POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Immediately following surgery you should plan to go home and rest (minimal activity) until the next morning.
2. To help decrease swelling, sleep with your head elevated at a 45 degree angle for 1- 3 nights following surgery.
3. DO NOT use any aspirin-containing products or drink alcohol for 3-5 days following surgery.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ...
PAIN CONTROL:
1. You may require medication the first 1-2 nights following surgery. The medication should control your discomfort.
2. You will receive a prescription for pain control. Use these as needed and directed.
WOUND CARE:
Immediately on discharge you will be provided with a kit to use as follows:
1. You will be given a spray bottle with sterile saline solution that you should use daily for the next 3-5 days after the surgery. This will keep the transplanted area moist and will help speed the healing process.
2. Dressing at the donor area will be opened after 48hrs
2. After removing the dressing, please apply Neosporin ointment a couple of times a day.
3. We will see you again in the clinic after 48hrs if you need to be seen.Otherwise usual follow up is after 5 days.
SWELLING:
- Swelling may occur (especially after your first transplant), usually on the forehead and usually beginning around day 2-4 following surgery. This will not leave any permanent problems. As gravity works, the swelling may descend to the eyelids. Rarely black eyes may occur. This is uncommon, and though unsightly will not leave any permanent mark.
- Swelling can be reduced by sleeping with your head elevated at 45 degrees for 1-3 nights following surgery using a recliner or pillows.
- If you follow instructions usualy its not a problem for most of the patients
INFECTION:
1. Infection is extremely rare. Avoid exposure to dirt in the air at work or at play for 2 weeks following surgery. Do not touch the donor area or the transplanted grafts except with clean hands to reduce the chance of an infection. Report any increasing tenderness or redness and swelling around the surgical site.
EXERCISE & WORK :
1.Refrain from heavy work or sports for 1 week.
2.Refrain from weight lifting or heavy lifting or swimming in chlorinated water for 10-14 days.
3.Some people return to light work the day following surgery, although most people prefer to take at least 2-3 days off. Because of the possibility of swelling and some crusting following surgery, some people prefer to take one week off following surgery.
4.Crusts usually fall off 10-14 days following surgery.
HAIR WASHING & HAIR CARE
1.Beginning 3-5 days after surgery you can gently touch the grafts with the fingertips while washing . Avoid catching the grafts with your finger.
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