Download Post-Op Tummy Tuck Instructions

Aftercare: Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Dressings: Wear binder at all times
Day 1-14: Wear abdominal binder and compression garment (if you also have one) except to shower
Day 14-6 weeks: You may start taking breaks through the day of 2 hours at a time if this is of comfort to you.
**Any time there is discomfort with your garment/binder contact our office immediately**
WALKING/SITTING/LAYING (BODY POSITION): Particularly after an abdominoplasty it is important that you get out of
bed early (with assistance). Small walks at first to the restroom or to get water may begin immediately. As you heal you
will slowly increase your movement. It is important to walk bent over at the hips for 14 days following surgery to reduce
tension on the suture line. When sleeping have your knees bent up (with pillows under them) and your head elevated with
pillows. You may use additional pillows to allow you to rest slightly on your side so that you can alternate the pressure on
your tailbone and back. Following these instructions will help greatly with the final result of your scar.
Bathing: You may shower two days AFTER surgery (48 hours after surgery). Discard your dressings. Pat your
incisions dry and replace your binder/compression garment. Only reapply new dressings if you feel that is more
comfortable. Do not bathe, swim, hot tub, Lake Swim, or use a whirlpool until incisions are fully closed. Dr. Bekanich will
determine when you are cleared for these activities based on your physical exam. You may feel lightheaded upon
removing the compression garment, standing and being in hot water. A shower assistant is mandatory. Sitting on a chair
in the shower is also helpful.
Medications: Complete your course of antibiotics. Follow the instructions on the bottle of your prescribed medications.
Begin a stool softener the night before surgery if you will be taking pain medication. Arnica may reduce bruising and you
should take a complete course. Take prescribed pain medication only as directed and consider Extra Strength Tylenol in
conjunction with narcotics (pain pills) and ultimately transition off the narcotics. Take medications with food to reduce
nausea. Resume pre-operative medications unless otherwise directed by your operating physician or personal physician.
Do not take pain medication if you are not having pain. Do not drink alcohol while taking any pain or anxiety medication.
Incisions: Keep incisions clean and dry. You will have a skin glue over all or part of your incisions. Leave the glue in
place. If you have steri-strips (strips of tape) leave them on. They will fall off within the next few weeks. A scar cream
may be used once the incisions are closed over. Avoid sun exposure to the incision sites for 6 months to prevent them
from darkening.
Bruising: Bruising may happen and is normal when you combine your surgery with liposuction. This varies on the extent
of the surgery and may last up to 3 weeks. Arnica use may help reduce bruising. Taking pain medication that has aspirin
or ibuprofen in it may increase your bruising.
Drain Care: Keep your drainage bulbs collapsed and record time and amounts of drainage (empty at least every 8 hours)
over a 24 hour period. Dr. Bekanich will determine when your drains are to be removed based on your recordings. Drains
are important and must be kept closed with suction applied and their exit sites and tubes clean. Call with any questions
you have on care of your drains. Make sure to bring your recorded output with you to your appointment. Drains usually
stay in place from 1-3 weeks – and sometimes longer. Every patient’s experience is different. Typically, though they are
removed within the first week and a half.
Austin Plastic Surgery Boutique
3445 Executive Center Drive, Suite 213; Austin, TX 78731
P: 512-334-9945 F: 512.870-9321
www.boutiqueplasticsurgery.com
Swelling: Initially, there will be quite a bit of swelling. This swelling increases where gravity acts most. The pubic area
and calves and ankles may become very swollen as the fluid drains down. A large portion of the swelling will be reduced
by 3 weeks but you can still expect to have swelling up through the 3 and 6 month mark.
Massage: Start gentle massage of the areas at 10-14 days. Use of a rolling pin may be helpful to cover more area at
once. Lymphatic massage has also been shown to help people with fluid retention following surgery.
Discomfort: Pain varies following surgery. Every patient is different. The amount of post-operative pain varies from
patient to patient. Overall, most patients are feeling good after about a week and once their drains are out. Do NOT
apply heat or ice to any treatment areas. Your ability to sense if your skin is getting too cold or hot is not normal and you
may burn yourself.
Sensations to expect: Patients have reported burning sensations, tickling and muscle soreness after surgery.
Activity: No strenuous activity for 6 weeks. No lifting more than 10 lbs. Start gentle walking immediately (around the
house) with even mild movement about the house every 2 hours the day of surgery. Do not cross your legs as this may
increase your risk of blood clot formation. Increase your walking as you start to have more energy. Many people feel
better when on pain medications so be sure to keep in mind to limit any extensive activity as outlined above.
Diet: A light diet for the day after surgery is usually best. Slowly resume a balanced healthy diet. This is often difficult
following surgery as you are not feeling at your best and are limited in the amount of physical activity you can do. Gaining
weight after surgery will result in poor results. Limit the amount of salt and carbonation you take in as this will affect your
swelling. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol.
Clothing: Avoid tight fitting clothing that digs into your skin. This can cause permanent ridging in the skin that if not
addressed immediately may become permanent as your skin heals into its new shape.
Smoking: It is well known that nicotine (in traditional cigarettes and vapor cigarettes/chew) impairs healing and increases
your risk of infection. Your scars and final outcome are negatively affected by smoking/nicotine as well.
Driving: Do not drive or operate any heavy machinery for 24 hours following surgery and/or until you are not taking pain
pills.
**Call immediately if you have: fever of 100.5 or greater, expanding swelling – particularly if it is unequal on each
side, redness, bleeding, warmth or increased drainage, leg pain and cramping, shortness of breath, fast heart
rate, lightheadedness, chest pain or breathing difficulties.
Austin Plastic Surgery Boutique
3445 Executive Center Drive, Suite 213; Austin, TX 78731
P: 512-334-9945 F: 512.870-9321
www.boutiqueplasticsurgery.com