Postoperative Instructions
The following information is provided to ensure that many of the details of postoperative care are covered prior to your surgical procedure. This ensures a smooth and uneventful recovery. It has been our experience that the more information and preparation patients have prior to their surgery, the more easily they are able to manage their postoperative care.
Managing Swelling
It is difficult to predict what you will remember immediately following surgery. You may remember waking up in the recovery room or you may not recall this event.
Using a "head up" position should be used for the first 5 days to help reduce swelling. Expect the peak of your swelling to occur 48 hours after surgery and most should be gone by 7-10 days. At home, propping up your mattress at the head of the bed and under the foot of the bed will help also. Spending a lot of time in a "Lazy Boy" type chair is an excellent alternative. Remember, keeping your head above the level of your heart is what helps reduce and minimize swelling. How much swelling you will actually have varies significantly from patient to patient.
Ice packs should also be used. Constant use for the first 12 -24 hours is most effective. The ice packs should be applied for 20 minutes and removed for 10 minutes.
Warm packs to the face after the first 48 hours will help increase blood supply and reduce swelling, speeding the resolution of discoloration associated with bruising. If bruising occurs it will be evident 4-5 days after surgery.
Immediately Following Surgery
During this period the diet should essentially be non-chewing. This may consist of either blenderized food or fluids. This can include soups, milkshakes, baby food, or any blenderized food. Some sort of diet supplement such as Ensure, Sustecal or similar substitute may be used once or twice a day to increase calorie intake. Plenty of clear fluids, water, etc. will help clean the thicker fluids from your mouth and throat. REMEMBER: It is very important to eat as much as possible to help speed the healing process.
Hygiene
As with any surgery, it is extremely important for you to keep all areas inside your mouth clean. You should brush your teeth and rinse your mouth each time after you eat. Since you will most likely be eating small meals five or six times a day, you will need to clean your teeth at each of these intervals. Gently rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in a warm glass of water) after each meal. Only rinse with the mouth rinse provided upon waking and before bed. Brush your teeth as usual, although it may be necessary to brush more frequently initially. Do not use a water pick!
During the first week after surgery, be careful to make sure that while brushing you do not disturb the surgery sites. You may have some soreness and difficulty opening your mouth, which may prevent you from brushing the inside of your teeth. A small toothbrush will help make oral hygiene less difficult.
REMEMBER: The importance of cleaning your teeth and mouth cannot be overemphasized. This must be done several times each day to keep the mouth clean and optimize healing. This will help the wounds heal quickly without getting an infection.
Drinking Fluids
You should be drinking a fair amount of fluid after surgery. Daily amounts should be between 2 -3 liters. Fruit juices are an excellent source of fluid, especially apple juice. This is a major goal after surgery. Always have some fluids in front of you and drink frequently to consume 2-3 liters in 24 hours.
Remember: Taking adequate amounts of fluids is essential following surgery
Eating
Initially, it will be difficult to eat adequate amounts of food in only three meals per day. Try to eat five or six times a day, eating smaller portions each time. The following guidelines may be of help to you:
Bleeding
It is normal to experience some bleeding from the mouth for the first 7-10 days. This should not, however, be excessive. It will usually stop within a few minutes. If bleeding is more than just a slow oozing, hold gauze with firm pressure for 30 minutes without talking or moving the jaw. Ensure the gauze is small enough to fit behind the last tooth, and big enough to create pressure when biting.
5 Days After Surgury
Food during this period does not need to be liquid. It can consist of soft foods that require minimal chewing. This can consist of mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft pasta that is cut into small pieces, soft rice dishes, or soft sandwiches.
Physical Exercise
You can resume light physical exercise as soon as you feel able following your surgery. You should NOT participate in any exercise or sports that may involve hitting your jaw. These will include all contact sports, any sport involving a ball, or other aggressive sports. You can resume light aerobic exercise, swimming, or running, as soon as you are able. Do not clench or stress your jaw muscles with heavy lifting or activity.
Notice
Please take all prescriptions as directed.
Women please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.
If you think you may be pregnant you must inform the doctor prior to any treatment.
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