General postop recommendations
In-Hospital care
- It is very important to follow the instructions given by the surgeons and their team
- Immediately after the surgery you might experience dry mouth, you may wet your lips, but you should not drink any liquids until instructed to. Ask the nursing staff at your ward any questions on this subject.
- Remember you should be always accompanied, regardless of the length of your hospital stay (in-ward, day-hospital or walk-in)
- A few hours after surgery, conditioned by the specific procedure, you may start to stand up always assisted by someone. At the very least the first time you attempt to stand-up, you should do so in the presence of a healthcare professional.
- You might experience a slight rise in body temperature, it is to be expected, and should not be a cause for concern. Our team of surgeons will keep you updated on your post-surgical progression.
- Take advantage of the medical visits to pose any questions you might have.
- You may not move about the hospital without express consent by the medical professionals
- At the time of hospital discharge you will be provided with further instructions by one of the Institut Ruiz Castilla’s surgeons, said instructions will include how to take the medication prescribed upon discharge and the appointment for the first postoperative consultation as well as any other special considerations to take during the early postoperative period.
Initial postoperative care at your place of residence
- Bear in mind you’ve recently underwent a surgical procedure. You must be accompanied the first 24 hours spent at your place of residence. You must also keep rest during those first 24 hours, unless instructed otherwise.
- Following the first 24 hours, relative rest is advice to reduce the risk of postoperative complications
- You should not drive, drink alcoholic beverages, and you should avoid copious or heavy meals the first 24 hours after the surgery
- You should not touch, nor remove the bandages until your first postoperative visit
- You must wear the appropriate postsurgical garments (girdle, bra) 24 hours a day for a month after the surgery
- Unless indicated otherwise by your surgeon you should continue with your regular prescriptions as well as those medications prescribed upon discharge
- Both for face and breast surgery it is advisable that you sleep in a slightly upright position to reduce swelling
- Sun exposure and UV-ray treatments are strongly discouraged as they might cause scar pigmentation resulting in considerably more noticeable scars and poor cosmesis
- As a general norm, you will be able to shower normally a few days after the surgery. It is of the upmost importance that you avoid any friction above or about the wounds/scars. After the shower you should dry the area of the wound/scar using a hair dryer set to cold air, you should then apply a topical antiseptic (iodine solution or chlorhexidine) and repeat the drying step. Unproperly dried wounds are at an elevated risk of infections
- Once your recovery process is further along, we might advise you to take lymphatic drainage massages, that have proven beneficial during the postoperative period. Shown to stimulate the immune system; stimulate the clearance of excess fluid, cellular debris and toxins; improve microcirculation; decongest postoperative swelling and promote patient well-being and relaxation.