After Body Contouring Surgery
(Abdominoplasty, Arm, Butt or Thigh Lift)

DRESSING: Starting the first operative day, wear your support garment full time for the first three weeks and half for following three weeks. You should loosen the garment a few times daily to be sure that the skin is not folded or creased in an unnatural position. If you are having a traditional tummy tuck, belt lipectomy or a spiral lift, please wear support hose for at least one week or until you resume full activity. We will remove the tape at your one week appointment. You should shower daily and lather the tape with soap and water, do not soak the incisions in water. The tape can be dried by blotting with a dry towel or by using a hairdryer at a low setting (do not use the heat setting). Your garment should be washed and dried daily to avoid infection.

SUTURES:

Dissolve in about two weeks. If external sutures are used, they will be removed in about seven days

WOUND CARE:

After the dressings are removed by your surgeon, the incisions may be cleaned with diluted peroxide. Carefully dilute the peroxide with 1 part peroxide and 3 parts water. After cleaning, coate with antibiotic ointment or scarguard as instructed.

ACTIVITY:

Increase your activity as tolerated with no heavy exercise or lifting for at least two weeks, Do not lift over 5 lbs on the first week and 10 lbs on the second week. Be sure to move extremities – i.e. rotate ankles and flex knees during this period of decreased activity as this promotes good venous return and prevent blood clots forming in the legs. Avoid driving while still taking prescription pain medication.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Swelling, bruising and some bloody drainage is normal. The swelling, bruising and pain will reach it’s maximum at 3-4 days postoperatively and then begin to resolve. If it does not slowly get better daily, please contact us. Ice packs applied 30 minutes on/off for the first 2 days will help control the swelling. As numbness subsides, it is common to feel tingling or sharp sensations. These sensations will eventually go away, however it may take months to resolve.

DRAIN CARE:

If Drains are placed, they will be left in until there is less than 25 cc. of drainage in a 24-hour period. Antibiotics must be taken as long as drains are in, so call if you run out. Swelling, bruising and some bloody drainage are normal.

SIGNS OF

Painful extreme swelling and hardness often accompanied by bruising, HEMATOMA: usually unilateral causing asymmetry. Please notify us if you have any symptoms you are concerned with.