KC Plastic Surgery
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Patient & Family Resources

Guides, instructions, and support resources to help you prepare for surgery, navigate recovery, and connect with support communities.

Preparing for Surgery

Proper preparation helps ensure the best possible outcome and a smoother recovery. Here are detailed guides for different types of procedures.

For Pediatric Patients (Cleft & Craniofacial)

Schedule a pre-operative visit with your pediatrician 1–2 weeks before surgery to ensure your child is healthy
Obtain any required blood work or imaging as directed by Dr. Chaiyasate's office
Follow NPO (nothing by mouth) guidelines: no solid food for 8 hours, no breast milk for 4 hours, no clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery
Discontinue any blood-thinning medications or supplements as directed (ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E)
Bring comfort items — a favorite toy, blanket, or pacifier — to the hospital
Prepare the home: stock up on soft foods, syringes for feeding (if needed), prescribed medications, and a humidifier
For cleft palate repair: practice cup feeding or syringe feeding before surgery, as bottle nipples cannot be used after palate repair
Arrange for a parent/caregiver to stay with the child during the hospital stay (typically 1–2 nights)
Plan for 1–2 weeks off work to care for your child during recovery

For Adult Patients (Mohs, Microvascular)

Attend the pre-operative consultation — Dr. Chaiyasate will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery plan
Complete all required pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray as needed based on age and health)
Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery — smoking significantly impairs wound healing and increases complication risk
Discontinue blood thinners as directed: aspirin (7 days), ibuprofen/NSAIDs (7 days), warfarin/Coumadin (as directed by prescribing physician), fish oil and vitamin E supplements (2 weeks)
No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery (for procedures under general anesthesia)
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours
Prepare the home: fill prescriptions in advance, stock easy-to-prepare meals, set up a comfortable recovery area with extra pillows for elevation
For microvascular surgery: pack a bag for a 5–7 day hospital stay, including loose comfortable clothing, phone charger, and reading material
Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery — button-front shirts are preferred (avoid pulling clothing over the head)

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

These are general guidelines. Dr. Chaiyasate will provide specific post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure.

Wound Care

Keep the wound clean and dry

Gently clean the incision with mild soap and water or saline as directed. Pat dry — do not rub. Apply antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin or Aquaphor) as prescribed.

Dressing changes

Change dressings as instructed — typically once or twice daily. Use non-stick gauze (Telfa) and paper tape. Wash hands thoroughly before touching the wound.

Do not pick at scabs or sutures

Allow scabs to fall off naturally. Do not pull on sutures. Picking at the wound can cause scarring, infection, or wound breakdown.

Watch for signs of infection

Contact our office if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage (especially if cloudy or foul-smelling), fever above 101°F, or increasing pain.

Activity Restrictions

Elevation

Keep the head elevated (30–45 degrees) for the first 1–2 weeks, including during sleep. Use 2–3 pillows or a wedge pillow. This significantly reduces swelling.

No strenuous activity

Avoid exercise, heavy lifting (>10 lbs), bending, and straining for 2–4 weeks. These activities increase blood pressure and can cause bleeding or wound complications.

No blood thinners

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs for 2 weeks after surgery (unless prescribed by your cardiologist). Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain as directed.

Driving

Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients can resume driving 1–2 weeks after surgery, once pain medication is no longer needed.

Scar Management

Sun protection (critical)

Protect healing scars from sun exposure for at least 12 months. UV light causes permanent darkening (hyperpigmentation) of scars. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, hats, and sun-protective clothing.

Silicone therapy

Once the wound is fully closed (sutures removed, no open areas), begin silicone scar sheets or silicone gel. Silicone has the strongest evidence for scar improvement. Use for at least 3 months.

Scar massage

Begin gentle scar massage 3–4 weeks after surgery (once the wound is fully healed). Massage with firm circular pressure for 5 minutes, 2–3 times daily. This helps soften and flatten the scar.

Patience

Scars take 12–18 months to fully mature. They will be most visible at 1–3 months (pink, firm, raised) and gradually soften, flatten, and fade. The final result is much better than the early appearance.

Feeding After Cleft Surgery (For Parents)

After cleft lip repair

Feed with a syringe or squeeze bottle for 2–3 weeks. Do not use a regular bottle nipple — suction can stress the repair. Breastfeeding may resume after 3–4 weeks with surgeon approval.

After cleft palate repair

Feed only with a cup, syringe, or spoon for 2–3 weeks. No bottle nipples, straws, or pacifiers — anything placed in the mouth can damage the repair. Soft, pureed foods only.

Arm restraints

Soft arm restraints (No-No's) may be needed to prevent the child from putting fingers or objects in the mouth. Use during sleep and when the child is unsupervised. Remove periodically for supervised arm movement.

Hydration and nutrition

Ensure adequate fluid intake — dehydration is the most common reason for hospital readmission after cleft surgery. Offer small, frequent feedings. Contact our office if your child refuses to eat or drink for more than 8 hours.

When to Call Our Office

Contact us immediately at (947) 274-8300 if you experience any of the following:

Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
Increasing pain not controlled by medication
Significant bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound
Foul-smelling or cloudy drainage from the wound
Opening of the wound (wound edges separating)
Change in flap color (pale, blue, or dark)
Difficulty breathing or swallowing (after oral surgery)
For children: refusal to eat or drink for more than 8 hours
Any concern that something doesn't seem right

Support Organizations & Resources

These organizations provide support, education, and community for patients and families affected by craniofacial conditions.

American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)

The leading professional organization for cleft and craniofacial care. Provides a team directory to find accredited craniofacial teams, educational resources, and family support.

Visit website

Cleft Palate Foundation

Provides free educational publications, parent support, and the CLEFTLINE (1-800-24-CLEFT) — a toll-free information service for families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Visit website

Smile Train

An international charity providing free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children in developing countries. Has funded over 1.5 million surgeries worldwide.

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Operation Smile

Provides free surgical care for children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial conditions. Operates in over 30 countries.

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Children's Craniofacial Association (CCA)

Empowers and gives hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences. Provides financial assistance, family networking, and educational resources.

Visit website

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association

Provides financial assistance for non-medical expenses (travel, lodging) for patients traveling for craniofacial surgery. Also offers emotional support and networking.

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myFace

Transforms the lives of patients with craniofacial conditions through comprehensive care, research, and psychosocial support. Based at NYU Langone.

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Skin Cancer Foundation

The leading resource for skin cancer education, prevention, and early detection. Provides information about Mohs surgery, treatment options, and sun protection.

Visit website

Explore Our Condition Pages

Cleft Lip Cleft Palate Craniosynostosis Craniofacial Conditions Microvascular Reconstruction Mohs Reconstruction

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Chaiyasate and his team are here to answer your questions and discuss the best treatment options for you or your child.

(947) 274-8300Request an Appointment