WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING OCULOPLASTIC & FACIAL SURGERy

Swelling: It is normal to have swelling after your surgery and is typically greatest 2-3 days after your surgery. The swelling usually subsides by the fourth day.  To help minimize swelling, an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) may be placed on the surgical area for 20 minutes every hour, while awake, for the first 48 hours. It is also helpful to sleep in a more upright position by elevating your head on several pillows or sleeping in a recliner for a few days following surgery. Limit physical activity for the first 72 hours, avoiding heavy lifting, bending or straining.

Medications: You may resume all medications the next day unless otherwise indicated by your physician.  This includes vitamins, supplements, NSAIDs and any blood-thinning medications.

Drainage: Drainage is normal following surgery and should be light red or pink in color.  If you have bleeding, apply light pressure to the site for approximately 5-10 minutes and it should subside.  Be sure to cover pillows with a towel to prevent staining from any drainage.

Bruising: Bruising is normal following surgery and will subside as healing occurs. Every patient is unique, and it is difficult to predict how much bruising you will experience and when it will subside. On average the bruising will subside within two (2) weeks but may take up to 4-6 weeks. 

Shower/Bathing/Washing Hair: You may shower and shampoo 24 hours after your surgery, avoiding direct spray on the surgical area.  Bathing and swimming are not allowed until you are released by your surgeon.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon after receiving anesthetic medications and may last for approximately 24 hours. If you experience either, please contact our office and we will call in a prescription. 

Driving: Do not drive for the first 24 hours following surgery or while taking prescription pain medication. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are taking pain medications or while you have swelling, especially around the eyes.

Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment should already be scheduled for you with our office for 5-7 days following your surgery. At this time if healing has occurred, your sutures/staples will be removed, unless self-absorbing sutures were placed.


When to Call the Doctor: If you experience any of the following, please contact our office immediately:

  • Excessive bleeding or bleeding that does not subside after 10 minutes of applying pressure

  • Yellow or pus-like drainage (a possible indication of infection)

  • Fever

  • Excessive pain that is not managed by your pain medication

  • Loss of vision

If you have any questions, please call our office at (614) 766-5438 during business hours. If you need to reach Dr. Cho after hours, please call (614) 943-4417. If you need to reach Dr. Gallo after hours please call our main office and follow the prompts.

  

In the event of an emergency, please call 911 and proceed to the nearest emergency room

NOTICE: Please contact our office as soon as possible with any changes in insurance prior to your scheduled surgery date.  Failure to do so may result in cancellation/delay in surgery.