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Neck Liposuction Surgery Home Care Instructions
Please read these instructions several times and make sure all of your questions are answered prior to surgery. We will give you specific instructions if we make any changes in these directions. Daily Activities
Since you have just undergone a surgical operation, use good common sense in the first 7 days after surgery in restricting your normal activities, exercise regimens, and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining for at least one week or longer.
Jogging and light non-contact exercise should not be resumed for two weeks. You can resume more strenuous activities as your condition improves. You may be up and around on the day of surgery but some natural fatigue may persist for two to three days due to the normal effects of the anesthesia and surgical procedure.
Use your best judgment and do not ignore signs from your body of overdoing. Facial Pressure Bandage
The neck support bandage will feel quite tight on the day of surgery. The pressure is very effective in preventing bruising and swelling so it is important to wear the bandage as instructed.
You should not remove the neck bandage, other than for 1 or 2 hour periods twice a day, for the first 4 days after surgery. The day after surgery you may reduce the tightness to a comfortable, supportive level.
You should remove the bandage twice each day starting the day after surgery, wash your neck gently, and re-apply the bandage. Apply some talcum powder to the smooth side of the foam rubber pad. Apply the powdered smooth side against your neck and apply the elastic bandage over the foam. After 3 to 4 days you may go without the bandage during the day, but you should wear it at a comfortable pressure when you are around the house and while sleeping. You will tend to bruise in your neck below the bandage but not under it.
Any unexplained pain, facial swelling, bruising or fever should be reported to us immediately.
Drainage
Drainage from the small incision in front of each ear will usually occur. This drainage may increase when you are up and moving around the house. It is rare to have more drainage than is absorbed by the gauze. However, you may need to change the gauze pads as needed (you may use gauze or facial tissue) during the first 6-12 hours. Simply lift the edge of the support bandage, remove the gauze in front of the ears, and place a new gauze or tissue pad. Your bandage may stain. Your bandage may be hand washed and dried on low heat if it becomes stained.
Medications
If needed, take the pain medication with food or liquid as prescribed. You may take any of your regular medications as usual unless instructed not to take them. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) for seven days after surgery, these medications can increase bleeding and bruising. Other routinely taken medications may be taken as necessary.
Take the Medrol Dosepack as directed on the package, except do not take any pills before bedtime. They may keep you awake.
Diet and Fluids
Soft foods will generally be easier to chew for the first few days. Protein in your diet is very important to help you heal and to prevent swelling. Be sure to eat 60 grams or more of protein per day. Protein supplement drinks like Ensure, Boost and Carnation Instant Breakfast, dairy products, meats and fish are excellent sources of protein.
You must drink at least 2 quarts (64 ounces) of fluids each day to prevent dehydration. Start drinking as soon as you get home after surgery and keep a written record of your intake to be sure you are getting enough fluid. If you feel nauseated, it usually means that you are dehydrated. Drinking more fluid will help to eliminate the nausea. In moderation, talking and smiling are perfectly acceptable, however excessive smiling and talking may increase your swelling.
Moist Heat:
About 5 days after surgery you may apply an electric heating pad to your neck. Do not set above medium heat. The heat should be held under the chin and jaw for about 30 minutes every 2 hours. Use the heat as desired to help reduce residual bruising, swelling, tightness.
Never use a microwave heating pad! You can get a bad burn. Please call us if any of the following occur:
· Excessive bleeding or large volume drainage.
· Itching, redness or rash around the neck.
· Temperature above 101 degrees orally.
· Excessive, sudden swelling or discoloration.
· Excessive pain.
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