Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Body Lift Instructions Following Surgery
Immediately After Surgery
- Your bed will be placed in a special position to ease the strain on the wound. Do not alter this position yourself or allow your visitors to do so, without permission of staff.
- You will require assistance to get out of bed in the first 24 hours, to reduce stress on the abdomen.
- You are not to eat or drink anything until your surgeon/nurse gives permission.
- You will be encouraged to have small frequent meals as this will prevent abdominal bloating and discomfort.
- You will not stand erect for several days – increase activity as tolerated.
- You will have on a restrictive abdominal bandage for 3 – 4 days. You will be fitted with an abdominal binder within 48 hours after your surgery, which you will be required to wear day and night for six weeks.
- You may also have wound drains. These will be removed in 3-4 days. Occasionally a drain will need to be left in for a longer period as instructed by your surgeon.
- You are encouraged to take deep breaths regularly and to move your legs gently while confined in bed.
- Expect to feel tired for 7 – 10 days after surgery, especially after anaesthetics.
- Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure and prevent bleeding, decrease swelling and bruising.
- No alcohol for two weeks, if possible, as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.
- Some oozing from the wound is normal. It is also normal to expect some swelling, especially 24 – 48 hours after surgery.
Pain And Medications
- Pain experienced varies considerably from person to person. Some medication to relieve pain will be prescribed if necessary.
- Severe pain is uncommon. For pain, take Capadex, two capsules every four hours. This will be prescribed by the Anaesthetist after surgery if necessary. If pain persists and cannot be relieved with the prescribed medication, please call the Clinic immediately.
- No driving or operating machinery after an anaesthetic or while on medications for pain.
- Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or immediately after surgery.
- Do not take Aspirin, Vitamin E, Anti-inflammatory medication or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
- Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.
- No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery to prevent coughing and possible bleeding and infection.
Wound Care
- Do not get surgical area wet. You may sponge bath until you are given instructions to shower after the dressings are removed.
- Dressings shall be removed approximately 3 – 5 days after surgery.
- Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment with cotton buds to incision around umbilicus.
- Tape incision lines as instructed with Micropore or Fixomul.
- Any sutures (stitches) will be removed in 10 – 14 days.
- Wear the supportive abdominal binder night and day for six weeks.
- The scar lines take up to one year to fade.
Activity
- When you are allowed out of bed, you are not permitted to straighten up completely for 2 – 3 days, to avoid tension on the sutures.
- During the first five days after surgery, it is most important not to engage in any activity which will elevate the blood pressure and swelling, and possibly produce bruising under the skin and may cause bleeding.
- During the first seven days, you should restrict your normal activities, no housework, cooking, lifting, bending and no physical labour. Following the first office visit, you will be given further instructions regarding your activity level.
- No heavy exercise or aerobics of any kind for six weeks
- Weight gains are to be avoided.
- Avoid bending, reaching and lying completely flat for six weeks.
- Arrange to get someone to move things frequently used to waist height to avoid bending or reaching.
- Increase activity as tolerated.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects, e.g. bags or children, for six weeks.
- Exercise will increase swelling and bruising.
- No flying for two weeks unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Do not sit in the sun or heat for four weeks as this could cause excessive swelling and other problems. Do not expose the wounds to the sun as this can lead to increased pigmentation in scars.
- Allow four to six weeks for major swelling to subside and for basic healing to take place.
- Do not drive for four weeks.
You Can Expect
- Swelling and numbness of the skin of the lower abdomen for up to six months.
- Bruising may persist for 3 – 4 weeks.
- To wear a support garment as instructed to reduce swelling and bruising.
- To be instructed on massage techniques at approximately 3 – 4 weeks.
- Possible constipation after surgery. This is to be avoided. A laxative will be necessary if you do not have a bowel movement after 2 or 3 days.
Call If You Have
- Severe pain not responding to medications.
- Rapid swelling and/or blood dripping from the wound after a sudden movement or when bumped. This may mean active bleeding underneath the wound and requires prompt attention. Although very rare with skin surgery, this generally occurs only in the first two days after surgery.
- Redness, warmth, pain and/or swelling of the wound, which may indicate infection and a need for antibiotics and possibly debridement and surgical care of an infection. However, this is unusual.
- Any other question or problem arising.
Purchase Prior To Surgery For Dressings
- Antibiotic ointment will be prescribed by the surgeon and can be dispensed at the Hospital prior to discharge.
Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.
For an emergency, please call Dr Luke Stradwick on 0423 506 792 or Allamanda Hospital Emergency Department on 07-5591 9400.