Postoperative Care

Autogenous platelet gel is a cost effective and innovative measure to enhance healing. This process involves harvesting a small sample of the patient's own blood at the time of surgery, which is then centrifuged. The platelet-rich plasma is then mixed with a thrombin-activating agent and sprayed into the operative site at the time of suturing or wound closure. The platelet gel delivers the patient's own platelets back into the wound, which has several beneficial effects including decreased bruising, better hemostasis and the release of growth factors to accelerate and facilitate the actual process of wound healing. There is a significant reduction in postoperative pain and discomfort and suture removal is performed on the average two to four days sooner than in the past.

During the postoperative period, the patients must be willing to accept the temporary swelling, bruising and discomfort that occurs with surgery. We make every effort to minimize these side effects with our postoperative medication and care regimens. These have been specially formulated to minimize dependence on narcotics and other strong medications that may have temporary side effects.

In general, you should try to avoid any strenuous activities, straining and lifting, and expect to feel a bit more tired and weak than usual for several days. Most patients benefit from sedentary activity, keeping their head elevated, and a soft diet during the first few days.

Our staff will assist with dressing changes, suture removal and other postoperative measures to reduce bruising, swelling and discomfort. These include, but are not limited to, the use of platelet gel, oxymist treatments, topical anesthetics and lymphatic drainage among others. We can also provide camouflage make-up when indicated.

Depending on the type of surgery performed, most people can resume normal activities after one to two weeks. Initially, we encourage only light activities such as walking and then a progression to stretching and light repetitive exercise over time. In general, about two weeks is required for resuming full aerobic activities and strenuous exercise, as well as swimming. Obviously, contact sports should be avoided for at least four to six weeks, if not longer. Common sense will also help determine exactly what type of exercises to do and about how much to do.

Finally, it may be important to avoid direct sun exposure of the surgical sites for a period extending from six weeks to six months depending on the procedures performed. We can assist patients with sun protection, as well as with high-grade sun block (SPF 30-60).