RCH logo

Kids Health Information

Pain control

  • Take medications as required for pain (paracetamol and ibuprofen are available from pharmacies without prescription). Local anaesthetic is given 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.

    Codeine

    Codeine has been prescribed as additional pain relief for your child. Use only as directed and be aware that codeine can cause vomiting and dizziness in children who are sensitive to it. If this occurs then halve the dose given, or cease using the medication, or only give prior to sleep. Codeine can also slow the bowel and cause constipation; give plenty of fluids, fruits & vegetables and consider prune juice or faecal softeners/ laxatives (parachoc, lactulose, senna) from your local pharmacy if this is a problem. Do not be afraid to give codeine but do stop using it once paracetamol is sufficient for your child.

    Follow-up

    Your follow-up appointment 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.


    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.

    Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.


Disclaimer  

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.