surgery.
- Applying ice packs for up to 5 minutes every few hours can help reduce bruising.
- Beginning the first day after surgery, gently clean the incisions with normal saline and then apply bacitracin ointment twice daily.
- After three days, stop the bacitracin and begin using Aquaphor.
- Keeping the incisions moist with ointment and preventing any crusting during the first 7 days is very important, as this improves healing.
- Dr. Namin will remove your sutures approximately 7 days after surgery.
- After the sutures are removed, you may stop applying the ointment. Once the incision has epithelialized, you can begin applying silicone gel; Dr. Namin will let you know when to start.
- Take the antibiotic as prescribed (Augmentin for 5 days).
Showering
- You may shower the second day after surgery using lukewarm water. It is fine for soapy water to gently run over the incision, but do not scrub it.
- Having a family member or friend gently wash your hair can be helpful.
- Do not submerge your incisions (swimming or bathing) for 3 weeks after surgery.
Walking
- Light walking around the house or store is encouraged to help prevent blood clots.
- Light walking outside is permitted as long as your face is protected from the sun with a hat, it is not raining, and you do not begin sweating.
Exercise
- Do not exercise or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for two weeks.
- Avoid bending over during the first week after surgery.
- Do not swim, sweat excessively, or use drugs or alcohol during the recovery period.
- Light walking around the house or grocery store is encouraged.
- Light exercise may be resumed after four weeks.
- Vigorous exercise may be resumed six weeks after surgery.
Diet
You may resume your typical diet after surgery.
Postoperative Appointments
Dr. Namin will see you on the first, third, seventh, and tenth days after surgery.
When to Call Dr. Namin
You will have Dr. Namin’s cell phone number, so do not hesitate to call or text him with any questions. Please contact him if you experience any of the following:
- Fever (a temperature greater than 100.4°F)
- Bleeding from the incision
- Progressively worsening pain
- Vomiting (if you feel nauseous, take the prescribed Zofran)
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or fainting: in these cases, call 911 immediately.