Care after skin plastic surgery
Local anaesthetic
- Local anaesthesia tends to dissipate within one hour after discharge – in you need pain medication please take as prescribed with food
Sunlight
- Avoid rapid temperature changes and/or direct sunlight for the first 2 months following surgery
Exercise and sport
- Avoid direct physical contact to the incision site – the general rule is to avoid sporting activities for the first 5 to 10 days
Cleaning
- Clean the area as you wash your hands to remove any crusting – cleaning the incision 3 to 4 times per day will promote healing and minimise the final incision – apply vitamin E cream after cleaning
- Do not allow shower spray to fall directly on to the incision – blot dry and do not rub the towel over the sutures
Sutures
- Sutures (stitches) will be removed after 5 to seven days at the first post-operative appointment
Return to work
- You may return to work the day after surgery – should you require more than one day a letter can be written on your behalf
Eating and drinking
- You may resume your diet/meals within 2 hours after the procedure – we suggest that your first meal be a light one as some medications may increase your sensitivity
If you have any problems, following your surgery, you should speak to your local doctor, who will arrange to contact your surgeon