Post Operative Instructions
What to Expect After Surgery
The goal after surgery is to keep your pain well controlled and keep your surgical site protected.
Dr. Steven Lee typically calls in the evening after your surgery to review the procedure and answer any questions. If you miss his call, call the office at 212-737-3301. If it is after office hours, call the same line and page Dr. Lee.
General Post Operative Instructions
ELEVATION
If advised by Dr. Lee for your specific procedure, elevation is an efficient way to decrease swelling and pain.
PAIN MEDICATION
People vary in how much and often they need to take pain medication. Some never end up needing to take medication, while others end up needing to take the full amount prescribed to them. The first few days after surgery is usually when pain is the worst. It is very important that you only take the pain medication prescribed to you as directed .
NERVE BLOCK
You may have received a nerve block with your surgery. If so, your extremity may stay numb for up to 24 hours. Increased sensation (usually accompanied by pins/needles sensation) and movement of your affected extremity are signs that the block is wearing off. You may also experience pain and discomfort of the extremity as the nerve block wears off.
SAFETY
Avoid large crowds and use extra precautions to avoid falls. Follow your specific post-op instructions carefully regarding braces, splints, bandages, immobilization, wound care, and weight bearing status.
CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY FOR
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Severe pain, especially that which is not reduced with pain medication
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Fever (>101.3°F) or chills
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Oozing or redness of the wound
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Pain, swelling, redness, or hardness of the calf (behind the leg between the knee and ankle)
CALL 911 or GO TO LOCAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR:
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Difficulty breathing or heaviness/pain in the chest
Procedure-Specific Instructions
Follow-Up Appointment
Typically, your first post-operative appointment should be scheduled for 7-10 days after your surgery. This may vary, so please check your specific paperwork for details.
Patient Portal
A great option for contacting our team is through the Patient Portal. Click the link below to register or to message us 24/7.
Contact Us
Please always feel free to contact us directly with questions or concerns. The above information is only a guideline. Please refer to your specific instructions provided by Dr. Lee's team. If this is a medical emergency, please dial 911.
Medical Questions:
212-737-3301 or
Patient Portal 24/7 Secure Messaging
Surgical Coordinator: