After care
Contact Within 24 Hours:
- Dressing becoming soaked or loose
- Mild fever (under 101°F / 38.3°C)
- Increased drainage with odor
- Rash or itching at incision
- Unusual discharge
- Questions about care or medications
Schedule Follow-Up Appointment:
- Suture removal (typically 7-14 days)
- Post-operative check-up (1-2 weeks)
- Follow-up assessments (ongoing)
- Discuss scar management options
- Plan any revision procedures if needed
ESSENTIAL DO'S AND DON'TS
DO:
- Follow all surgeon's instructions carefully
- Take all medications as prescribed
- Keep surgical sites clean and dry
- Wear compression garments as directed
- Keep head elevated when resting
- Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids
- Eat nutritious foods supporting healing
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Report concerns to surgeon immediately
- Be patient with healing process
DON'T:
- Don't smoke or use nicotine products
- Don't consume alcohol (especially with medications)
- Don't skip compression garments
- Don't engage in strenuous activity
- Don't lift heavy objects
- Don't expose incisions to water initially
- Don't pick at scabs or stitches
- Don't apply heat initially
- Don't drive while on pain medications
- Don't hesitate to call surgeon with concerns
LONG-TERM CARE AND SCAR MANAGEMENT
Scar Evolution
- Scars appear red and raised initially
- Gradually fade and flatten over 6-12 months
- Final appearance may not be evident for 1 year
- Patience important during healing process
- Most scars fade significantly with time
Sun Protection
- SPF 50+ on scars for at least 1 year
- Prevents darkening and improves appearance
- Use daily even on cloudy days
- Reapply frequently if sweating
- Critical during first 6 months
Scar Treatment Options
- Silicone scar products (creams, sheets)
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser treatments (after full healing)
- Chemical peels (if appropriate)
- Discuss options with surgeon if concerned
Moisturizing and Skincare
- Keep scars moisturized
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products
- Avoid irritating chemicals
- Massage scars gently after full healing
- Healthy skin habits support optimal healing
EMOTIONAL RECOVERY
Realistic Expectations
- Final results take time (often 6-12 months)
- Initial results encouraging but will continue to improve
- Swelling distorts appearance initially
- Scars fade significantly over time
- Patience leads to best outcomes
Emotional Support
- Recovery period can feel long
- Some patients experience mood changes
- Support from family and friends helpful
- Contact surgeon with concerns
- Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment
Return to Social Activities
- Plan social activities carefully
- Avoid activities immediately post-op
- Timing for public visibility depends on healing
- Makeup and clothing can help confidence
- Full confidence returns as healing progresses