Post-Operative Care Instructions – Laceration Repair

DIET

  • When the numbness diminishes, start with soft foods like applesauce, scrambled eggs, pancakes, mashed potatoes, or soup, being cautious to avoid the surgical site(s).
  • If your lip was repaired, avoid chewing in that area for at least 72 hours.
  • As you become more comfortable, slowly reintroduce more solid foods.

PAIN CONTROL AND ANTIBIOTIC

  • Always take medications with food or a glass of water to avoid stomach upset.
  • Take 200 – 600mg of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) as soon as possible and before the numbing wears off. Then, follow up with 500 – 1,000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) three hours later. Repeat this cycle every three hours for at least the first day. If you are unable to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, please inform our staff, and we will create an alternative pain management plan for you.
  • If you find you require additional pain relief, you may substitute acetaminophen with your narcotic pain medication (if prescribed). Always take ibuprofen and choose either acetaminophen or the narcotic pain medication for the second dose.
  • If you find that you feel nauseated after taking the narcotic pain medication, discontinue use. If vomiting occurs, please contact our office for further assistance.
  • Make sure not to exceed 3,200mg of ibuprofen or 4,000mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period.
  • Apply ice to the area of repair, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, during the first 72 hours (3 days) after your procedure.
  • Swelling may continue to increase for up to 3 days after your procedure. To help reduce it, elevate your head when lying down.
  • Antibiotics (if prescribed): Begin taking them this evening or the morning following your procedure. Continue to take them, as directed, until gone. Always take antibiotics with food to avoid stomach upset.

HYGIENE AND WOUND DRESSING

Follow these steps for laceration care:

  • Clean the laceration twice daily with a Q-tip, using a 50/50 solution of peroxide and water. Gently clean over the laceration to remove excessive clot.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment to the laceration twice a day after cleaning for one week following the procedure.
  • Shower below the neck without restrictions but avoid excessively soaking the wound for two weeks after laceration repair.
  • Clean hair under the sink if necessary and wash your face with a washcloth to prevent soaking the laceration.
  • If a Jobst wrap was placed on an ear laceration, keep it applied for 12 hours and then remove. If you notice sponge-like swelling under the skin, contact the office for evaluation.
  • Refrain from sleeping on the ear for two weeks following the repair.

SUTURES

  • Sutures will dissolve or fall out 3 – 7 days after your procedure. It is okay if they come out sooner than 3 days. If there is no active bleeding, you will continue to heal as normal.
  • Certain procedures require non-dissolvable sutures. In this case, your surgeon will let you know, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for removal of the sutures.

ACTIVITY

  • Avoid vaping or smoking for five to seven days after your procedure. Vaping and smoking can slow healing, significantly raise the risk of infection, and may lead to a painful condition known as dry socket.
  • Avoid direct sunlight. Use SPF 50+ to prevent scar dyspigmentation.

Prescriptions: Any prescriptions will be sent electronically to your pharmacy. It may take up to 6 hours for your prescriptions to be ready. Please contact our office if it has been more than 6 hours.

Contact Our Office: If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at (269)323-1527. We have a surgeon on call 24/7. For after-hours calls, our answering service will assist you. Please leave the patient’s name, date of birth, and a callback number. The on-call surgeon will contact you at the earliest opportunity.