Swelling and Bruising
This is normal after surgery and will subside gradually over 7-10 days.
You can minimize swelling by limiting your physical activity and applying ice packs to the surgical area during the first few days.
Bruising following surgery is rare although with some procedures such as liposuction, bruising can be more noticeable. If bruising does occur, it will disappear within the first two weeks.
Scar Prevention
Pain
Most patients experience some pain and discomfort following surgery. This usually subsides after several days. You will have been given a prescription for pain medication which should adequately control any discomfort. Please take it as prescribed on the bottle. If you experience increasing pain not responding to medication, please notify the office.
Temperature
The body temperature may rise slightly over 38°C after surgery. If fever persists after 24 hours, despite drinking liberal amounts of fluid, notify our office.
Bandages
Following your surgery, there may be a small bandage placed over your incision. It should be kept dry until your first postoperative visit with Dr. Brown. At the first visit following surgery, any bandages will be removed and you will be given instructions for how to best manage the scar.
Stitches
Dr. Brown uses dissolvable stitches only so there are no stitches to be removed. With some facial procedures, a few non dissolvable stitches may be used. They will be removed at the first post op visit. Once the initial bandage has been removed it is fine to wash normally over the incision with soap and water. You can then apply the scar gel as provided by Dr. Brown.
Bras (for Breast Surgery)
In general, you should wear a comfortable cotton sports bra day and night for the first month after surgery. This will help to provide you with support during the early healing period. Underwire and push-up bras can be worn after the first month.
Exercise
It is fine to start gentle physical activity in the second week after surgery. This includes walking and stretching. Heavier activities such as jogging, aerobics classes, contact sports and upper body weights should be avoided for one month.
