Microsoft word - tummy tuck _abdominoplasty_.doc

Post-Surgical Instructions: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Once your surgery is completed, you must follow all the instructions given to you in order to heal properly and have a The following instructions are your obligation. Use this as a checklist of progress as you heal. Included are normal post-surgical experiences and key health considerations that may be a cause of concern.
TYPICAL POST-OPERATIVE SYMPTOMS
Typical symptoms of tummy tuck, and signs to watch for following tummy tuck surgery include the following:
• Tightness and stiffness in abdomen
• Bruising, swelling and redness
• Tingling, burning or intermittent shooting pain
• Skin firmness, hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity
• Shiny skin or any itchy feeling
Swelling can cause the skin in treated areas to appear shiny. As the healing process advances, you may also find a mild to severe itchy feeling. An antihistamine like Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. These are normal experiences as the skin, tissues and sensory nerves heal. Pain medication and muscle relaxants will help you cope with any discomfort. If you have drains, you may experience additional localized discomfort. Consistent sharp pain should be reported to our office immediately.

If the skin becomes red and hot to the touch, contact our office immediately.
Asymmetry: both sides of your body heal differently: One side of your body may look or feel quite different from
the other in the days following surgery. This is normal.
CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
• A high fever, (over 101.5º) severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior,
such as hallucinations.
• Any pain that cannot be controlled by your pain medication.
• Bright red skin that is hot to the touch.
• Excessive bleeding or fluid seeping through the incisions.
• A severely misshapen region anywhere on your lower body or bruising that is localized to one
specific point of the lower body.

To alleviate any discomfort, and to reduce swelling, you may apply cool, not cold compresses to the treated
region. Crushed ice or ice packs must be wrapped in a towel before being applied to the skin. Do not apply ice or
anything frozen directly to the skin. Apply cool compresses, for no longer than 20-minute intervals. Post-Surgical Instructions: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) DAY OF SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

Whether you are released after surgery or after an overnight stay in a recovery center or hospital, you will only be
released to the care of a responsible adult. All of these instructions must be clear to the adult who will monitor your
health and support you, around the clock in the first 24 hours following surgery. Do not stand fully upright: You must not stand fully upright. Standing upright could greatly
affect your results and could cause serious injury. A walker or crutches may be used if you

Rest, but not bed rest. While rest is important in the early stages of healing, equally
important is that you are ambulatory, meaning that you are walking under your own strength. Spend 10 minutes every 2 hours engaged in light walking indoors as you recover.
Recline, do not lie down. We recommend renting an electric chair for the first month after
your procedure. This will be more comfortable for you, assist you in getting up, and accommodate the proper positioning of your body.
Good nutrition. Fluids are critical following surgery. Stick to non-carbonated, non-alcoholic,
caffeine-free and green tea-free beverages including fruit juices and water, milk and yogurt
drinks. You must consume at least 8 ounces of fluid every 2 hours. Stick with soft, bland,
Take all medication, exactly as prescribed. Oral pain medication, antibiotics and other
Wound care: Your incisions will seep fluid and some blood for a short time after surgery.
Carefully follow the instructions for drain care and record drained fluid on the Drain Care
Instructions and Log pamphlet (this will be provided to you by the hospital prior to
discharge).

Wear your compression garment or elastic wraps around the clock. Follow the
instructions specifically removing any compression wraps only to cleanse your incision or to

Do not smoke. Smoking can greatly impair your safety prior to surgery and your ability to heal

Relax. Do not engage in any stressful activities. Do not lift, push or pull anything. Take care
Post-Surgical Instructions:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
TWO TO SEVEN DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY

During this time you will progress as each day passes. Ease into your daily activities. You will receive clearance to
begin driving or return to work at your post-operative visit, or within
• Wound care: You may shower starting on the second day after your procedure. Take a warm, not hot
shower. Do not take a bath. Limit your shower to 10 minutes, and use anti-bacterial soap (e.g. lever 2000 or dial). Do not rub your incisions. You should cleanse around the drain sites 2 to 3 times daily with cotton swabs, moistened with hydrogen peroxide. Apply bacitracin ointment over the incisions, and then wrap the incisions lightly with 4 x 4” gauze. Apply a fragrance free moisturizer to the surrounding skin, however not on your incisions. Use the compression garment to hold all of the dressings in place. • Take antibiotic medications and supplements as directed. Take pain medication and muscle relaxants
only as needed. You may wish to switch from prescription pain medication to acetaminophen. • Continue to wear your elastic wraps or compression garment around the clock.
• Begin massaging the abdomen and hips gently, 2 to 3 times daily. This can help soften any firmness or
• Do not resume any exercise other than regular walking. Walking is essential every day to prevent the
• No sun exposure. If you plan to go outdoors for any reason, wear protective clothing. Avoid any direct sun
• Maintain a healthy diet. Do not smoke. Do not consume alcohol.

ONE to FOUR WEEKS FOLLOWING SURGERY

As you resume your normal daily activities, you must continue proper care and healing.
• Continue your wound care as directed. You should continue to apply bacitracin ointment to the incisions 2
to 3 times daily; however, you may discontinue use of gauze, as the drainage from the incisions decreases. • Ease into an upright position. You may slowly begin to stand taller each day as the tummy region
• Refrain from weight-bearing exercise. Continue walking. A daily, brisk 20-minute walk is recommended.
• Do not smoke. While incisions may have healed, smoking deprives your body of necessary oxygen that can
result in poorly healed, wide, raised scars. • Continue to wear your elastic wrap or compression garment as directed.
• Continue to massage the involved areas.
• Practice good sun protection. Do not expose skin in the treatment region to direct sunlight. If you are
outdoors, apply at least an SPF 30 to the skin at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and wear protective clothing. The skin in the treatment region is highly susceptible to sunburn or the formation or irregular, darkened pigmentation. Post-Surgical Instructions:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
SIX WEEKS FOLLOWING SURGERY

Healing will progress and your abdomen will settle into a more final shape and position.
• You may ease into your regular fitness routine. However realize that your body may require some time to
• Discomfort or tightness and tingling of the skin will resolve. You may discontinue the use of the
compression garment; although, Dr. Butterfield may recommend its continued use, on an individual basis. • You may start using scar treatments (e.g. Mederma). Scar massage is also strongly recommended,
several times a day for 2 to 3 minutes each time. • No need to resume smoking. You have now gone 10 weeks (4 weeks prior to surgery and 6 weeks
following) without a cigarette. For your long-term health, there is no need to resume smoking.

YOUR FIRST YEAR
• Continue healthy nutrition, fitness and sun protection.
• Your scars will continue to refine. If they become raised, red or thickened, or appear to widen, contact our
office. Early intervention is important to achieving well-healed scars. Scars are generally refined to fine • A one-year post surgery follow-up is recommended. However you may call our office at any time with

Your body will change with age. The appearance of your body will change too. Although the outcomes of a lower
body lift are generally permanent, any significant weight gain or loss, pregnancy as well as the normal influences of aging can cause changes to your appearance. You may wish to undergo revision surgery at a later date to help maintain your appearance throughout life. Contact our office with any of your questions or concerns, at any time.
I have read and understand all of the above instructions. I understand that following these instructions is
solely my responsibility. I understand that it is also my responsibility to ask Dr. Butterfield and her staff any
questions I have related to these instructions or about my procedure, health and healing.
These instructions are not meant to be comprehensive or all-inclusive, any additional instructions will be
given to you by Dr. Butterfield as needed.

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