Post-Operative Care

Dr. Devgan will provide you with individualized instructions for your specific case. These are general guidelines for taking care of your surgical site after cometic or reconstructive surgery, including laceration repair. Please note that your specific, individualized guidelines should be followed preferentially.

BASIC OVERVIEW

• Antibiotic ointment twice a day.
• Avoid sun exposure, contamination, and soaking the wound.
• Ice and elevation may be used to decrease swelling.
• Dr. Devgan will notify you of the ideal time for your suture removal, if applicable.
• Some degree of swelling, discoloration, bruising, and pain are normal and expected. If any of these symptoms are severe or worrying, please do not hesitate to notify Dr. Devgan.
• Please notify Dr. Devgan if you have fever, persistent bleeding, white or cloudy drainage from the wound, or severe pain.

Wound Care

• Apply a thin coat of bacitracin ointment to your wound, twice a day. Bacitracin should be applied with clean hands or a clean Q-tip. Neosporin and polysporin are acceptable alternatives. 
• If steri strips have been placed on your wound, please leave them in place. If the steri-strips fall off, you may replace them.
• Wounds may be covered as needed in order to avoid sun exposure, contamination, and touching. This can be especially helpful to avoid trauma and infection in children. Cover wounds with steri strips, band-aids, non-stick Telfa, or surgical gauze. These materials are available at drug stores and online retailers.
• If your surgery involves the inside of the mouth, please use chlorhexidine-containing mouthwash (such as Listerine) twice a day, and rinse your mouth after eating.

Bruising

It is normal and expected for you to have bruising after a surgery or procedure. Everyone's body is different, but bruising is a self-limited process that will get better on its own over time. Some patients find that using adjunctive homeopathic techniques to improve bruising, such as arnica, bromelain, and pineapple or pineapple juice is helpful to their recovery. Others prefer to use makeup or concealer to camouflage their bruises.

Medications

• Please take prescriptions only as directed.
• If you have been prescribed antibiotics, please complete the entire course of medication without skipping doses.
• Tylenol may be used for pain control, as needed. Please note that Percocet and Vicodin contain Tylenol, and the total dosage of Tylenol in all of these products must not exceed maximum limits.
• Avoid Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen for two days after surgery, as these medications can increase risk of bleeding. 

Activity & Hygiene

• Physical exertion, exercise, swimming, soaking in a bathtub, and sexual activity should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after surgery, or as long as Dr. Devgan recommends.
• Showering and sponge bathing are permitted 24 hours after surgery. Please try to keep your shower under 5 minutes. Use warm water and mild hypoallergenic soap. Gently pat surgical areas dry. Do not rub or scrub them vigorously.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 6 weeks. High SPF titanium/ zinc containing sunscreen must be used daily thereafter.
• Eat nutritious, well-balanced foods. Please do not diet immediately after surgery.
• Do not smoke or drink after surgery. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke inhibit wound healing.
• Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Devgan and her staff at (212) 452-2400 if you have any questions.

Scar Management

• All surgery creates scars. The degree of scarring varies tremendously and is highly influenced by your individual genetic tendencies, as well as the location, type, and size of the scar.
• Silicone gel (such as Mederma or ScarFade) may be used starting 2 weeks after sutures are removed.
• Silicone adhesive sheets (such as ScarAway) may be used starting 2 weeks after sutures are removed.
• Daily use of a titanium/ zinc containing sunscreen with high SPF is essential for at least one year to avoid discoloration and darkening of the scar when exposed to the sun. Dr. Devgan Platinum SPF 45 Daily Tinted BB Cream is our recommended product.
• Vitamin C & E containing serums also have clinical efficacy in brightening scarred areas. Dr. Devgan Platinum Vitamin C+ Luminous Night Serum is our recommended product.