Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Adult and Pediatric ENT – Facial Plastic Surgery – Hearing and Balance – Snoring and Sleep Apnea

200A Jones Rd – Falmouth, MA 02540 – 508.540.0900 – www.uppercapeENT.com

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Instructions Following Neck Surgery
Parotidectomy, Salivary Gland Excision, Neck Mass Biopsy

Recovery from neck surgery is usually rapid. The main concern is sudden bleeding from a previously controlled blood vessel.

Important things to do to at home:

• Keep pressure and cold against the dressing on the first day and night following surgery. Leave the dressing intact.
  
• Take your pain medication; it will help keep blood pressure down
  

What to expect:

• Some bloody drainage into the dressing, especially if there is a drain in place (If this is checked____ there is a drain)
  
• If you have a drain, we will remove it tomorrow morning at ____am in the office
  
• (We You) will remove the dressing tomorrow, and let you know if more will be needed
  
• Swelling in the area of surgery. This may take a few weeks to resolve completely
  
• Numbness near the incision
  
• Slight weakness on the side of the face of surgery. This should resolve with time, but may take a few weeks.
  
• Skin sutures, if any, will be removed the Wednesday following surgery. We will review the report from the pathologist at that time.
  

Diet and activities:

• Avoid intense exercise, sex or heavy lifting for 3-5 DAYS
  
• Walking, being outside or driving are OK
  

When to call us:

© 2011 Douglas G. Mann, M.D.
Upper Cape Ear, Nose & Throat, PC

Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment.