Postoperative Instructions: Facial Laceration
Pain
For severe pain, take the prescribed medication as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose of any pain medication, and remember that different procedures may involve three main types of anesthesia used in oral surgery. Uncontrolled bleeding from a facial laceration needs immediate medical attention.
Antibiotics
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take as directed. Discontinue use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions, as similar guidance applies to postoperative care after facial fracture treatment.
Hygiene
Good hygiene and careful wound care are essential to support optimal healing, similar to the best post-oral surgery care routine recommended for other procedures and the detailed Teeth-in-a-Day hygiene instructions provided for implant patients. Some minor facial lacerations may be managed at home, but more complex injuries should still be professionally evaluated. To keep your wound clean, perform wound cleansing by applying a solution of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and sterile saline with a Q-Tip. Be sure to reapply twice daily. Then, apply a light coating of Bacitracin Antibiotic Ointment. Because of the nature of your injury, sutures have been placed to aid in your healing, which is a common part of many procedures to treat facial trauma. If your sutures are non-dissolvable, suture removal will still need to take place and is typically done within 3 to 5 days to minimize scarring. Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours, then resume careful cleansing as directed. You should not take a bath or swim until the sutures are removed. Deeper facial wounds, especially those exposing fat or muscle, require professional care.
Activity
After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities, although more complex procedures like orthognathic surgery require following specific postoperative jaw surgery instructions. To help minimize the appearance of your wound, protect the healing area from sun exposure for 12 months, and follow any additional precautions you may have received, such as sinus protection instructions after upper jaw surgery when applicable. When you do go into the sun, cover the area as much as possible, just as you would follow specific tips to heal quickly after wisdom tooth surgery for other procedures.
If you have any questions regarding your surgery or postoperative care, please contact our office at (435) 628-1100. After hours contact (435) 817-3135. Do NOT call your dentist.