BLEEDING

You may be asked to keep a gauze pad over the surgical site with firm biting pressure for 1 hour. After this time, remove and discard the gauze pad. It does not need to be replaced unless bleeding continues or recurs.

PAIN

Take the prescribed pain medication before you begin to feel discomfort. This usually coincides with the start of the local anesthetic wearing off. Taking pain medication on an empty stomach may cause nausea, so it is recommended to take the pills with food or drink. Pain medication may make you groggy and slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery while medicated. It is also best to avoid alcoholic beverages. Aspirin or other over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®/Motrin^®) may be used when appropriate.

DIET

It is best to wait until after the local anesthetic has completely worn off before beginning to eat. You may eat anything soft and cool the first day by chewing away from the biopsy site. Do not drink hot fluids or eat hot food the first day. Avoid hard, crunchy foods that may harm the incision area as well as salty and spicy foods that may cause additional irritation. It’s best to progress to more solid foods and return to your normal diet as soon as possible.

SWELLING

Swelling is normally expected after most surgical procedures and is usually proportional to the extent of surgery performed. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal and healthy reaction to surgery. Most swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 48–72 hours postoperatively. However, swelling and discomfort may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Ice packs should be applied to the side of the face over the area where the biopsy was performed for the first 24–48 hours. Ice packs should be left on for 30 minutes and then left off for 30 minutes while awake. After 48 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. Instead, the application of heat may be helpful in reducing the size of swelling more quickly. On occasion, some residual swelling may last a week or longer.

SUTURES

You may have sutures in the area of the biopsy. If 1 or 2 become dislodged early, there is no cause for alarm. Our doctors will tell you if your sutures are dissolvable or if you will need a return visit to have them removed.

ORAL HYGIENE

Begin gentle, warm saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) the morning after surgery. Rinse 4–5 times a day for several days, especially after meals. Continue to brush your teeth as best as you can, remembering to stay away from the biopsy site. Our doctors may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rise to use in place of salt water.

BIOPSY RESULT

Biopsy specimens are submitted to Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS) or Hawaii Radiology. It usually takes 5–7 days before your results will be available. You will be informed of your biopsy result either at a scheduled follow-up visit or via telephone call.

Please notify our office if you have any questions or concerns.