Some of the information below might be helpful to reference following cosmetic surgery.

General Care Instructions

After Anesthesia or Sedation

  • Don’t drive or operate dangerous machinery for at least 24 hours or while using narcotic pain relievers
  • Nausea is common
  • Many people start with a clear liquid diet then start adding more foods as tolerated

To Minimize Swelling or Bleeding

  • Use cold compresses for 48 hours on skin or over dressings (avoid frostbite)
  • Limit activity for 1 to 2 weeks

For Drains

  • Don’t shower/bathe until drain is removed
  • Empty bulb drains 3x daily or when ½ full – record drainage in milliliters (cc’s)
  • Replace test tube drains 3x daily or when ½ full – record # of tubes used & estimate volume of fluid
  • Test tube drains can’t be reused after vacuum seal is lost
  • Call your surgeon daily to report drainage quality & associated volume collected

For Plastic Splints or Paper Strips

  • Don’t remove if secured directly to wound
  • If edges curl up, then may trim with scissors

For Gauze or Bandages

  • May remove original gauze dressings 2 days after surgery
  • Replace any wet or soiled dressings
  • May apply dry sterile dressing to camouflage wound or absorb further drainage

For Incision Site

  • Wash exposed suture line 3x daily with warm soap & water
  • Keep generously lubricated at all times with antibiotic ointment
  • Bacitracin ointment preferred instead of Neosporin

For Pressure Dressings

  • Wear elastic dressing continuously for the 1st week
  • Wear elastic dressing at home plus while sleeping during 2nd & 3rd weeks
  • If causes significant facial swelling, remove wrap for 30 minutes. Re-apply with slightly less pressure