You have undergone a minor office procedure. The following instructions apply to you, unless you were told otherwise.
You can take a shower in 24 hours and get the incision wet. Just dry off the area of surgery and replace the bandage with a clean, dry one. You do not need the bandage after 4 to 5 days but may find it more comfortable to keep one on over the area. In any event keep the area clean.
You should be able to return to work the next day. Please call the office if you can not and we will promptly notify your employer.
Discomfort is expected but should be minor and limited to the area of the procedure. Aspirin, extra strength Tylenol or ibuprofen should eliminate the discomfort. The dosages are ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours, two extra strength Tylenol every 6 hours, or two aspirin every 6 hours. Call the office if your pain is not controlled by these medication.
You can do whatever you are comfortable doing once you leave. You cannot cause any serious damage by your activities after your surgery. Nonetheless, use common sense, don’t over exert yourself and don’t lift more than 15-20 pounds for a few days.
Call the office if your incision is red, hot and tender. You may have an infection. It is common for patients to notice some black and blue or maroon discoloration around the incision. This represents a small amount of blood and is normal. It should not alarm you. It is also common for this to only become apparent 2-3 days after surgery as blood in the tissues moves to the surface. The area may increase in size with time.
Your sutures should be left in for 5 to 14 days. The sutures should be removed in 5 days if they are on your face or neck. They should remain for approximately 14 days everywhere else. Occasionally they are left in longer if they are across a joint. Call the office to arrange for suture removal.
Call the Office if You Experience:
- Significant bleeding
- Pus or infection at the incisions
- Severe pain
- Any worrisome condition
If you are unable to reach the office, please call the Rhode Island Hospital at (401) 444-4000 and ask to speak to the Chief Surgical Resident on call.
Please remember that we are always available to take care of you and answer your questions. Do not view your calls as an inconvenience or bother to us. We want to help make your post operative period as easy as possible.