Abdominoplasty Post-Operative Instructions
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WHAT TO EXPECT
You will see your physician approximately five to seven days following your surgery.
You will feel immediate tightness of the skin and muscles. There should be mild diffuse swelling, general soreness to moderate pain, and increased pain with getting up and down. You may have bulb drains – they should have watery pink to red drainage. Your appetite will be decreased. You need to walk bent for the first 2-3 days after surgery to take pressure off of the incision and to help with discomfort. You may walk upright when the abdomen feels more relaxed. This is typically day 3-4. There will be numbness of the lower abdominal skin. You may have mild temperature elevation.
You may become constipated due to the pain medications and should begin a stool softener (i.e. Colace) after surgery. If you have gone several days without a bowel movement and are feeling uncomfortable, you may want to consider using a glycerin suppository or Fleet’s enema (available at all drug stores).
Sutures are dissolvable. They are under your skin and released at the end of each incision. They are clear in appearance and will be trimmed to the skin line at your first postop appointment.
WHAT TO DO
Take frequent short walks to help your circulation and to decrease the risk of blood clot formation in the legs. We recommend walking every hour for a few minutes around the house during the day time hours. Walking also helps your breathing. Take frequent deep breaths. Drink abundant fluids. You may eat what ever diet you prefer, however right after surgery, light non spicy meals are best.
Do not take your pain medications on an empty stomach. Eat a light snack, such as crackers, about 15-30 minutes before you take your medication.
Do not drive or operate machinery while you are taking your narcotic pain medication. If you are still taking narcotics by the time of your first postop appointment, then have someone drive you to your appointment.
If you have drains, keep track of the drainage by charting the volume; empty and compress bulbs after recording volume. Apply antibiotic ointment to the drain exit sites 2-3 times daily (Polysporin, Neosporin, or Bacitracin). See drain care instruction sheet for further information.
Wear the binder for comfort and compression, if it restricts your breathing you may loosen it. Your binder should be snug and comfortable.
You may shower the day after surgery; blot dressings dry and replace the binder after showering. You may change the dressings as needed if there is any drainage from the wounds.
If a Venapro leg compression device is prescribed to you for prevention of blood clots, use except when up and walking.
RESTRICTIONS
No heavy lifting (greater than 10 lbs), vigorous activity, or straining for three weeks.
No rotational activities, (racquet sports, golf, vacuum cleaning) for six week.
No tub bathing until incisions are well healed or cleared by the doctor.
Do not use heating pads.
WHEN TO CALL
If you develop severe shortness of breath or chest pain – call 911, then notify your doctor.
If you run a fever, or have chills – call our office.
If you have markedly increased pain, bruising, swelling or bloody drainage– call our office.
If you develop leg swelling or pain – call our office.
If you have persistent nausea or vomiting – call our office.
If you are uncertain about a medication or treatment – call our office.
If you are experiencing any adverse symptoms or changes that you do not understand – call our office.