Peak Surgicals offers 4 suggestions on what to do in the event of a catastrophic accident. Facial trauma repair surgery is used to repair injury to the face or jaw. The procedure might have been carried out to repair tissue damage, stop bleeding, or mend shattered bones.
Your face may be swollen and bruised. The bruising may fade in 10 to 14 days, and the swelling may go down in 5 to 7 days. Eating may be difficult at first.
If you had stitches, the surgeon might need to remove them a week after the procedure.
After surgery, it will take some time for you to fully recuperate. Your injuries might have changed the way your face looks. Future surgery may occasionally be necessary to help your face look as near as possible to how it did before the damage.
When you can return working will depend on your injuries and the type of work you do. You might be able to return to work in one or two weeks.
This care sheet may provide you with a general idea of how long it will take you to recover from this sickness. However, everyone heals at their own rate. Follow the recommendations below to recover as quickly as possible.
What methods of self-care can you employ at home?
Activity
- Take a nap when you're worn out. If you get enough sleep, you'll heal more quickly. When you go to sleep, prop your head with two or three pillows. Try sleeping on a recliner with your head raised as a different alternative.
- Avoid engaging in any activity that could result in a further facial or jaw injury until your doctor provides the all-clear.
- Be sure to brush your mouth and teeth as instructed by your doctor.
- Discuss with your doctor whether you wish to resume driving.
- At least one to two weeks of work will have to be missed. You could need to take longer time off, though, depending on your health and the demands of your employment.
Diet
- Adhere to the nutritional advice that your doctor has given you. You might need to eat soft foods or drink your food using a straw.
- Drink a lot of water to avoid being dehydrated.
Medication
- Your doctor will let you know whether and when you can resume taking your medication. He or she will also give you instructions on how to take any new medications.
- Speak with your doctor about when and if you should start taking any blood thinners again, such as aspirin. Make sure you understand everything your doctor has told you to do.
- Take medications sensibly. Follow the instructions on the prescription painkillers you are using.
- a) Follow the instructions on any painkillers your doctor has prescribed.
- b) If you do not currently use a prescription painkiller, inquire with your doctor about whether you may do so.
If you think your pain medicine is making you nauseous, take it after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- a) Ask your doctor for a new painkiller.
- If your doctor recommends antibiotics, take them as directed. Continue taking them if you feel better. It is necessary to finish the antibiotic treatment. Follow-up care
Incision Care
- Wash the area every day with warm, soapy water before patting it dry if you have a face incision, cuts, or scratches.
- Your doctor could provide you with further instructions on how to care for your wound. Observe your doctor's instructions to the letter.
If your jaw is wired shut in case you vomit, peak surgicals advise you to maintain wire cutters close by in case you need to use them. Your doctor will demonstrate how to use them for you.