Plastic Surgery (Tavistock Hospital)
Date issued: October 2024
For review: October 2026
Ref: A-650/TA/Plastic Surgery/Plastic Surgery
PDF: Plastic Surgery (Tavistock Hospital)[pdf] 222KB
Operation
Your procedure will have been performed under local anaesthetic. The area will be numb for 1 to 2 hours and then the sensation will begin to return.
Pain
You may experience some pain or discomfort in the area, and this usually responds well to pain relief, such as paracetamol, Co-codamol, or any other analgesia that does not contain aspirin.
Medication
If you usually take aspirin or Warfarin on prescription, you will have been asked to stop these before the operation. Both drugs may be resumed the day after your operation.
Bleeding
There may be a few drops of blood discharged from the wound shortly after the operation: this should not concern you unless the blood soaks through the dressing. If this should happen, try to control the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound for 10 minutes and elevate the area where possible. You should then arrange to have the dressing changed at your doctor’s surgery by the practice nurse. Should the bleeding be severe you will need to seek urgent attention from your Doctor or Emergency Department (A&E).
Swelling and bruising
Some swelling and bruising is to be expected. After surgery on the face, you will need to keep your head up, avoid bending forwards, and should try to sleep on several pillows. The swelling will subside after a few days and any bruising should settle after 2 to 3 weeks.
Wound care
A simple dressing may cover the wound, and this should be kept clean and dry until the stitches are removed. If the dressing becomes soiled, you should arrange for your practice nurse to renew this or visit the Minor Injury Unit. On some areas of the face, it may be difficult to apply a dressing, if this is the case you may be prescribed some ointment to apply to the wound.
Stitches
The practice nurse at your doctor’s surgery usually removes these. Before you go home the nurse will advise you.
Scars: As the scar matures it will change shape and colour. Most of these changes will occur within the first six months. Continuing improvement of the scar can be expected for 1 to 2 years. After the stitches have been removed; gentle massage can often soften the scar quicker. It is best not to expose the scars to the sun without a good sun block (factor 15 or more)
Problems
If non-urgent problems occur in the first 72 hours and you need information or advice:
-
Please ring Tavistock Hospital on 01822 612233
-
Out of hours: Contact NHS 111
-
After 48 Hours: Contact your own GP or 111
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, heat, odorous discharge or pain, please contact your G.P. If you do develop an infection within two weeks of your surgery, please let us know by calling 01752 436104.
In an emergency
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
