Post-Op, Day 1
Generally, you will feel surprisingly well for having undergone several hours of surgery yesterday. You will notice some swelling and bruising on the face and neck when Dr. Macdonald removes the bandages today. It is generally less than you expect. Wait, there is more swelling to appear on day 3 and 4 after surgery.
Post-Op, Day 2
Today you remove any remaining bandages as instructed by Dr. Macdonald at yesterday’s visit. You will begin cleaning all the suture lines as detailed in the post-operative instructions. Clean twice per day. The swelling is not bad, but wait, it will generally get worse!
Post-Op, Day 3
Often, the swelling gets worse today! You may look like a chipmunk. DO NOT WORRY! This is normal. Sometimes people feel depression because of the swelling. DO NOT WORRY! This will pass. You may notice some difficulty swallowing due to tightness under the jaw. This is also normal. It will be gone by three weeks after surgery. You can gently shampoo your hair today. Be very careful not to touch the suture lines. Continue to clean the incisions with peroxide twice per day. Today is often the WORST day. THIS IS NORMAL. DO NOT WORRY!
Post-Op, Day 4
The swelling may continue to get worse or begin to go away. Do not worry this is normal. You may or may not need to use peroxide on the wound today. If there is any dried blood or crusting on the suture lines then continue with the peroxide. Begin to apply bacitracin or polysporin ointment to the suture lines with a Q-tip today or tomorrow. Apply the ointment 3-4 times per day.
Post-Op, Day 5
The swelling is definitely starting to go down. You are starting to see your face and the improvements, though early from surgery. You may wash your hair again in the same gentle manner. Clean with peroxide only if crusting or dried blood is present.
Post-Op, Day 6
No more wound cleaning needed but continue to apply the ointment 3-4 times per day. The swelling is definitely diminishing and the neck tightness is decreasing though slowly. You are doing much better now. You will see Dr. Macdonald today or tomorrow for a check-up and suture removal.
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