Pain control

Take medications as required for pain (paracetamol and ibuprofen are available from pharmacies without prescription). Local anaesthetic is usually injected 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 the dressings clean, dry and intact until your review appointment. Keep the hand elevated while your child is awake to reduce pain and swelling and encourage healing. The dressings will be removed after four weeks and a removable plastic splint will be made at this time by the occupational therapist.

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 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.

Contact

Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345 5522

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.