For pain or swelling, you may put ice in a plastic bag, cover it with a towel, and place it over the incisions for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as necessary. 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.
When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the stitches or staples with soap and water. Then put on a clean, new bandage. Change your bandage any time it gets wet or dirty. You'll need extra rest while you recuperate. Try to gradually increase your activity each day, resting whenever you feel it's needed.