Post-Operative Care
Biopsy Recovery Instructions
Following these instructions carefully will help ensure proper healing and accurate pathology results.
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Gentle Post-Op Care
First 24 Hours
- •Apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is any bleeding
- •Do NOT disturb the biopsy site with fingers or tongue
- •Apply cold compresses for comfort: 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off
- •Keep head elevated to minimize swelling
- •Take prescribed pain medication before numbness wears off
- •Avoid hot liquids - stick to cool or room temperature beverages
- •Do NOT rinse, spit, or use straws
- •Rest and avoid all strenuous activity
Early Healing Phase
Days 2-3
- •Begin very gentle salt water rinses if instructed (after 24 hours)
- •Continue cold compresses if swelling is present
- •Soft diet only: yogurt, soup, mashed foods, smoothies
- •Some discomfort and swelling is normal and expected
- •Continue prescribed medications on schedule
- •Keep biopsy site clean - avoid brushing directly on wound
- •Avoid touching or pulling at the site or sutures
- •Monitor for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus
Progressive Healing
Days 4-7
- •Swelling should gradually decrease day by day
- •Slowly return to normal diet as comfortable
- •Continue gentle salt water rinses after meals
- •Bruising may appear and migrate - this is normal and will fade
- •Normal activities can gradually resume
- •Sutures may begin to dissolve (if dissolvable type used)
- •Monitor the site for proper healing and tissue color changes
- •Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods
Complete Healing & Results
Week 2+
- •Biopsy site continues to fill in with healthy tissue
- •Resume all normal activities and oral hygiene
- •Complete soft tissue healing typically takes 1-2 weeks
- •Underlying tissue healing continues for several weeks
- •Pathology results typically available within 7-14 business days
- •Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- •Contact us if you notice any unusual changes at the site
- •Follow-up visit to discuss results and any further treatment