BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

1. a. Rest quietly in bed for the first 24 hours with your head raised.

b. Your chin/cheek will generally be firmly taped for 2 - 3 days following surgery.

c. Put an ice pack on your cheek/neck/chin.

d. You will then be expected to wear a face form mask for 6 weeks.

DIET & HYGIENE

2. a. Minimal talking or laughing in the first 48 hours during which time liquid diet is best/easiest for you.

b. Eat soft food during the first week.

c. Use of a toothbrush may be difficult for some days. Use mouthwash only, regularly.

PAIN & MEDICATION

3. a. Pain discomfort experienced varies considerably from person to person.

b. Your doctor will prescribe medication to relieve pain if necessary.

c. Take Panadeine Forte 1 or 2 every 3 - 4 hours, no more than 8 tablets per day.

d. No Aspirin or Aspirin containing products and no Vitamin E for two weeks.

e. For your safety do not drive while taking strong painkillers.

SWELLING & BRUISING

4. a. When bending down, bend at knees, not with head down.

b. Expect to have swelling for 2-3 weeks and ‘stiffness/rigidity’ of chin for approximately 1 - 2 months after insertion of the implant.

c. Avoid excessive movement of the mouth and neck.

EXERCISE

5. a. No heavy exercising for 3 weeks.

b. Avoid trauma as implant can be displaced by direct strong impact.

6. In some cases there is temporary numbness of the chin/cheek due to stretching of the nerve supply.

WOUND CARE - Chin & Cheek Implants

9. a. Stitches are usually not visible as they usually dissolve. If you have visible stitches clean with ¼ strength 3% Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with ¾ strength normal saline twice a day using cotton buds.

b. Mouth washes (e.g. Listerine) every few hours will help to minimise the risk of infection.

c. Then apply antibiotic ointment if prescribed with cotton buds

YOU CAN EXPECT

• Moderate discomfort, take pain killers as prescribed.
• Moderate swelling and bruising, sometimes more on the second or third day.
• Blood shot whites of eyes.

CALL IF YOU HAVE

• Severe pain not responding to medication.
• Profuse swelling.
• Difficulty in breathing.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal Saline 0.9% - 100 ml.
• Cotton buds.

Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036