Going Home after Surgery

(02) 6282 1153

You may be nervous going home after surgery. At Sole Vita Private Hospital we will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your post-surgery recovery is as smooth as possible.

Before surgery, please arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and remain with you overnight after the surgery. Before you leave the hospital please ensure your support person understands how to care for you at home. (This information will be provide by our nursing team).

A prescription will be provided for your discharge medication which you will need to fill on your way home to ensure adequate pain relief and if required continuation of antibiotics.

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The First 24 Hours

We strongly recommend patients adhere to the following advice for the first 24 hours after discharge:

  • You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery.
  • DO NOT sign any legal or important documents.
  • Refrain from Smoking until your wound is completely healed.
  • Do not drink Alcohol.
  • Do not take any medication other than that prescribed or approved by your doctor on discharge.
  • If you are staying overnight you will be ready to go home by 9:30am.

Early Warning Signs

Surgical results may be compromised by complications, you should not hesitate to contact us if you:

  • are unable to cease or slow bleeding of the wound after applying pressure to the area.
  • feel any heat or increasing pain developing in your wound.
  • notice excessive swelling and bruising accompanying pain and tenderness.

Sole’ vita provides after hours support to their patients. Call us on 6282 1153.

Please note: In the case of severe medical or respiratory complications we recommend you call the 000 emergency line for immediate assistance.

Suture (Stitches) Removal

If you are having facial/ head surgery, your suture removal will be 5 to 7 days post surgery.

If you are having body surgery, your suture removal will be 10 to 14 days post surgery.

Your suture removal appointment will be given to you on the day of surgery.

Pain Relief and Medication

Following your surgery you may experience mild discomfort and pain. It generally settles within 24 to 48 hours. Your pain is best relieved by an oral pain killer, such as paracetamol (Panadol). We do not recommend aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen) or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for 2 days post surgery.

If you have stopped taking any medication prior to the procedure, you will be advised on the day of surgery when you can resume these.

Resting

It is advisable to rest quietly and not to undertake any form of physical or strenuous activity the evening of your day surgery. Please refrain from participating in any activity such as sports, housework, lifting children, or any activities that may compromise your wound healing. At the time of your suture removal, we will advise you when you may resume normal activities.

If a Medical Certificate is required post-surgery, Sole Vita will provide a Medical Certificate and requisite documentation.

Bruising and Swelling

You can expect some bruising and swelling for the first few days following surgery. Do not be alarmed, over the next 5 to 7 days the swelling and bruising will begin to subside and the area will soften and assume a more natural shape.

  • Arnica cream (found at the pharmacy or health food stores) can help. This cream can be smoothed directly into the bruised area to help reduce the swelling and bruising normally associated with surgery.
  • Ice packs can also be quite soothing and help reduce swelling.
  • Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce the swelling associated with facial surgery. Having a few extra pillows handy may prove to be beneficial.

Chloromycetin

Chloromycetin ointment is an antibiotic ointment used in all areas of the body to keep sutures moist and prevent infection.  If you are given a tube of Chloromycetin after surgery, this needs to be applied directly onto the wound, twice a day as instructed.

Dressings

Your dressings should stay intact until your removal of your sutures. Should you feel your dressing start to lift, please resecure with either micropore tape or a larger waterproof dressing (if used). These can be purchased from your nearest pharmacy.

Please call the Sole’vita Surgery on (02) 6282 1153 to talk to a nurse, if you feel that your dressing has been compromised, due to:

  • Blood, or other fluid collection under the dressing
  • A reaction to the dressing

Bleeding

If the wound bleeds or seeps, with clean hands and a clean tissue, apply firm pressure to the area and bleeding should stop in ten to twenty minutes. If it does not stop or you are concerned, please contact us.

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