Post Op Instructions for Parotid or Neck Surgery

1. Diet: After undergoing general anethesia, you may experience some nausea and occasionally vomiting. Drink clear liquids and eat bland food. Gradually resume a regular diet as tolerated.
2. Activity: Elevate the head as much as possible. Sit in a recliner or elevate your head with pillows. This helps reduce swelling and bruising. Avoid bending, straining or lifting. Most patients are able to return to work in 5-7 days.
3. Wound Care: You will have a dressing over the incision and may have a drain in place. keep these dry. If a drain is present, it will drain for a few days after surgery. You may bathe, but do not shower. Once the dressings are removed, clean with the hydrogen peroxide on Q-tips, dry, and apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed. If you have increasing pain, redness, swelling or fever ove 101 degrees Fahrenheit, report this to your doctor. These can be signs of infection.
4. Medications: You will be given prescriptions for pain medication. take as directed. Pain medication may cause nausea. Take it with a small amount of food like crackers. You may also be given a medication to dry salivary gland secretions. Take as directed.
5. Follow-up: You will need to have your sutures removed when instructed by Dr. Simpson. The hospital should make you a follow up appointment , if not call our office @ 706-546-0144 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Simpson.