Chin Surgery Recovery

Right after the surgery, the dressings usually remain intact for 48-72 hours. A week later the stitches are removed. Every patient should rest in bed for the first day or two after surgery.

The amount and extent of the post-operative bruising depends on how prone to bruising you are. You may also notice some swelling, which also depends on your individual tendency. If you had a surgery in the past you should have a pretty good idea what to expect in that area.

When recovering it is essential to having your head elevated and being able to apply cold compresses and ice packs that should decrease the amount of swelling. Lots of patients rely on dependable bags with frozen veggies; consistent compresses will definitely reduce swelling. If you're in pain make sure to let your surgeon know so that he or she can prescribe the right medication for you. With chin plastic surgery there may be some difficulty talking and smiling for several days following the procedure. Some patients with intra-oral sutures have been known to be placed on a liquid diet for several days. This is to prevent infection with the stitches inside the mouth. Your surgeon should tell you about the proper dental hygiene and eating as well as any restrictions to your activities after surgery. It is essential to follow all the advice closely to minimize the risks. In most cases chin surgery patients can be back at work within a week. It is important to avoid strenuous activities but regular exercise can be resumed in about two weeks. It is important however toavoid contact sports or any activity that may result in the face being affected. Most of the significant swelling will subside over a period of several days but sometimes prolonged mild swelling may prevent your final facial contour from becoming apparent for several months.

Because you will be limiting your activity for the first couple of days after your surgery, set up a recovery area before you leave for your surgery. Here are some things to include in it:

• Ice packs or cold packs. Frozen peas in a freezer bag! Why? They stay cold a long time and they don't leak when they melt. Also they conform to the shape of your face.
• Soft foods especially if your surgeon suggests. Prior to surgery ask what kinds of foods you'll be allowed to eat afterwards to better prepare yourself.
• Make sure you have all the medications that your plastic surgeon recommends, such as pain medications, mouth rinses and creams.
• Make sure you have a thermometer, so you can take your temperature if you suspect a fever. A fever may be an indication of an infection.
• Gauze or dressing to absorb any bleeding.
• Pillows to make sure your head is elevated.
• A telephone with a list of doctors, friends, etc., in case of an emergency.