At Commonwealth Oral and Facial Surgery, we realize that having any surgery can be stressful. Our desire is to have your post-operative course progress as smoothly as possible. These instructions provide some general guidelines with regard to post-operative care; your doctor may give you additional instructions as well. Thank you for choosing Commonwealth Oral and Facial Surgery.

Try not to disturb the area where your Biopsy was performed. To avoid irritation, keep your tongue away from the surgical site. You may have stitches; don’t be alarmed if they loosen or fall out before your post op visit.

Pathology results from a biopsy may take one to two weeks. Your doctor will inform you of your results. This is usually done at the time of your follow up appointment.

• Bleeding
  
  Some minor bleeding may occur after the procedure. This can last up to 24 hours. If bleeding is rapid and doesn’t slow down when pressure is applied it is best to call the office to speak with a Surgical Assistant for further instructions.
  
  
• Swelling
  
  Swelling can be a normal occurrence after surgery. In some instances swelling can be worse or peak on the third to fourth day after surgery. Should the swelling increase beyond this time period or be accompanied by severe pain or an elevated temperature, then please notify your doctor. If applicable, apply an ice pack to the outside of the face corresponding to the surgical site. Place the ice pack for 20 minutes at a time then rest for 20 minutes. Please apply ice packs for 48 hours starting the day of surgery. If the biopsy was taken from the tongue or roof of mouth then direct application ice chips will be most beneficial.
  
  
• Pain Medications
  
  You may have been given prescriptions for one or more pain medications to help manage severe discomfort following your surgery. However, in some cases moderate discomfort can be controlled with Tylenol or an anti-inflammatory medication (Advil/Motrin/Ibuprofen; Aleve/Naprosyn; Lodine/Etodolac). Anti-inflammatory medications can be alternated with a narcotic medication in most cases. Take these and all medications as prescribed and in the manner indicated by your doctor. It is a good idea to begin taking your pain medications while you are still numb.
  
  While taking narcotic pain medications, do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive, or operate any machinery for 24 hours after the last dose of narcotic pain medicine. Some patients experience nausea and or vomiting as a result of narcotic pain medications. The risk of nausea can be minimized by taking medications with some food. If you have a persistent problem with nausea or vomiting, please notify your doctor.
  
  
• Antibiotics
  
  If you have been placed on antibiotics, take them as directed. If you have an unfavorable reaction such as a rash, please discontinue the medication and call the office for further instructions.
  
  
• Oral Hygiene
  
  Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Start rinsing 24 hours after your surgery. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz cup of warm water) three to four times a day. Use the saltwater rinse in addition to any other rinses prescribed by your doctor. You may begin to brush your teeth 24 hours after surgery. Of course be gentle in the region(s) of the surgery.
  
  
• Diet
  
  Drink plenty of fluids; however avoid hot liquids and foods. Soft food and cool liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. You may return to a normal diet, as tolerated, beginning the day after surgery but avoid crunchy food (popcorn, pretzels, and potato chips) for a week after surgery, as these could become lodged and irritate the surgical area.
  
  
• Activities
  
  Resume normal activities a day or so after surgery, or as directed by doctor. Please keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery.
  
  Avoid smoking for as long as possible following surgery. The use of tobacco products slows down the healing process and may lead to developing other complications. We strongly recommend avoiding tobacco products for one full week.

If you have questions please call the office at 804- 354-1600, or for after-hours assistance, call the answering service at 1-866-420-8819.