The team at Northland Plastic Surgery is here to answer any questions you may have.
Information for patients of Northland Plastic Surgery
When considering plastic, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, it is important that you are well-prepared and fully informed. All treatment plans at Northland Plastic Surgery are personalised, and our caring team is available to assist you if you can’t find your answers in the following patient information section.
General anaesthetic
After a general anaesthetic you will be affected for up to 10 days. It is important that you:
- Drink plenty of fluids to allow your body to eliminate the anaesthetic through the kidneys and liver. Coffee and tea do not count because they can dry you out.
- For the first day or two your judgement will be affected. You will need someone to drive you home.
- It is not advisable to drink alcohol, make important decisions, drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours.
Local anaesthetic
If you have had your operation under local anaesthetic the above will not be a problem. The local anaesthetic typically wear off in 2 to 6 hours.
Swelling
The swelling will peak at around 36 hours and subside over the next two weeks. A small residual swelling may persist for six months and then subside.
Blurry Vision
If you have had facial surgery, your vision may be temporarily blurry as a result of ointment placed in the eyes to protect them during the operation.
Discomfort
If you feel discomfort take your first pain killer before your anaesthetic wears off completely.
You may experience ongoing discomfort. Pain relief may be supplied by prescription on discharge. Taking the recommended pain relief every four hours will help. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatories — just take the medicine supplied.
If the medication you are taking is not controlling the pain, you need to contact your GP or surgeon to reassess you. Antibiotics may be supplied on prescription upon discharge — please complete the course as instructed.
Any burning or spreading redness and fever would indicate antibiotic resistance. This is uncommon but consult your surgeon or GP at the earliest convenience.
Exposed wounds cleansed with a cotton bud and water that has been boiled for five minutes and allowed to cool. Ointment should only be applied as directed by your surgeon.
You can use cold compresses for discomfort if you wish.
Smoking
Smoking or being around smokers is strongly discouraged as it causes poor blood flow for healing and may injure or kill recently operated skin.
Sleeping
You will find it more comfortable to sleep with your head up in a semi-upright position for up to a week if you have had a significant procedure to the face or scalp.
Expect bruising or swelling and some numbness at the site of the operation. You may also experience tightness that will fade over a few days.
Activity
Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting (if you cannot pick an object up in one hand it is considered heavy).
No bending, stopping or straining for one week.
Sexual activity causes an increase of blood flow to the face and is best avoided for the first week or so.
Maintain a nutritionally balanced diet as this promotes healing.
You can wear make-up only when the sutures are removed.
No permanent waves, hair dyeing or bleaching for 4-6 weeks.
Fever
Contact your surgeon or GP if you notice an increased temperature or fever.
Relevant websites and resources worth recommending
To make sure you find the information about plastic surgery that you are looking for, here are some relevant links to user-friendly health sites and other websites that we personally recommend:
Information about plastic surgery
New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons
www.plasticsurgery.org.nz
Miami Breast Center for Breast Surgery and Reconstruction
www.miamibreastcenter.com
American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Reconstructive Surgeons
www.plasticsurgery.org
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
www.surgeons.org
New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation
www.nzbcf.org.nz
Medical Council of New Zealand
www.mcnz.org.nz
Healthpoint
www.healthpoint.co.nz
Sculpture Pressurewear
www.smartafashions.com
Information about plastic surgery
Southern Cross Healthcare Group
www.southerncross.co.nz
Nova Medical
www.novamedical.co.nz
If you have questions or require more detailed information, our team is here to assist.