Mommy Makeover
After Surgery
Click links if you are having these individual procedures:
AFTER SURGERY
- Get plenty of rest and limit yourself to light activities the first 10 days after surgery. Sleep and rest with your head slightly elevated for the first 3 days.
- You may take a cool shower the day after surgery. If you don't feel up to it, sponge bathe until you are ready. Make sure you have someone helping you. Use a shower chair. Let water run gently over the drain exits. Dab dry. Place gauze over drain exit. Put your binder and bra back on.
- Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours. Avoid stairs.
- Take all medications as directed. If you need a refill on pain medications, call the office.
- Empty drains every 8 hours or when they become more than half full. Write down the amount of drainage.
- Do not be concerned if the fluid from the body leaks around the drain. If the drain clogs, you will need to milk it. If you are not sure how, call the office for instructions.
- At one week start wearing a girdle under the abdominal binder. The girdle should be snug but not too tight. Wear both for 6 weeks.
- At 2 to 3 weeks after surgery take your steri-strips off. Apply ScarLess®, allow it to dry and then reapply silicone sheets twice a day for two months.
- Sutures will dissolve on their own.
- Do not drive for the first week or while on pain medications. Do not do heavy housework and do not work out at all for the first 3 weeks. No abdomen workout for at least 8 weeks.
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 2 weeks.
- Avoid direct exposure of the incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision, if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
- Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
- You may apply ice or bags of frozen peas or corn on the abdomen for the first 48 hours to decrease swelling. Do not apply it directly on your skin.
- It is not uncommon for a small part of the incision to open up and look like a pimple at 4 to 8 weeks. This is called a stitch abscess and it is caused by a suture which is expelled by the body. Simply wash it with soap and water and apply Neosporin or Polysporin on it. If the redness is larger than a dime, call the office.
- Remember it may take up to 3 to 4 months to completely get your energy back. Do not get frustrated if you get tired easily.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER
- Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
- Many patients experience some pain for the first 3 to 4 days and soreness for the first 2 weeks.
- For the first 3 weeks, do not overuse your arms as this will cause the muscles to hurt.
- Standing straight will be difficult for about 1 to 2 weeks. You may also experience some temporary lower back pain due to this bent posture.
- Swelling and bruising usually clears up within 2 weeks.
- The scar may become thick and puffy as it heals. It will also look bunched up. The scar will flatten out within 6 to 12 months. After one year, if the scar is more noticeable than desired, you may discuss scar revision with the doctor.
WHEN TO CALL US
Post-surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor. Call us if you experience any of the following: A temperature of 101 F or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, calf pain, or if you just feel that something might be wrong. In addition, call if you have continuous discharge from the incision line. Please call the office during regular business hours @ 949-644-4808 or after hours page Dr. Cruise @ 714-304-8050.
POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY
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| Drain Function |
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| Constipation |
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| Fever |
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| Garment Placement |
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| Activity |
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| Wound Care |
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