Your written discharge plan comes first. These instructions must be tailored to your treatment and medical history. For combined procedures, ask the team for one coordinated plan; do not choose between conflicting instructions yourself.
What to expect.
Swelling, bruising, and lower-lip or chin numbness may occur. Incision care differs depending on whether the incision is inside the mouth or beneath the chin.
Your care plan.
- Keep any chin support or tape in the demonstrated position. Do not press, massage, or attempt to reposition an implant.
- For an incision inside the mouth, follow your prescribed diet and rinse plan. Clean teeth gently and avoid irritating the incision.
- For an incision beneath the chin, use only the approved cleansing and dressing routine. Do not soak the wound.
- Protect the chin from impact and avoid sleeping directly on it.
Activity & recovery.
- Rest with your head gently elevated and avoid bending at the waist, straining, and heavy lifting until cleared. Take short walks rather than remaining in bed.
- Protect the treated area from pressure and sun. Resume exercise, makeup over incisions, and other facial treatments only when cleared.
Follow your team’s specific instructions for medicines, wound care, and safe movement. Do not drive while taking sedating medicines or until you can safely operate a vehicle and your surgeon clears you.
When to call.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, stroke symptoms, or sudden loss of vision need immediate emergency care. Do not wait for an office reply or use an online form.
Contact your care team promptly
- Call for worsening asymmetry, spreading redness, drainage, or new difficulty moving the lower lip.
- Rapid neck swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency evaluation.
- Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Call sooner if you feel seriously unwell, even without a fever.
- New one-sided calf pain or swelling needs urgent medical assessment. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Call 615.730.7500. After hours, follow the urgent-contact directions on your discharge paperwork. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are urgent, seek immediate medical care.
Stay connected.
Keep your scheduled follow-up and ask the team when to send an update or return sooner. Confirm any dressing, stitch, or drain removal with the office. Return to exercise, work, travel, and skin-care products should follow your individual clearance plan.
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know your next visit date, medication plan, and after-hours contact instructions.
Sources & References
External references open in a new tab. Your care guide will stay open here.
These references provide general information. Follow your care team’s procedure-specific instructions and personal discharge plan.