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Abdominoplasty Patient Post-Op Instructions

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No Aspirin, Salicilates, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen for two weeks following surgery. Check all over-the-counter medication labels to assure medication you take does not contain the above. (Alka-Seltzer, Contact, Dristan, Midol and many others contain aspirin and other ingredients as listed above.) Tylenol is safe and may be used at any time following your surgery. Do not exceed more than 8 Tylenol pills in a 24 hour period.

If you take prescription medications, you may resume all medications following surgery except non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and blood thinning medications unless specifically directed by your surgeon. Take your pain medication as needed. If you feel you will run out and need more, call the office so this can be refilled during regular office hours. Take any prescribed antibiotics until you have finished the entire prescription. If you feel you are having a sensitivity or allergy to one of your medications, discontinue it at once and notify your surgeon.

Report any nausea and vomiting to your surgeon for control. Uncontrolled vomiting may increase bruising and the risk of bleeding thus requiring emergency surgery for control. You may take 2 Tylenol Extra Strength Gelcaps every 4 hours. No more than 8 pills in 24 hours. Resume taking any blood pressure medication on schedule starting the day of surgery. Medication to be avoided (provided on your pre-op instruction sheets) should not be resumed for 2 weeks to minimize the chances of bruising and post-op bleeding.

Do not remove Compression Garment or Binder until first office visit. Bring girdle purchased from suggested list with you on your first office visit.

Take only sponge bath. Do not wet dressings or incision until advised otherwise.

Lifting within the first 4 weeks is limited to 10 lbs. Do not do any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 6 to 8 weeks following surgery.

When getting in and out of bed, turn on your side and push off with your arm furthest from the mattress and use your legs as a pendulum to help upright yourself. This will minimize any abdominal discomfort.

You May Expect:

  • Moderate discomfort in the anterior abdomen to emerge once the long acting anesthetic block has worn off. Use pain and nausea medications as ordered. If muscle tightening was done at surgery take your pain medication on a regular schedule every 2-3 hours. This will provide better pain relief than waiting until your pain becomes severe before redosing. Take 2 Tylenol Extra Strength Gelcaps every 4 hours for the first 10 days after surgery, not to exceed 8 pills in 24 hours, regardless of discomfort. Back pain is common following Abdominoplasty until you are able to walk fully upright.
  • To wear a Girdle or Binder 2-4 weeks after surgery.
  • To have one or two suction drains in place for 3-5 days. You will be instructed on their care and maintenance before you leave the surgical facility. Record the drain outputs and the times you empty the reservoir. Apply the antibiotic ointment and a fresh Band-Aid to the skin exit site twice a day after the first 48 hours. If the bulb fails to hold suction, notify your doctor immediately.

Managing Your Suction Bulbs

  • Empty your suction bulb when it is 1/3 full and replug the bulb evacuator.
  • When you empty the bulb prior to pouring the drainage out, record the approximate amount of fluid (in cc). To do so, unstop the bulb and hold it with the tube attachment upright. The measuring marks are on the bulb for your estimation.

Additional Care

  • Once the operative site is completely healed, begin applying Mederma Skin Care for scars 3-4 times daily for a minimum 8 weeks.
  • You must clear your lungs to avoid developing lung collapse or pneumonia following surgery. The tendency to breath shallow and avoid coughing because of soreness in your abdomen may result in an early post-operative fever that if neglected will result in pneumonia despite the administration of antibiotics. Support the anterior abdomen with a pillow and cough at least every hour, inspire deeply and quickly. Frequently walk small amounts.
  • During the first 24 hours, while you are spending time in bed or in a recliner, pneumatic compression stockings are to be in place and function to minimize the risk of phlebitis (venous clots in the legs). If you develop calf soreness, shortness of breath, chest pain and/or rapid pulse call your doctor without delay.

To report a problem to your surgeon call 816-795-5262 (24 hrs.). To obtain refills on medication call 816-795-5262 during office hours (Monday-Friday 9a.m.-5p.m.).