Pain control
Take medications as required for pain (paracetamol and ibuprofen are available from pharmacies without prescription). Local anaesthetic is injected into the area at the time of surgery; this should wear off within 24 hours and an increase in pain may
occur when the local anaesthetic ceases to have effect.
Dressings
Keep dressings clean, dry and intact until second review appointment. Keep the limb elevated in a sling while your child is awake to reduce pain and swelling and encourage faster healing. The sling can be taken off at night and the hand elevated on pillows.
Medical attention
Seek medical attention in the event of:
- Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent fever
- General unwellness
- Colour changes (white, blue, purple) to the fingers or thumb
- Wound discharge or increasing redness
Follow-up
Your first review appointment will be approximately one week after discharge for dressing/wound check. The second review appointment will be in approximately two weeks for removal of dressings. The third review appointment will be approximately two months
after surgery. Your follow-up appointments will be at one of the following:
- Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk, Ground Floor, The Royal Children's Hospital (morning appointment)
- Consultant Clinic
- Consultant Private Rooms
- Local doctor
If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to reschedule.
Contact
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345 5522
Call an ambulance (000) immediately in an emergency.
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2015.
This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.