After Extraoral Biopsy (Outside of the Face)

1. Remember in any type of surgery with cosmetic considerations, post-operative care is often just as important as the surgical process itself. 
2. Clean the wound with peroxide and water (equal parts) and then dab /dry-off.  DO NOT PICK OR REMOVE ANY SCAB THAT IS FORMING. 
3. Apply bacitracin ointment to the wound and keep the wound moist with ointment throughout the first 5 days then switch to Vaseline.
4. Do not directly saturate the wound with water for a long period of time (ex: showering, swimming) as this causes poor tissue quality.
5. Once the wound has fully healed it will go through a “red phase”.  This means the tissue where the wound was will appear red.  If you had sutures, this would be 5-7 days approximately AFTER the sutures have been removed. It is at this time that you can begin massaging this area with vitamin E oil, either from a capsule or a bottle.  You should do this massage daily.  This will soften the wound and aid in it slowly changing back to the color of your skin.  This is a slow process that takes weeks to months.  Do not underestimate how much this can help in bringing about an excellent cosmetic result.
6. Finally, use a high number of sun block (around 45-50 SPF). This should be used for 1 year for the treated area to prevent permanent soft tissue damage.  If the wound is going to be exposed in a “dirty” atmosphere, it will need to be covered.
7. Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle (including ATV’s, dirt bikes, etc.) for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea, dizziness or even fainting.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may increase your reaction to alcohol and could be dangerous.
8. Your lab specimen will be processed and read by Crown Pathology. There are generally two charges; one for processing and one for reading. You will be billed directly by Crown Pathology. These services are not part of your Northern Maine Oral & Facial Surgery bill.