This page contains general instructions that are typical for many of the procedures we perform. However, detailed instructions tailored to your specific surgery will be provided to you. You will receive a surgical packet containing all pre-operative and post-operative information. All information within these documents should be read carefully and instructions followed closely for optimal healing.
Diet:
• If you underwent sedation or general anesthesia, avoid starting with heavy or big meals. Start small and light, then slowly increase as tolerated. Recommended soft foods to start with include baked or mashed potatoes, creamed vegetables, pudding, gelatin, apple sauce, bananas, canned fruit or tuna fish, eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat, ice cream, and smoothies.
• Avoid caffeine for at least the first 3 days after your procedure; 1 week is ideal.
• Avoid foods and drinks that are hot and spicy for the first week.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks after your procedure.
• Avoid salt as much as possible, especially for the first week, but ideally longer.
• Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods are very important in the healing process and will help you feel stronger sooner.
• You may resume all vitamins and supplements 2 weeks after your procedure (potentially sooner if cleared by Dr. Foulad).
Swelling Reduction:
It is very important to reduce swelling as much as possible. This will help improve the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. The following are methods that you should use to help reduce swelling:
• Maintain your head elevated as much as possible after your procedure for at least several days, but ideally for 1‐2 weeks. You can sleep on a recliner chair, use a wedge pillow, or stack multiple pillows/blankets. If you have more than typical swelling after 1 week, it is recommended to continue the head elevation. You can confirm the exact timing with Dr. Foulad. Of note, we may not recommend head elevation for certain procedures.
• Limit your salt intake by avoiding foods that are high in salt. For example, avoid adding salt to foods and avoid salty foods like french fries and soy sauce. Be careful with vegetable juices and canned soups, because these often are high in salt. This instruction is very important for the first week after surgery, but should ideally be followed for several weeks.
Pain Management:
• If you require pain medication, Tylenol is recommended. If you experience more than mild pain, it is important that you treat your pain accordingly to reduce elevation of your blood pressure.
• If you require stronger pain medication, please notify Dr. Foulad and you can use the hydrocodone‐based pain medication prescribed to you (e.g. Norco). However, these stronger pain medications can potentially cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
• No aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinning supplements until 2 weeks after the procedure. These medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is OK to use.
Activity:
It is important to relax and not to exert yourself during the early recovery period. However, it is important to walk around to maintain your health and reduce the risk of forming blood clots. Do not perform strenuous activity, lift heavy objects, or work out for 1 month after your procedure. Do not bend over for 2 weeks after your procedure. You may go on long walks 1 week after surgery. You may go swimming 1 month after surgery. Exerting yourself too early during recovery can lead to severe bleeding, swelling, and affect the results of the surgery.
Nausea:
If you have any nausea, it is important to take the anti‐nausea medication immediately.
Vomiting can cause an increase in pressure and lead to bleeding.
We are conveniently located to serve Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, & Los Angeles. However, we are available to help with coordinating your stay if you are an Out-of-Town Patient.
