Surgery AfterCare Instructions

  • HYDRATION
    A major key to recovering from surgery is to keep yourself hydrated! Patients should consume at least 8oz. of water every hour minimum while awake. While mild dizziness after surgery can be normal, if it persists switch from water to Gatorade/pedialyte as this will more effectively re-hydrate you. Urine output should be clear/yellow or clear, if otherwise you are dehydrated. Do not mistake high urine output with adequate hydration. KEEP DRINKING!!
  • DRAINS
    While drains are in place be sure to continue to "strip" and record drain output every 4 hours as this will help to make sure that the drains don't clot off, making them non functional. Drains will remain in place until the output is less then < 25cc/day total for 2 days in a row. EACH drain is independent and has to meet this requirement in order to be removed. Normally one drain is ready to be removed before the other; in those cases both drains may remain in pace until both are ready to be removed OR ONLY the drain that's ready may be removed. Any drain that is removed before it's ready may result in a buildup of fluid under the skin flap that may require drainage by your doctor. 
  • INCISIONS
    Retention tape on incision will be left in pace for a few days and then changed to "Steri strips". You are encouraged to purchase steri strips that are the 1x5 inches in dimension as these will give the desired amount of incisional coverage. you can find strips on my Amazon store. For a total of 3 weeks after surgery these steri strips should be applied to your incisions and changed every 3 days.
    They may be changed earlier if dressing becomes soiled. These strips help to take tension off of your incision and will help too improve the final result of your incisions.
  • NUTRITION
    It is important to ensure you are consuming enough nutrition to heal. Recommend 30-60g of protein shakes consumed with each meal for 6 weeks. This will help ensure that your body can heal as quickly as possible.
  • COMPRESSION
    Abdominal Binder (low compression) is to be worn directly after surgery while your drains are in place (Usually
    7-10 days). This is meant to be LOW compression. You may use foams and boards with your abdominal binder.
    Stages 2 garment (high compression) is to be worn as soon as your drains are removed (roughly 7-10 days) after surgery for 6 months. This garment is made to be higher in compression therefore no lipo foams or abdominal boards are needed. You may still continue to use a molding backboard with this garment if you choose to do so.
  • ACTIVITY
    You are encouraged to walk for at least 15 min 5x per day after surgery. Be sure to continue to wear your compression socks for at least 1 week after surgery as this will help to prevent blood clots. When walking, you should be bent over at the waist, however each day you will be able to stand up a bit straighter. After rough;y 1 week you should be able to walk standing completely erect.
    No lifting over 10lbs or doing rigorous physical activity for 6-8 weeks after surgery!
  • MEDICATION
    PAIN MEDICATION:
    May Take prescribed Percocet every 4-6 hrs as needed for acute pain. However it is important to ween off of this medication as soon as possible.

    Altemative to narcotic pain medication: Extra strength Tylenol (2 pills) scheduled every 6 hours x 48 hours. (1000mg every 6 hours x 48hrs). This should be done regardless of pain score as this will decrease pain spikes.
    For any breakthrough pain not controlled with Tylenol alone you may take 400-600mg of Motrin at the 3 hour mark in between your 6 hour doses of Tylenol. This effectively means that every 3 hours you can receive either Tylenol or Motrin by mouth.
    ANTIBIOTICS: to be taken twice a day; the entire course MUST be finished!
    NAUSEA MEDICATION: take as needed.
  • MASSAGES
    1st Stage (Lymphatic massages)
    After the first week of post op drainage massages, it is advised that you obtain at least 15 additional lymphatic massages over 6 week period after surgery for optimal results. This is important to improve swelling and inflammation as well as help to decrease scar tissue and fibrosis. You may require more then 15 massages depending on your level of swelling and inflammation. A qualified post op massage therapist will help to determine how many more massages would be of benefit.
    2nd stage (Advanced mechanical massages)
    These include therapies such as cavitation, wood therapy, radio frequency, cupping etc. These therapies are good for improving scar tissue, evening out imperfections and making our final results even smoother in appearance. DO NOT begin advanced massages until at least 6 weeks after surgery as this can cause seroma formation.
  • EMERGENCIES
    DOCTOR MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES OCCUR: New onset pain, Redness, Fever/Chills, drainage or any other concerning changes. Do not wait to notify your doctor with changes/concerns as minor issues could become worse.
    FOR ANY MEDICAL EMERGENCIES CALL 911