Post Operative Patient Information

After Surgery ALL patients will receive Post-Operative patient Information specific to their surgery. This contains important details and informs patients of the recommended post-operative care and details regarding follow-up appointments.

Post Operative Patient Information – Dressings

After undergoing plastic surgery, proper post-operative care is crucial for optimal healing and recovery. One essential aspect of post-operative care is the management of dressings. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon regarding dressing changes, as they may vary depending on the type of surgery performed.

Typically, dressings should be kept clean, dry, and intact until advised otherwise. Avoiding excessive moisture, strenuous activities, and trauma to the dressing area is essential to ensure proper healing.

Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon will allow for monitoring of the dressing and timely changes if necessary.

Remember, following the recommended dressing guidelines is an integral part of your recovery process, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes from your plastic surgery procedure.

Please Note
It is normal to have a small amount of red blood or clear fluid draining from the wound. If this increases, apply pressure for 10 minutes to the area. If this does not work, then please contact Dr Briggs’s Rooms on 1300 599 990.

Post Operative Patient Information – Wound

After surgery, your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for your wounds. It is important to keep the surgical wounds clean, dry, and protected to promote healing and minimise the risk of infection.

You may be advised to gently clean the wounds with mild soap and water, and then apply prescribed ointments or dressings as directed. It is essential to avoid picking at or scratching the wounds to prevent disruption of the healing process.

Additionally, it is important to monitor the wounds for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage, and to promptly Contact Dr Briggs’s rooms if any of these occur.

You will most likely have sutures in your incision. Some sutures are dissolvable and will gradually disappear. If you have non-dissolving sutures or staples, Dr Briggs or his nurses will remove them 7-10 days post-operatively.

Additional tips for Wounds after Surgery

• Do not smoke as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
• A prescription for antibiotics may be provided; please take the full course as directed.
• If you have been given an ointment, follow the instructions carefully as to its application.
• If you have had face surgery you may experience bruising and swelling around eye and cheek areas. This is normal and will start to resolve within 7-10 days.

Post Operative Patient Information – Activity

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions based on the specific procedure you underwent. Generally, it is recommended to limit strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, intense exercise, and vigorous movements, for a certain period of time after surgery. This allows your body to heal properly and reduces the risk of complications or injury. You may also be advised to avoid certain positions or movements that could strain the surgical area.

It is important to gradually reintroduce physical activity as instructed by your surgeon, following their guidance on when it is safe to resume normal activities. By adhering to these activity restrictions and gradually increasing your level of activity as directed, you can support the healing process and achieve optimal results.

Post Operative Patient Information – Pain

Pain management is an important aspect of the post-operative recovery process after plastic surgery. It is normal to experience some level of discomfort or pain following the procedure, which can vary depending on the type and extent of surgery performed. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to manage and alleviate pain during your recovery. This may include prescribing pain medications or recommending over-the-counter pain relievers. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency of pain medication as directed by your surgeon.

Additionally, applying ice packs or using cold compresses can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Resting and avoiding strenuous activities can also contribute to pain relief.

If you have any concerns about the level of pain you are experiencing or if your pain is not adequately controlled, it is important to Contact Dr Briggs’s rooms for further guidance and support.