After Chin Surgery

Procedure Length: 1 - 2 hours

AFTER SURGERY

1. Continue to limit yourself to light activities the first week after surgery. However, make sure that you don't stay in bed continuously. Make sure you walk around every once in a while to allow for blood flow.
2. After the first week, limit yourself to activities that are comfortable. No strenuous aerobic activity for 3 weeks after surgery. No contact sports for 8 weeks.
3. The night after surgery you will want to have some protective sheets or towels on your bed. Your incisions may oose for the first one to two days.
4. You can take a cool shower the day after. Let the water gently run over your face. Pat dry. Make sure someone is with you. You may be nauseated from general anesthesia for up to 2 days.
5. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
6. Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least one week. You may take Tylenol or pain medications as prescribed.
7. No weight loss diets for at least 3 weeks. Make sure to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet during this time.
8. Avoid exposing the incision to direct sunlight for at least 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
9. Be sure to finish your entire prescription of antibiotics.
10. For outside incision at 2-3 weeks after surgery take your steri-strips off. Apply ScarLess® for 8 weeks.
11. For mouth incisions gargle and rinse your teeth with Listerine every 2 hours for one week while awake.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

1. Immediately after chin implant surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
2. You will probably be very sore for the first week. Bruising is normal and will subside in 2-4 weeks.
3. The stitches in the mouth may last for 4-6 weeks, external sutures dissolve within 1-2 weeks.
4. You may experience some numbness. Remember not to put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.
5. Rarely, numbness may persists for up to 6 months.
6. Post surgical swelling may temporarily cause the look of unevenness, skin changes, hard spots, and ridges.
7. At 3-6 months pink scars will fade to unnoticeable white color.
8. Your incisions might itch, avoid scratching them.

WHEN TO CALL US

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101°F or higher, severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling or calf pain or if you feel that anything might be wrong. Please call the office during regular business hours @ 949-644-4808 or after hours page Joseph T Cruise, MD @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY