- Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the face, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, for the rest of the day until bedtime. This will help to keep swelling to a minimum. Expect some swelling to continue for several days.
- Swelling and bruising may appear following surgery and will gradually resolve.
- Mild bleeding can be expected during the first day of surgery.
- Do NOT brush your teeth tonight. Start brushing your teeth tomorrow morning. Brush very lightly and gently around the teeth where the surgery occurred. Do NOT brush the gum area of the surgical site.
- Use an extra pillow and keep your head elevated the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Starting tomorrow: Rinse your mouth with warm salty water at least 3 times daily for 7 days (1/2 teaspoon salt, ½ glass water. Swish around for 30 seconds and gently rinse out).
- Eat a soft diet for the first three-four days. Avoid hard or sharp foods (nuts, pretzels, potato chips), food with seeds, or other chewy food (e.g. steak) until sutures have been removed.
- Do NOT raise the lip to look at operated areas. It is possible to accidentally tear the stitches and open the incision resulting in delayed healing.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- If there is discomfort or pain, take pain medication as advised by the doctor.
- Return to the office for suture removal as directed.
- If any unusual symptoms develop, please contact us for advice and further instructions.