Abdominoplasty Post-Op Instructions

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THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and consume high protein foods. You may also purchase Milk of Magnesia over the counter from your local pharmacy to relieve constipation.

• Take pain medication as prescribed and only as needed. You may take up to 800mg of Ibuprofen in place of the prescribed pain medication if preferred.

• DO NOT SMOKE, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications. Secondhand smoke is harmful and should be avoided as well.

• DO NOT drink alcohol while taking pain medication.

ACTIVITIES

• DO NOT drive until you are no longer taking pain medications and you feel that you would be able to stop the vehicle abruptly if needed.

• DO NOT lift over ten pounds for three weeks after surgery.

• Walk as soon as possible as this helps reduce swelling and decreases the risk of blood clots.

INCISION CARE

• You may shower once you have completed your first post-op visit.

• Wash your hands with Dial Liquid Antibacterial Soap. Then wash your incision line with Dial Liquid Antibacterial soap or Hibiclens and pat dry.

• Wear your binder for three weeks following abdominoplasty procedure.

• If steri-strips were applied, these typically begin to fall off around 7-10 days post-operatively. Once they start to curl, you may help them off. If they are still in place at your second appointment, we will assist you with removing these.

• You may cover the incision line with gauze or maxi pads to assist with comfort and to catch drainage.

• Continue using blood thinning injections as directed. You may begin giving injections in the abdomen in the area between your umbilicus and your incision line after your first post-op visit. This area will not have much feeling; therefore, it will make giving the shot less painful.

• DO NOT use any type of heating pads, alcohol, peroxide, or ointments on your incision line. We will advise you when you are to begin scar treatment cream.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Maximum discomfort will occur the first few weeks after surgery.

• You may experience soreness, bruising, swelling, and tightness in the abdominal area for many weeks.

• You may experience lack of sensation in your abdominal wall for several weeks to months following the procedure.

• You may not be able to stand up straight for several weeks following the procedure. Your body will tell you when the time is right to stand straight. This will improve with time.

• You may have yellow, straw-colored, or blood-tinged drainage from your incisions. This is called serous drainage and is expected.

• Your mons pubis is typically the most swollen area. This area will be swollen much longer than the abdominal wall.

WHEN TO CALL THE OFFICE

• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, severe nausea and vomiting, or chills.

• Bright red skin that is hot to the touch.

• Excessive bleeding.

• If you have shortness of breath, a constant sharp pain in your chest, or are experiencing leg pain, please go to the nearest EMERGENCY ROOM and notify our office as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email Amanda, the nurse, at a.perry@scsc.health . For urgent questions, please call the office at (901) 761-4844.