Post-Surgery Instructions

The first three days after surgery require the greatest care and caution while the grafts are healing in place. Activity should be limited to walking and sedentary activities. Strenuous and all normal activities can be resumed 1 week after surgery. For some patients it is possible to return to work in only 3-4 days. Others prefer to wait an entire week when most incisions are totally healed and sutures from the donor area can be removed.

Postoperative graft care involves gentle misting of the area with saline. Other than the elimination of certain activities, there is very little extraordinary care required. Most of the healing is automatic and depends on your unique rate of healing.


Medication Three medications have been prescribed for you. It is advisable to take medications with food to prevent nausea. Take the medications spaced about 30 minutes apart. These medications are helpful, but not mandatory. If they make you feel sick or upset your stomach, you may stop them at any time.
  • PREDNISONE: This medication will help prevent swelling.
  • ANTIBIOTIC: An antibiotic such as cefzil will be prescribed as a precaution against a very low risk of infection. One single dose taken in the morning of the day of surgery together with your breakfast is sufficient.
  • PAIN RELIEVER: A mild narcotic-analgesic such as Hydrocodone (Vicodin) will be prescribed to help alleviate any pain that you might experience. This medication is optional after the first 24 hours. Generally, you will experience little or no pain at the graft sites. Some minor discomfort is common the first day or two after surgery, but is usually well controlled by a mild narcotic-analgesic. This medication can cause drowsiness. Do not consume alcohol while you are taking this medication.
Do NOT use Rogaine (minoxidil) for 7 days following surgery or until the scabs are gone and the incisions are completely healed! This will prevent over-absorption of medication. However, once the incisions are healed, topical Minoxidil can help speed graft growth if used for at least 3 months after surgery. At that time you should wean yourself gradually off the medication.

Activities

It is recommended that you limit your normal activity during the healing phase, but normal activity can be resumed one week after surgery.

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Last modified: 05/18/05