You have had a Plastic Surgery procedure. The importance of proper wound care cannot be overemphasized. How well you take care of the surgical wound is a critical factor in the success of the procedure.

Wound Care

  • Keep the area completely dry for 48 hours. Keep the post-operative bandage (white-colored Steri Strip bandages) in place. Do not remove them. If an additional bandage is applied over the Steri Strips, the additional outer bandage may be removed in 48 hours before shower.
  • If Steri Strips come off, you may apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment and cover with band aid.
  • Showering is permitted after 48 hours. Try not to soak the bandages.
  • Do not apply any creams or makeup on sutures.
  • If a skin graft was applied, do not remove bandage over skin graft and do not get bandage wet.

Prescription Medications

You may have been prescribed an oral and/or topical antibiotic to prevent any infection from forming. The oral antibiotic, namely _________________________will be taken _______ times per day for the next _______days. The topical antibiotic, Bactroban (Mupirocin) will be applied ____ times per day for the next _______days. You can continue to take your current medication regimen.

NO SWIMMING NO EXERCISE NO GYM

NO BENDING NO LIFTING OVER 5 LBS

Swelling and Bruising

Bruising and swelling may occur. You may use cold compresses over the area which will help minimize any swelling. Ice and/or cold compresses should be applied for only fifteen (15) minutes at a time. If you had surgery on your hand, arm or leg, keep the surgical site elevated as much as possible. If you had surgery on your face, head or neck, it is recommended that you sleep with your head elevated on two pillows. If surgery was performed near or around the eyes, apply ice or cold compresses during the first forty-eight (48) hours to minimize swelling. Forehead, cheek, or eyelid repairs may result in black eye(s) and/or swelling around the eyes.

Bleeding

Mild bleeding is not uncommon after the numbness wears off. For mild to moderate bleeding, apply direct pressure over the dressing with clean gauze for 10-15 minutes. For severe bleeding, or if the bleeding does not stop, call the office immediately at (561) 498-4407.

Infection

Infection is not common when the wound is properly cared for. If you have any of the following signs and/or symptoms, please contact the office: fever, increased pain, increased redness or swelling, yellow or green pus or foul smelling drainage oozing from the surgical site.

Pain or Discomfort

Most patients experience minimal to mild pain after plastic surgery.  Should you experience pain, take TYLENOL only, not aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Alleve or ibuprofen. If you are taking a baby aspirin daily for therapeutic reasons, you may continue to take it as prescribed. If you are not able to take Tylenol, contact our office for a substitute pain medication. Do NOT consume alcohol for forty eight (48) hours following the surgery.

Activity Level Following Surgery

Spend the day of the procedure as well as the following day relaxing and limiting physical activity. Avoid strenuous activity or exercise. Avoid bending below the waist for seventy two (72) hours after surgery. Heavy lifting and exercise are not allowed until directed by Dr. Enisman or one of his assistants.

Bathing

Do not submerge the surgical site in a bath. Swimming in a pool or bathing in a hot tub is not allowed until after the sutures are removed.

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