When will my stitches come out?

We expect stitches to come out in about 2 to 3 weeks but sometimes they take longer to come out. They will come out whenever they are ready.

I had a tooth extraction a few days ago and I still have some swelling and bruising, is this normal?

Swelling and bruising is normal and to be expected after surgery. You can use an icepack wrapped in a cloth and put it on the side of the face on and off for 15 minutes.

When can I fly after my surgery?

For major surgery you need to see the surgeon first. For minor surgeries, it is recommended to wait for a few days just in case something happens.

What sort of food can I eat?

A soft diet for the first week, and you can gradually have more solid food if you feel comfortable.

When can I start brushing after my surgery?

You can start brushing your teeth as normal on the same day, with gentle brushing around the extraction site.

I had minor surgery a couple of days ago, can I do sport, gym, etc?

Nothing that can elevate your heart rate for the first week, but you can go for a nice walk.

After surgery

The questions patients ask us most often once they are home. If something worries you, phone the centre.

Before you leave

You recover with the nursing team, and your specialist says how long you may need to stay. You and your nominated support person both go home with written information covering:

Caring for your surgical site
What to expect during recovery
Medication instructions
Pain management
Eating and drinking
Activities to avoid
Signs and symptoms that need medical attention
Who to contact in an emergency

In the first 24 hours

The sedative medication is not completely out of your system for up to 24 hours, which is what each of these is about.

Driving: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Decisions and documents: Avoid making important decisions or signing legal documents.
Alcohol and drugs: No alcohol or illicit drugs.
Someone with you: It is recommended that a family member or friend stays with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.

While you heal

Your surgeon's discharge instructions cover your operation specifically. These apply to most people after a general anaesthetic or sedation.

Smoking: Do not smoke. Smoking raises the risk of infection and slows wound healing.
Lifting and exercise: Avoid heavy lifting and heavy exercise for a week. A walk is fine.
Alcohol: Alcohol can cause a healing wound to bleed. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to drink again.
Fluids: Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery.
Your medication: Take pain relief, anti-nausea medication and antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and finish the antibiotic course.

When to call the centre

Bleeding that does not settle: Some bleeding or ooze from the surgical area is normal. Try local measures first: firm pressure on the area with the gauze provided, biting down firmly if your surgery was in your mouth, held for 30 minutes. If the bleeding is heavy, more than you would expect, or does not settle, contact your surgeon.
A high fever: A temperature above 38.0°C.
Severe or increasing pain: Pain that is getting worse rather than easing, or that your pain relief is not controlling.
Signs of infection: Redness spreading more than 5mm around the wound margin, swelling, or discharge from a wound.

During the day: Call the centre on (09) 477 0058.
After hours: You are given an after-hours contact number for your surgeon when you are discharged, with your post-operative information. Keep it somewhere you can find it.
Health advice, any time: Healthline is free on 0800 611 116, 24 hours a day.
In an emergency: Call 111.

A folded cream cotton blanket over the arm of an upholstered recliner, with a stainless side trolley alongside carrying a covered glass of water.

Common questions

These answers come from the oral and maxillofacial team. If your surgeon's own instructions say something different, follow theirs.

When will my stitches come out?: We expect stitches to come out in about 2 to 3 weeks but sometimes they take longer to come out. They will come out whenever they are ready.
I had a tooth extraction a few days ago and I still have some swelling and bruising, is this normal?: Swelling and bruising is normal and to be expected after surgery. You can use an icepack wrapped in a cloth and put it on the side of the face on and off for 15 minutes.
When can I fly after my surgery?: For major surgery you need to see the surgeon first. For minor surgeries, it is recommended to wait for a few days just in case something happens.
What sort of food can I eat?: A soft diet for the first week, and you can gradually have more solid food if you feel comfortable.
When can I start brushing after my surgery?: You can start brushing your teeth as normal on the same day, with gentle brushing around the extraction site.
I had minor surgery a couple of days ago, can I do sport, gym, etc?: Nothing that can elevate your heart rate for the first week, but you can go for a nice walk.

Follow-up

You may need a follow-up appointment with your specialist, surgical assistant or a nurse to check your healing. These are usually arranged before your procedure or at discharge.