Recovering
Recovering in the Hospital
The first day after surgery you will begin drinking fluids and a puree diet will be initiated.
You'll be urged to get up and walk as soon as possible after surgery. This helps you recover from anesthesia. It also helps prevent complications. Sometime later in the day, you'll likely be started on liquids. Using facial muscles helps reduce swelling, so try to talk if you can. It's common to have some nausea the first day. Vomiting when you can't open your jaws can be scary, but don't panic. Since you fasted before surgery and you're now taking only liquids, the vomit will be liquid. Just lean over and spit it out. If you have any concerns about how nausea may affect you, talk to us ahead of time.
Medications
Right after surgery, you may have a PCA pump, with this machine you will have a special button to push for self-administration of pain medication. You will be able to manage your post operative discomfort and pain.
You will be switched to oral medication prior to discharge from the hospital and you will be given a prescription for medication upon hospital discharge.
You will be on IV antibiotics during and after surgery. You will be given a prescription for antibiotics upon hospital discharge.
Sometimes a medication is given while in the hospital and upon discharge to help you sleep at night.
While in the hospital, you will have medication ordered if you feel nauseated.
During and after surgery you will be given medications to help reduce swelling.
Most patients can resume their regular medications the day after surgery, but be sure to confer with your oral surgeon before taking your own medications so that no complications arise.
Swelling
You may have significant facial swelling post surgery. The most severe swelling will last for at least a week after surgery, but most of the swelling (approximately 70% to 80%) will be gone within 4 weeks, although it usually takes several months until most all of the swelling is completely gone.
Ice packs are usually used immediately after surgery and can be helpful in reducing swelling for the first 48 hours. After that time, the ice may not help reduce swelling, but many patients find the coolness feels good. Therefore, the ice can be used for an extended period of time.
Sit or lie with your head and shoulders higher than your heart. You will be given medications to help reduce surgical swelling.
Hospitals
As one of the premiere oral and maxillofacial surgery practices in South Florida, we are proud to be affiliated with numerous reputable hospitals.
Insurances Accepted
Here at Oral Facial Reconstruction and Implant Center, we make every effort to provide you with both the finest care and convenient financial options.
Our Locations
We are located close to local hospitals to grant you further peace of mind.