Post-Operative Surgical Instructions

1. Apply an ice pack for the next 2 hours, 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Use firm and steady pressure to minimize swelling. It is normal to experience swelling for up to 3-5 days.
2. You may have been given a long-acting local anesthetic. This anesthetic may last 8-10 hours or longer. Avoid chewing in the area of operation to alleviate trauma to the surgical area and to the lip.
3. After the anesthesia disappears, it is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for 3-4 days. Anti-inflammatory analgesics such as aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naprosyn (Aleve) may be taken. Please note that patients who have bleeding disorders or are on anti-coagulant therapy should avoid these medications.
4. Prescription analgesics such as Codeine or Hydrocodone may also be prescribed as necessary.
5. Do not lift your lip to view sutures.
6. Avoid brushing the surgical area, but do brush all other areas well.
7. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly in the operated area for the next 24-48 hours.
8. Do not eat extremely hot foods for at least 24 hours.
9. Do not smoke for at least 24-48 hours.
10. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 4- 5 days.
11. Do not use a water pik, or rinse mouth vigorously for at least 48 hours.
12. After 48 hours rinse gently with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a 10 ounce glass of warm water) every 4-6 hours as long as sutures are in place.
13. Sleep so that your head is slightly elevated for the next 2-3 days.
14. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. All the medication should be consumed unless otherwise indicated.
15. Return for suture removal and/or post-operative examination as directed by the doctor.