Plastic Surgery Instructions (Forehead Osteoma Removal):
-Ok to shower/wash your face starting tomorrow.
-Ok to remove the pressure dressing later today.
-You can cover the wound with a dry dressing or leave it open to air.
-There will be two short suture tags sticking out the side of the incision. Leave these in place. We will remove them in the office.
-Elevate your head of bed for 1-2 days to help minimize swelling
-No strenuous physical activity for 10 days after surgery. No contact sports for 2-3 weeks.
-Take your pain medication with food (a few crackers are ok) to help prevent nausea.
-Pain medications can cause constipation. Take a gentle over the counter laxative (Milk of Magnesia, Colace, or Dulcolax) if you feel constipated.
-Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 2 weeks following surgery unless specifically instructed. This can lead to bleeding issues.
-Smoking causes multiple wound healing complications. It is very important that you do not smoke, and you are not around people that smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as if you were to smoke.
-Be sure to walk at least 300 yards daily. This can be broken up in multiple short trips. It is OK and recommended that you walk more than the minimum of 300 yards. This will help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’s/Blood Clots) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE’s).
-Call the office to schedule a follow-up appointment for approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery, if this hasn’t already been scheduled.