Post Op Care in Newport Beach

RhinoplastySeptoplasty

• Keep your head elevated whenever lying down for the first week after your surgery. 

• You will be fitted with a nasal splint after surgery. Do not remove it yourself, you will return a week after surgery to have it removed. 

• Use ice packs or a cold compress over the eyelids and cheeks to reduce swelling for the first two hours. Ice for approximately 15 minutes every two hours while you are awake.
• To help speed up healing, start taking Vitamin C 500 mg and Vitamin K 100 mcg twice daily and Arnica Montana as directed at least five days prior to your procedure. 
• It is recommended that you wash your hair the day before surgery. Dr. Sadati will advise you when you can safely do so after your procedure. 
• Start using Ocean Spray (saline solution) a week after your surgery to alleviate any dryness. Spray the solution 3-4 times a day in each nostril and use antibiotic ointment In the morning and at night.
• You should not smoke at least two weeks before, and two weeks after your surgery. Smoking impairs your ability to heal quickly.
• Avoid pullover clothing for two weeks to avoid hitting or snagging on the nose. 
• You cannot sniff, blow your nose, or sneeze for the first two weeks. If you can’t help but to sneeze, do so with an open mouth.
• Contacts may be worn the second day after surgery and eyeglasses may be worn over the nasal splint, however, you will not be able to let your glasses rest on your nose for the first four weeks.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

• To help alleviate swelling, use ice and cold compresses on your head away from your stitches on and off for 20 minutes at a time for up to 2 hours. 
• Take any prescribed medication as directed and be sure to follow the instructions on the label. You may be given a prescription of Maxitrol, which is an ophthalmic antibiotic eye drop medication.
• If you wear glasses or corrective lenses, please note you will not be able to for at least two weeks after surgery.
• Patients who had lower eyelid surgery will need to purchase Lacrilube Lubricant Eye Ointment to relieve the side effect of dry, irritated eyes. It is ideal for use at bedtime.
• We use non-absorbable sutures that will be removed after at least seven days.
• Any bruising or discomfort around your eyes should subside in a week to ten days.
• Most patients feel well enough to return to work after the first week.
• Avoid strenuous activity such as heavy lifting or exercise for at least two weeks following the procedure.

Face and Neck Lift

• Maintain an elevated head position, at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees. This can usually be achieved by stacking two pillows when lying down. Do this for the first 3-5 days following your procedure or per Dr. Sadati’s instructions. 
• After your procedure, do not remove your wrap. The wrap will be removed at the office the day after your surgery and rewrapped with a compression head garment.
• To limit the swelling and bruising, use ice packs or a cold compress over your facial area (not the incision site), alternating on and off every 20 minutes for up to the first 72 hours.

• Take all prescribed medications as directed. Talk to Dr. Sadati if you have any questions about how or when you should take certain medicines. 

• Don’t drink any caffeine on the day of your procedure and limit alcohol intake before and after. 
• You can wash your hair in the shower, but you should wait until the day after your procedure.
• Smoking can increase your risk of complications. You should not smoke 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after your surgery.
• If you have corrective lenses, you may wear contacts after the second day, however, you will have to talk to the doctor about eyeglasses. 
• Be sure to use SPF 30 or greater to protect your facial skin and suture lines from excessive sun exposure for at least one month after surgery. If necessary, wear a hat for additional protection.
• It is normal to see small amounts of blood near your incision within the first 48 hours, but
• Some light activity is encouraged (walking) starting the second day, however, you will not be able to bend over or lift heavy objects for two weeks. Strenuous activities must be avoided for at least 3 weeks. 

Fat Grafting

• When lying down, maintain head elevation using two pillows for the first 3-5 days following your procedure 
• DO NOT USE ICE. You should not be applying any pressure to the face.
• You will be prescribed medications to take for pain as needed. Avoid taking any Advil, Motrin, or Aspirin products until after the first week. 

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• If you can do so comfortably, you can wash your hair in the shower starting the day after your procedure.
• Do not smoke cigarettes at least 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after your surgery. 
• Protect your skin and any scar tissue from potentially harmful sun exposure for at least one month after surgery. Use SPF 30 or greater and wear a hat whenever possible. 
• You may notice a small amount of blood at the incision site. This is normal during the first 48 hours, but any excessive bleeding should be immediately reported.
• Light activity is encouraged starting the day after surgery, but you should avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for the first two weeks. Strenuous activities and heavy exercises should be avoided for at least three weeks. 

Liposuction

• Bed rest is recommended for the first few hours immediately after surgery. You will not be able to drive or operate hazardous machinery for 18 hours after surgery, so plan accordingly. 
• You may begin exercising and engaging in physical activity two weeks after surgery.
• Some patients return to work within four days after surgery, unless there is heavy lifting and lots of movement required. 
• You must wear compression garments after tumescent liposuction. You’ll be given instructions on how to shower and wash them. Typically, patients will need to wear these garments for four weeks.
• Monitor your incisions. You will see lots of drainage for the first 24 to 48 hours. 
• You may experience a brief sensation of dizziness when standing too quickly or removing your garments the morning after surgery. Move slowly and be sure to alert someone if you need assistance. 
• Keep your incisions clean. To do so, wash your hands, then wash the incision area gently with soap and water. Gently pat dry with a clean towel and apply new absorbent pads. 
• DO NOT soak in any water, such as a bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool, or the ocean for at least seven days after surgery in order to minimize the risk of infection.
• Take any medications as directed. Avoid Aspirin and Ibuprofen for one week after surgery.
• To limit swelling and bruising you may apply ice packs or a cold compress for 15-20 minutes on then 15-20 minutes off for the first two days following your procedure.
• The use of certain vitamins is recommended - and certain vitamins should be avoided! You’ll receive a list of these from Dr. Sadati. 
• Smoking will delay your ability to heal so refrain from smoking tobacco for at least three weeks prior to your surgery and two weeks after your surgery.