When a urethroplasty uses a buccal graft, a thin strip of tissue comes from the inside of your cheek. The mouth heals quickly, usually within 1 to 3 weeks, but the first few days are sore.

What's normal

• Swelling and soreness of the cheek, and trouble opening your mouth fully for several days
• A small amount of oozing in the first day
• A white or yellow coating over the area while it heals
• Stitches that dissolve on their own

Eating and drinking

• Start with cold liquids and soft foods: yogurt, smoothies, eggs, soup that isn't hot, pasta.
• Avoid spicy, crunchy, acidic, or very hot foods until it feels better.
• Chew on the other side.

Keeping it clean

• Rinse gently with salt water after meals: half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Use any prescribed rinse as directed.
• Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the graft site.

Comfort

• Ice on the outside of the cheek, 20 minutes on and 20 off, for the first 2 days.
• Take pain medication as prescribed.
• Open your mouth a little wider each day to keep it from getting stiff.

Call right away

Call the office at (516) 535-1900, or go to the nearest emergency room after hours, if you have:

• Bleeding that doesn't stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure with gauze
• Fever or chills
• You can't drink enough fluids
• Trouble breathing or swallowing (go to the emergency room)

Your own instructions come first

Every patient is different. If the instructions you got at your visit or at discharge differ from this page, follow those, and call the office at (516) 535-1900 with any question.