WHEN TO CALL?

IF YOUR PAIN IS NOT CONTROLLED WITH YOUR PILLS

IF YOUR DRESSING SEEMS TOO TIGHT

IF YOUR FINGERS TURN COLD, PALE, OR BLUE

IF YOUR DRESSING GETS WET OR YOUR SPLINT
BREAKS

IF YOU DEVELOP A FEVER (OVER 101.5 F OR 38 C)

IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE AN INFECTION:
AHN Hand Surgery
Postoperative Instructions
Date:__________________________
Rafael J. Diaz-Garcia, MD

REDNESS OF THE WOUND / RED STREAKS UP
THE ARM

UNEXPECTED DRAINAGE FROM WOUNDS
Operation:_____________________________

PAIN GETTING WORSE, NOT BETTER WITH TIME
Follow-up:_____________________________

IF YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS OR
CONCERNS…
CONTACT INFORMATION

PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC .........................412.359.4352

AFTER HOURS…...………. 412.359.3131 ASK for PLASTIC
SURGEON ON-CALL
Rafael J. Diaz-Garcia, MD
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon
New prescriptions:
For Postoperative pain:_______________
o You may take this every_____hours.
o If you had a “block” for surgery, make sure
to take before numbness wears off
completely
For Breakthrough” Pain:______________
Other:______________________________
Continue taking regular medications unless
otherwise instructed
Exceptions____________________________
_
What to Expect After Surgery:
 Pain
 Pain can reduce you pain, but cannot get rid of it completely
 Pain is usually the worst during the first day or two after
surgery
 Prescription pain pills can have some side effects:
o Drowsiness: do not drive or operate machinery
o Nausea/vomiting: try taking pills with food
o Constipation: try over the counter fiber or stool
softeners
 Contact us about your pain if:
o You cannot sleep or rest due to constant pain
o Pain pills do not seem to provide any relief.
 Numbness
 Local anesthetic [WAS / WAS NOT] injected during your
operation. This medication may cause numbness in parts of
your hand for several hours.
 Regional anesthetic block [WAS / WAS NOT] used for your
surgery. This nerve block may last for up to 12-18 hours.
You may use a sling to protect your arm while the block is
working. Make sure to take a dose of pain medication before
the block wears off.
 Tell your doctor if you have new numbness after surgery
that lasts longer than 48 hours.
 Swelling & Bruising
 It is normal to have some swelling and bruising after
surgery.
 Swelling
 Too much swelling can cause increased pain and throbbing.
 Elevation is used to control swelling. Keep your operated
hand above the level of your heart as much as possible.
Support your hand on pillows at night to keep it elevated.
Don’t forget to elevate in the car, too!
 Avoid strenuous exercises for the first week. This can
increase swelling/bruising by raising your blood pressure.
Postoperative Instructions
 Dressings
 Dressings are designed to protect the surgery site from
infection and provide support while you begin to heal.
 Splints are dressings that contain plaster for extra support.
They are designed to limit your movement for healing after
surgery, especially surgery on bones or tendons or
ligaments.
 If your dressing/splint seems too tight, contact us
immediately.
 Your dressing needs to be kept clean and dry. Pharmacies
sell “cast protectors” or you can cover with a plastic bag
while showering.

Do NOT remove or change your dressing. Your
dressing is to stay in place until your first postoperative
visit.

You may remove your dressing after 3 days. Under
your dressing you will find:
o Steri-StripsTM: These look like tape and are stuck
right onto the incision. Do not disturb them. You
may get them wet but do not soak or scrub them.
o Sutures: You should wash these gently with mild
soap and pat dry. You may cover them with gauze or
a bandaid, after a dab of VaselineTM. You may get
them wet but do not soak or scrub them.
 Slings are NOT recommended
 They do not provide enough elevation and can cause
stiffness of shoulder and elbow.
 Activity: Using your hand
 If you have a splint, do not attempt any motion that is
blocked by plaster. Avoid any lifting or carrying or working
with that hand.
 If you have a soft dressing, light hand use is generally ok.
Prolonged use will lead to more swelling. Let pain be your
guide, and do not “work past the pain”.
 Other Restriction_________________________________________________