| Local Anesthesia Discharge Instructions
Pain The numbness that you feel as a result of the local anesthesia will gradually go away in a few hours. After that time, you may have some pain. A prescription for pain may be given to you by your surgeon. This should be taken as directed; if it does not improve the pain, notify your surgeon. If the surgeon does not prescribe anything for pain, you may take a non prescription, non-aspirin pain medication (such as Tylenol) which can be purchased at a drug store. Follow the directions on the label.
Surgical Site
You may remove the dressing in days. If it is necessary for you to change the dressing, we will demonstrate how to do that. Keep the incision dry for the next days. If you shower or take a tub bath, protect the incision from water for the next days.
Diet
You may resume your normal diet after the procedure, but it is better to start with liquids, then soup and crackers, and gradually work up to your normal foods over the span of a day or so.
Follow-up visit
You will need to return to the clinic
on ______________
at ______________
The sutures will be removed at this time. You will also need to see your surgeon a month after the procedure. You should not have you ear(s) repierced for 6 months or until your surgeon says it is all right to have the earlobe pierced.
Contingencies
Notify your surgeon if you have any of the following:
temperature greater than 101ø F.
a foul-smelling discharge from the incision or increasing redness or warmth at the incision.
significant or increasing bleeding (with some procedures, some bleeding or oozing is expected; however this should be minimal by the first day after surgery).
any other questions or problems.
You can reach your surgeon by calling the Plastic Surgery Clinic during duty hours at (202) 782-6560; after duty hours, call the WRAMC emergency room at (202) 782-1199. If you feel the problem requires urgent attention (such as severe bleeding), call for an ambulance to take you to the nearest emergency room. |