Post Surgery

More specific post op instructions will be provided based on your surgery. These are general post-surgical instructions.

Activity:

A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery and stay with you overnight after surgery.
Do not drive, make major decisions, or sign contracts for at least 24 hours after surgery, or 24 hours after taking narcotic pain medicine.
Eat a regular diet and drink plenty of fluids. Bland food may be better immediately after surgery. Additionally, soft foods may be preferable if surgery was performed on the face. Do not drink alcohol for 1 week after surgery.
Sleep with your head elevated after surgery (or as directed for your procedure).
Avoid bending, straining, lifting more than 20 lbs, and aerobic activities for at least 1 week after surgery. Short, gentle walks are acceptable and beneficial for circulatory function during recovery.
Avoid all nicotine products for 6 weeks after surgery.
Avoid excessive sunlight and sunburns for 6 months after resurfacing procedures.
follow garment or compression instructions carefully.

If you are staying in a hotel, prepare in advance:

Extra Pillows
Water and easy snacks
Ice Packs (if instructed)
Phone Charger within reach

Medications:

After surgery, your surgeon will let you know what medications can be resumed.
You may have multiple prescribed medications after surgery. Take each medication as directed on the label. Please take food with you to help prevent nausea.
Begin topical antibiotic and/or oral antibiotic the morning after surgery if prescribed by your surgeon.

When to Call Us:

If you develop any of the following: fever (>101 degrees F), pain not relieved with pain medication, swelling, redness, excessive bleeding, foul drainage from an incision site, persistent nausea and vomiting, or any other concern…call the doctor at the following phone numbers: Office (302-998-8007), After hours (302-995-9490)

Follow-Up Care:

Depending on your procedure:

You may be required to stay in town for 3-14 days and return to the office for in-person visits.
Or we may schedule a virtual follow-up once you return home.
If you do travel back to the area 3-6 months after surgery, we would like to see you again in the office to see how you are doing and take a final photos.

Traveling Home

Before leaving the area:

Confirm you have all prescriptions.
Ensure you understand wound care instructions.
Take printed post-op instructions with you.
Schedule your next follow-up appointment.

If flying:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Avoid lifting heavy luggage.
Request wheelchair assistance at the airport if needed.

We’re With You Even After You Leave

Our team routinely cares for out-of-town patients and remains available throughout your recovery. Healing doesn’t stop when you go home — and neither does our support.