Post-operative Instructions

General instuctions

1. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery

2. Drink plenty of fluids

3. Eat light – salads, soups, light breads etc…

4. Medication instructions “Click for print friendly medication instructions”

   • Take the medications only as prescribed.

   • Eat a little before beginning your pain medications to avoid nausea.

   • If prescribed, take your medications for nausea (Zofran, Phenergan, or Vistaril) before beginning pain medications.

   • No Alcohol – this is dangerous to mix with the effects of anesthesia and pain medications.

   • Begin pain medications early to “keep on top” of the pain.

   • Have an adult responsible for keeping track of your medication schedule.

   • You may add 800 mg ibuprofen for additional pain control.  No Aspirin.  No Tylenol if you are taking Percocet (which has Tylenol in it).

   • Call the office or page/text Dr. Yates with questions about your medications or any signs of medication allergy.

5. No smoking

6. Leave all dressings in place and dry unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Yates.

7. Leave surgical tape/ steri-strips in place.

8. Begin stool softeners/ laxatives if you have not had a bowel movement within the first 48 hours (pain medications can cause constipation).

9. Call if you develop a yeast infection from the antibiotic for treatment.

10. Dr. Yates will give you your specific activity/ work restrictions which varies according to procedure.

11. Get out of bed and walk as able at least three times a day.

12. Apply ice as instructed (eyelid surgery, facelift surgery).

13. Elevate head of bed as instructed (facial surgery).

14. You may shower when instructed by Dr. Yates (generally the following day unless drains are in place such as after a tummy-tuck).

15. You may drive when no longer under the influence of pain medications.

16. Begin scar treatment as instructed

    Procedure specific instructions

    Abdominoplasty post-op instructions

    Breast augmentation post-op instructions

    Liposuction post-op instructions

    Breast reduction or breast lift post-op instructions

    Facelift post-op instructions

    Blepharoplasty post-op instructions

    rhinoplasty post-op instructions

    Feel free to text/ call Dr. Yates with additional questions or concerns.