Postoperative Instructions - Salt Lake City
General instructions
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You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery
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Drink plenty of fluids
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Eat light – salads, soups, light breads etc…
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Medication instructions “Click for print friendly medication instructions”
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Take the medications only as prescribed.
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Eat a little before beginning your pain medications to avoid nausea.
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If prescribed, take your medications for nausea (Zofran, Phenergan, or Vistaril) before beginning pain medications.
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No Alcohol – this is dangerous to mix with the effects of anesthesia and pain medications.
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Begin pain medications early to “keep on top” of the pain.
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Have an adult responsible for keeping track of your medication schedule.
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You may add 800 mg ibuprofen for additional pain control. No Aspirin. No Tylenol if you are taking Percocet (which has Tylenol in it).
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Call the office or page/text Dr. Yates with questions about your medications or any signs of medication allergy.
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No smoking
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Leave all dressings in place and dry unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Yates.
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Leave surgical tape/ steri-strips in place.
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Begin stool softeners/ laxatives if you have not had a bowel movement within the first 48 hours (pain medications can cause constipation).
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Call if you develop a yeast infection from the antibiotic for treatment.
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Dr. Yates will give you your specific activity/ work restrictions which varies according to procedure.
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Get out of bed and walk as able at least three times a day.
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Apply ice as instructed (eyelid surgery, facelift surgery).
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Elevate head of bed as instructed (facial surgery).
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You may shower when instructed by Dr. Yates (generally the following day unless drains are in place such as after a tummy-tuck).
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You may drive when no longer under the influence of pain medications.
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Begin scar treatment as instructed
Procedure specific instructions
Feel free to text/ call Dr. Yates with additional questions or concerns.
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