A key aspect of a quick and uneventful recovery is to be prepared and to follow recommendations.

1. After surgery and anaesthetic recovery you will need to be driven or escorted home by a responsible adult.
2. Drowsiness is a big feature of the first 24 hours post surgery, so sleep is to be expected. Rest with head raised.
3. Plan to have several days off from normal duties. The more you rest the faster you recover.
4. Keep physical activity at a low level. Even if feeling well, maintain resting as excessive activity or travel will see recovery stall and sometimes go backwards
5. Keep up a high fluid intake, especially drinks with high glucose levels
6. Eat soft foods such as soups, blended vegetables and gelatine & ice cream for the first 2 days
7. Avoid alcohol and mmoking for at least 24 hours following surgery
8. Use cold packs for the first 2 days, 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off. A pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel works well
9. Bite on cotton gauze packs supplied to stop any bleeding
10. Use a mouth rinse for 1 minute, 3 to 4 times a day, commencing 12 hours after surgery. Salt water or Difflam-C or Curasept works well.