Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck Post Op Instructions
- Drains will often be removed before discharge from the hospital. Occasionally drains will be left when you go home and be removed in the rooms.
- If you have a drain in when you go home then you need to measure the amount of fluid in the drain each day. Measure this at 8 am each day – hold the drainage bag upright and mark the line of the fluid in the bag. In order for the drain to be removed the amount of fluid that drains in 7 hours needs to be less than 20 – 30 mls.
- An abdominal binder or compression garment should be worn at all times except when showering. Please remember to take your garment to the hospital on the day of your surgery.
- Shower as normal and pat the area dry. Use a hair dryer on a cool or warm setting to make sure the steristrips covering the wound are dry.
- Sleep on your back with a couple of pillows under your head and also a couple of pillows under your knees so there is no tension on your abdomen.
- Initially you may be more comfortable moving around slowly in a bent-over position to avoid sutures pulling on your abdomen before slowly stretching to stand upright. It may be a few weeks before you can stand up completely straight
- When getting out of bed roll out rather than using your tummy muscles to lit yourself upright
- Use a pillow or cushion to support the tummy area when coughing or sneezing
- Using your bowels for the first time after surgery can be a little uncomfortable. Most pain medications that you will be taking after the surgery can cause constipation. It is important to drink lots of fluids, and after a few days maintain a high fibre diet.
- Take the anbiotics you have been prescribed as directed
- The suture lines should be taped for 3 months after surgery to help minimize scarring and to aid support to the area
- Avoid any heavy lifting, sport or exercise for 4 – 6 weeks after surgery
- Make an appointment to see Dr Laniewski the week after you go home