Your doctor may suggest you take it at the same time as your pain medicine, which sometimes upsets the stomach. Do not sleep on the ice pack. Treatment with ice is most effective when started right after the operation and used for 24 to 48 hours. After the first 24 to 48 hours you may use heat for pain or swelling. Do not sleep on the heating pad or hot water bottle.
Heat brings blood to the area of the operation and helps it heal faster.
After You Leave Always take your medicine exactly as directed. If it doesn't seem to help, let the doctor know, but keep taking it until told otherwise. If you've been prescribed antibiotics, be sure to use them up, even if you're feeling better. If a medicine makes you drowsy, avoid driving or using dangerous machinery. When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the stitches or staples with soap and water.