1. How will I look after surgery?

2. When will I be able to go back to work?

3. When can I put on make-up?

4. What can I eat after surgery? Is there a special diet?

5. Is there anything that I must buy in advance of the surgery?

6. Is it better to keep the head elevated after surgery when I'm sleeping?

7. I don't take any medications but I do have the occasional aspirin. Does the doctor really need to know about any over the counter drugs I take?

8. Is facial plastic surgery painless?

9. I want to improve my image. How soon after surgery can I exercise and diet?

10. Which surgeries may be qualified for OHIP coverage?

1. How will I look after surgery?

Although it depends on the type and extent of surgery, generally, there will be some swelling and bruising around the surgical site. The swelling usually dissipates in 1-2 weeks. The bruising may last up to 3 weeks. Bruises, however, can be easily camouflaged by make-up. A special herbal medication (Sinnech) can be acquired at Dr. Wong's office to reduce swelling and bruises to 5 days in 90% of cases.

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2. When will I be able to go back to work?

Surgery on the face requires some camoflauge with cosmetics if the patient wants to go back to work within two weeks. Surgery on the body usually requires only a few days of recuperation.

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3. When can I put on make-up?

Usually make-up can be used on the face the day after the sutures are removed. Sutures are usually removed on the 4th or 5th day after surgery.

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4. What can I eat after surgery? Is there a special diet?

A patient may eat once the effects of the medications administered during surgery diminish. After a short period of rest in our recovery area, the nurse will advise you of when you can eat and drink. A light liquid or pureed diet is recommended on the first day and a regular diet can be resumed the next day. Special diets may be instructed in certain surgeries like liposuction and mouth surgeries.

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5. Is there anything that I must buy in advance of the surgery?

Patients will be advised of any special prescriptions for pain killers, anitbiodics and special ointments prior to surgery. It is imperative that these be purchased prior to surgery. Other medications sometimes required are special eye-drops, gravol (anti-nausea medication), medicated shampoo, mouth wash and wound cleansers. Accessory medical supplies such as gauze, cotton wool, cotton swabs, bandages and surgical tape may also be required.

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6. Is it better to keep the head elevated after surgery when I'm sleeping?

Sleep with your head elevated during the first two weeks- and alone to avoid being accidentally bumped by a sleeping partner.

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7. I don't take any medications but I do have the occasional aspirin. Does the doctor really need to know about any over the counter drugs I take?

It is very important to know about any medications that you take. There are many over the counter medications that will increase bleeding tendencies and affect healing. Aspirin (ASA) and vitamin E are such examples. They should be avoided two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Even a diet rich in Shitake mushrooms can affect bleeding. Smoking increases the chance of infection and delays healing. Smoking should be stopped for the period three weeks before and after surgery. Heavy alcohol consumption and illicit drug use can cause complications and one should not consider having surgery if this has not stopped.

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8. Is facial plastic surgery painless?

A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery revealed that very few patients complain of significant postoperative pain. In fact, 15% of patients report no discomfort at all, while 58% experience minimal discomfort. Only 27% say they experienced actual pain.

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9. I want to improve my image. How soon after surgery can I exercise and diet?

For the first two weeks after surgery, patients should not do bending or heavy lifting as it may cause increased swelling and bleeding. Patients should wait 3-6 weeks before doing aerobics, tennis, weight-lifting, contact sports, swimming or diving. A healthy diet is important for healing. For the first few weeks, do not decrease caloric intake too drastically.

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10. Which surgeries may be qualified for OHIP coverage?

Reconstructive surgical procedures such as otoplasties [correction of protruding ears], cleft lip and palate, inborn defects, etc., are also available. These surgeries may also qualify for OHIP coverage.

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