Swelling is caused by the excess build-up of blood and fluids in and around the area where the surgery took place. Keeping your head elevated will help those fluids flow away from the surgical area and should help prevent or reduce the amount of swelling you experience.
Instead of ice or cold packs, you can also use a bag of frozen vegetables or crushed ice inside a resealable plastic bag. Use a cloth or towel between the bag of veggies and your skin.
Your doctor may also give you a list of other foods to avoid for a certain period of time as your mouth heals. Some foods may be too harmful to your incisions to eat right away. Your doctor may also ask you to avoid hot foods/drinks for shorter or longer than what is mentioned here, depending on the extent of the surgery you’ve had.
While this sounds pretty scary, try not to worry. If you do get dry socket, your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to treat the problem and provide quick pain relief. With proper treatment, this condition doesn’t usually cause any serious complications. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood, which can make it hard to prevent or heal from an infection. Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of your heart and immune system, which can cause complications after surgery.
Mix 1 tsp (4. 9 mL) of salt with a glass of warm tap water to create a saltwater rinse. Do not swallow the saltwater. Always spit it back out into the sink. Rinse your mouth 4 times a day for at least 4-5 days or until you can start brushing your teeth again.
You may also find it helpful to have a humidifier in your bedroom while you’re healing, which will also help keep your nasal passages moist and clean. [11] X Research source As much as possible, avoid blowing your nose if you’ve had surgery on your nose or throat. The pressure could cause your incision(s) to open up again. Your surgeon will tell you when you can safely blow your nose again. [12] X Research source
The warmth will increase the blood flow to the area, which will help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
Incisions will normally be sore, tender, or numb. They may also feel tingly or itchy. Signs of infection include green or yellow discharge, redness or hardening around the incision, skin around the incision being hot to the touch, fever, increased or unusual pain, and excessive bleeding. [15] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Sitting or lying still for too long, even propped up, may actually cause you to take longer to heal. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding movement and exercise after surgery.
Only use soap-free cleansers to wash your face. Use an electric razor to shave, rather than a manual one. Moisturize your face and neck every day with an unscented cream or lotion. Protect your face from the sun by wearing a hat and using (at least) 30 SPF sunscreen. Use insect repellent to prevent stings and bites from irritating your skin. Signs of infection include green or yellow discharge, redness or hardening around the incision, skin around the incision being hot to the touch, fever, increased or unusual pain, and excessive bleeding. [19] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Wash your compression garment every 1-2 days by hand to keep it clean. Do not use a compression garment if it causes pain or discomfort. Compression garments used to reduce facial swelling include full face masks and straps that wrap around your chin and the top of your head. Some surgeons apply tight compression wraps that you’ll wear long-term in between treatments to prevent lymph from pooling in your tissues. They may re-apply the wrap at each treatment.
Some of this excess overnight swelling will disappear once you get up and start moving around.
If you experience lymphoedema in more than just your face and neck, wear clothing that’s baggy around those areas as well. If you experience lymphoedema in your arms, do not wear bracelets or watches.
Infections, unfortunately, will cause even more swelling in the area and will slow down the healing process. Most infections will show up within 30 days of surgery. They’ll cause the area to be red, painful, and even hot to the touch. [24] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
NSAID pain relievers can be found at any drug store or pharmacy, as well as online. If your doctor provides you with a prescription pain reliever, take that prescription pain reliever instead of the NSAID pain reliever (unless otherwise directed). Speak to your pharmacist about interactions between any prescription drugs you’re currently taking and NSAID pain relievers. [26] X Research source
Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist for the corticosteroid you’ve been prescribed. Unfortunately, corticosteroids can sometimes make swelling worse. If your facial swelling increases or doesn’t improve after you start steroids, talk to your doctor or surgeon about whether this might be a side effect of the steroids. [29] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
