Skin Incision

After Your Surgery

Post-Operative Instructions

Home Care After Maxillofacial Surgery

Arthroplasty and Skin Incision

Please follow the guidelines below. Call your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms. Please remember that you are under the influence of medication post-surgery; therefore, do not drive, drink alcoholic beverages, sign legal documents, or make any major decisions during the next 24 hours.

WOUND CARE & ACTIVITIES

Use ice compresses to your face for the first 24–48 hours.

Your incision(s) can be cleaned with diluted hydrogen peroxide and water on a Q-tip^® to keep the incision line free from blood and scab.

Keep your incision moist with Cortisporin^® or Polysporin^® ointment.

Your face can be swollen and bruised for 2–3 weeks after surgery.

Scars may be redder and more noticeable 2–3 weeks following surgery. They will gradually fade to thin lines. Start to lightly massage your scar at 2 weeks.

Do not submerge incisions into water. You can shower but do not submerge incisions.

YOUR SUTURES WILL BE REMOVED AT YOUR 1-WEEK FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

Only normal range of motion until instructed by your doctor on when to engage in increased physiotherapy and range of motion exercises.

AVOID:

• For 1 month, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight on facial incisions (sun exposure can create your scars to not heal as well). Please apply sunscreen to your scar when outside in the sun for 1 year.

DIET & MEDICATION:

• Eat only SOFT foods (e.g., scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, etc.) for the next 6 weeks or until otherwise notified by your doctor.
• You may take your regular medications unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Use prescriptions as prescribed.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Any signs of infection
• Fever over 38.5 C
• Excessive swelling
• Excessive bleeding or drainage
• Pain medication not effectively relieving pain.