Post Operative Care

1.)  Take all of your regularly prescribed medications as directed, unless instructed otherwise by your Physician. If you experience any side effects from your recently prescribed antibiotic, such as upset stomach or rash, please call our office at (972)569-8448.

2.)  Apply firm pressure for 20 minutes with gauze if surgical site(s) start to bleed. If after 20 minutes of pressure bleeding has not subsided, please contact the office, Dr Philofsky or Dr. Jad directly if the office has closed.  Limit your activity to the remainder of today. Depending on the extent of your procedure, please limit physical activity anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.  This will also be reviewed with you the day of your procedure.

3.)  Place ice (or a bag of frozen peas) outside of the face to help with swelling (20 minutes on then 20 minutes off) for the first 48 hrs.  Swelling is normal, and tends to peak at the 3-4 days, and then is improved by the end of the week.

4.)  No chips, popcorn, pretzels or peanuts (or anything else with small seeds) that could get caught in the surgical site. Soft foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, soft chicken or other meats are advisable.

5.)  Do not floss in the surgical site(s).  Do not use a waterpik in the surgical site(s). You may gently brush but avoid the gumline. Start your prescription rinse (Chlorhexadine) the day after your surgical procedure. Use ½ capful in the morning after breakfast and before bed and hold in the surgical site for 1 minute then spit out. Do not eat or drink for ½ hour after use. Use this rinse for a period of 1 week then discontinue use.

6.)  Some of your sutures may “dissolve”, while others may need to be removed. Please do not disturb the stitches with your tongue. In addition, do not pull lip to see surgical site, leave it undisturbed.

7.)  If a sinus lift procedure has been done do not blow your nose for 1 week. In addition, please take an antihistamine for 1 week.