after your surgery
Recovery: Each patient should receive written instructions for their care after their surgery. For procedures performed within the office, Dr. Heiser will usually ask to see the patient back in 10-14 days. During that appointment, stitches may be removed and the pathology report will be discussed. For patients who have had outpatient surgery at Riverview Hospital or the Indiana Surgery Center in Noblesville, Dr. Heiser will ask the patient to call and make a follow-up appointment in 10-14 days.
For procedures performed within the office under local anesthesia, time off from work is usually minimal. Some patients may go back to work the same or next day. Other procedures may require the patient to be away from work two to three days. The type of procedure performed will dictate the time off that will be needed. For surgeries performed with anesthesia at a facility, time off will again vary according to the procedure performed. Most patients are able to resume all their normal activities within two weeks of their surgery.
Wound Care: Please keep the surgical dressing clean and dry. A shower may be taken after surgery, but please refrain from a tub bath (where the incision is immersed in water) for three days. The dressing can be changed on the first postoperative day and daily thereafter. It is normal to notice a small amount of drainage at your surgical sites. Avoid applying any soap or lotion to the incision for the first week; warm water from the shower helps to loosen any dried drainage from the incision. If there are steri-strips over the incision (tape strips that are under the dressing), leave those on until your postoperative appointment. If after seven to 10 days, they begin to curl up on the ends and loosen, you may remove them at that time.
Activity: Walk frequently to promote good leg circulation and to help prevent blood clots. Walking also helps patients to regain their strength. It is okay to climb stairs. Discuss any weight lifting restrictions with Dr. Heiser. The type of surgery that has been performed will dictate whether or not a weight restriction will be necessary.
Diet: Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet after surgery. The patient’s preoperative diet can be resumed as soon as the patient feels ready. Constipation is a common side effect of anesthesia and narcotic pain medication. An over-the-counter laxative may be used as needed to achieve normal bowel function.