Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgury issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A: If you need to clean the area your doctor will tell you. You may have paper tapes or steristrips over the stitches. If so do not remove these tapes. They are an important part of the repair. You may get them wet but do not rub soap into them. Many doctors use stitches that dissolve. This means your stitches do not have to be removed
A: You may sleep in any comfortable position but try to avoid putting tension on the incision line. A recliner is a good way to position yourself. Try to avoid pressure on the area of surgery and follow any special instructions you may have been given after surgery.
A: All surgery is associated with pain and discomfort. Your doctor will probably give you a prescription for pain killers. Remember you can often get good pain relief with simple over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol. Do not take aspirin because this can increase the risks of bleeding. Most patients will complain of some pain for two or three days, after which the level of discomfort deceases significantly.
A: You can follow some simple rules to make your surgical experience more pleasant. First, acknowledge that you have had surgery and it takes time to heal. Be patient. For the first twenty-four hours take it easy and rest a lot. After the first day or two you will start to feel more comfortable but you are still not ready to begin vigorous activity. Keep the area of surgery elevated and apply ice as directed. Your doctor will give you specific instructions if needed. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced nourishing diet. Do not take vitamin E orally at this point because it can increase bleeding. It is very important that if you have any questions you call your doctor's office. You should not drive yourself for a week after surgery. You will not be able to stand up straight for several days so you must expect to have some back pain.
A: After any operation it is necessary to rest completely for a day or two. During the first week you will begin to feel more like yourself. You should not do any heavy lifting for at least a month. This is major surgery and you will feel tired for four to six weeks.