Elliot at River's Edge
185 Queen City Avenue
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: 603-314-6450
Fax: 603-314-6459
These instructions are based on the average healing process after surgery. Your instructions may be adjusted by our office depending on your particular medical history, surgical procedure, and healing progress.
Watch out for infection, which can show up as redness, increasing pain, increasing swelling, and yellow drainage. Fever is uncommon for a minor infection but may be present. Please call the office if you think you have an infection.
Watch out for bleeding under the stitches, which shows up as rapid swelling with or without oozing from between the stitches. If you notice this, elevate the area and hold firm pressure on the area for 5 minutes without peeking. This usually controls the problem. If it does not work, please call the office.
If you had general anesthesia:
* Do not drive any vehicle for 24 hours and/or while taking prescription pain medications
* Do not operate machinery for 24 hours or use potentially dangerous household equipment.
* Have someone at home with you until the day after surgery.
* Avoid use of all alcohol and sedatives for 24 hours.
* Do not make important decisions or sign important papers for 24hrs.
If you have facial surgery and use a CPAP machine, you may need to modify or have an alternative for 1-3 weeks after surgery.
You may apply cold compresses to the area as needed if it is soothing. Soak a paper towel in ice water then wring it out and hold it on the site for approximately five minutes. (Facial Surgery Only)
For the first week, we recommend: avoid bending at the hips. No exercising. Do not do anything that increases your heart rate or increases your blood pressure.
Ibuprofen and Tylenol can be taken at the same time because they work better together than they do apart. Ibuprofen and Tylenol should be taken every 6 hours for the first 2-3 days after surgery to keep pain under control and then start to reduce the dose to find what you need to stay comfortable. Ibuprofen should be taken with a small snack to avoid upsetting your stomach.
You may have been given Exparel® , which is a long acting numbing medication (local anesthesia). This is designed to be released over 4 days (96 hours), allowing for a smoother transition during the first week after your surgery. You will know this medication was given, if you are wearing a Teal/turquoise bracelet on your wrist.
Please inform any healthcare provider of your Exparel® bracelet, during the 4 day (96 hour) period. DO NOT use any lidocaine gel or patches during this 4 day/96 hour period.
You may be prescribed a narcotic medication such as Dilaudid, Oxycodone, or Tramadol, as part of your pain management plan.
Please review your Discharge Paperwork for specific instructions and recommendations.
Surgery, anesthesia and pain medications may cause constipation. You may use the following over the counter medications as needed. They are listed in order of the effectiveness, starting with the lowest potency. These may be purchased at your local pharmacy or super market.
Depending on the requirements of your job, we will discuss physical activity restrictions that may require time off from work.
Most patients are seen weekly for the first 3-4 weeks. Depending on your needs, additional weekly visits may be necessary. We schedule the next follow up appointment at the end of each visit.
Please note, a co-pay is not required for office visits that occur within the first 90 days, after your surgery. Subsequent visits, after 90 days, will require a specialist co-pay.