Post-Operative Instructions

The single most important thing you can do to speed your recovery and minimize your pain is to avoid swelling. Therefore:
Elevate the hand / arm whenever possible for the next 48 – 72 hours.
If you have a cast, a sling will be helpful when you are moving about in public, but remember it keeps your hand in a dependent position when elevation is important. Do not use the sling when you could otherwise keep your hand above your elbow and your elbow above your heart.
Use pillows to elevate the hand / arm while seated or sleeping.

Keep the dressing clean and dry.
Do not remove the dressing unless you have been instructed by our office to do so.
Keep pets away from your incision or bandage. Do not sleep with your pets.
Wash your hands before and after you eat, whenever you have to touch your incision or bandage, and always after you use the bathroom.
You may use ice to help decrease swelling over the next 24 hours. It can be placed close to the operative site or on the back of the hand. If using an ice bag, wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent condensation from getting on the dressing.
The local anesthetics used during surgery may make your fingers numb for up to 24 hours.

Take pain medicine as needed. Your pain will decrease over the next few days allowing you to decrease the quantity and increase the time between doses until you stop.
Take pain medicine with food to prevent nausea.
Constipation can be a side effect of narcotics. If you don’t have a bowel movement within 48 hours take an over-the-counter laxative.