Clean the suture line in your hairline 3-5 times a day for the first 3 days or as needed to remove crusting. After this, clean the area whenever crusting appears.

Yes, swelling is expected and may peak between days 2-5 after surgery. It should gradually improve after day 5 and continue to decrease over the next few months.

Keep your head elevated above your heart for the first 3 days to reduce swelling. Sleep is important. If you find it difficult to sleep sitting up, it is okay to sleep flat.

You can shower the day after surgery, but avoid scrubbing the incision site. Use a chair in the shower to prevent a fall (you may be lightheaded from recent anesthesia or the procedure itself).

Yes, avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, running, or skiing for at least 10 days to minimize swelling and reduce the risk of complications.

A small amount of bleeding from the incision line is normal in the first day or two. Wick it away gently with gauze, but do not rub the area.

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, a sudden increase in swelling or pain, vision changes, or increased redness around the incision.

If tacking sutures were placed, your first follow-up is typically 48 - 72 hours after surgery to remove tacking sutures. A second follow-up is usually scheduled about 1 week after surgery to check healing and possibly remove incision sutures. On occasion, this is adjusted depending on your individual case.

Yes, you may resume a regular diet unless advised otherwise by one of your regular doctors due to your medical history (eg diabetic or heart healthy diet) or if you follow a special diet. Anti-inflammatory diets have been shown to help with healing/recovery.

For any questions, text or call our office at 859.218.2282. If it’s after hours, call 859.323.5000 and ask for Dr. Amit Patel or his resident on call.