Activity Restrictions
On the day of your surgery
Rest and relax for the remainder of the day
Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
Take all your medications as usual
Use ice packs wrapped in a wash cloth for 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off over bandage
Until 2 days after your surgery
Keep surgical site dry. You may “sponge bathe” the rest of your body
Two days after your surgery, you may begin to take showers (but continue to avoid baths)
For 2-3 weeks after your surgery
Avoid heavy-lifting more than 5 pounds and abrupt movements such as bending or stretching
Avoid submerging the surgery site in water; avoid baths or swimming
Care of the Procedure Site
On day 2 or day 3, remove the bandage and start wound care
Cleanse site with soap & water
Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum ointment (such as Vaseline); do NOT use over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment
Cover with a bandage
Repeat wound care once daily until your sutures are removed
What to Expect
Pain: mild or moderate pain is normal
You may apply an icepack over a washcloth to the site for 10 min on, 20 min off over bandage
If needed, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. Do NOT take if you have liver disease. Do NOT exceed the dose instructions on the bottle.
Bleeding: bruising is normal
If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the bandage for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, please contact our office.
Infection: mild redness of wound edges & clear, pink or straw-colored drainage are normal
If you develop expanding redness, milky drainage, fever or chills, please contact our office.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office.
Comments