POSTOPERATIVE CARE: ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY)

Postoperative Instructions

1. If you are staying overnight in our facility, discharge time is anywhere between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 am., depending on when the doctor sees you the next morning.

2. Bruising and swelling is normal and is to be expected.

3. You will be required to rest - minimal activity, and to stay out of the sun for the next few weeks to prevent increased swelling and bruising.

4. You will be wearing an abdominal binder which may be removed when showering.

5. You can expect to have 1-2 drain tubes in your incision. These may or may not be removed the next morning prior to discharge depending on how much they have drained throughout the night.

6. You will have a urinary catheter in for the overnight period. This will be removed the next morning prior to getting out of bed for the first time.

7. It is advised that you take a stool softener for about 30 days to prevent having to strain, starting about 2 days before surgery. These are non-prescription and the pharmacist can advise.

8. When you are not in bed, standing and walking is preferable to sitting, unless you are in a lounge chair where the feet are elevated and the back reclined. When you are in bed, your head should be elevated slightly with a pillow under your knees.

9. You may have whatever you want to eat or drink.

10. Please notify us immediately if you experience any sudden swelling or bleeding, or any unusual extreme pain that pain medication does not relieve.

Please call the office if you have any questions, (772) 546-FACE (3223)