Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty, Liposuction) Pre & Post Operative Instructions
Pre-Operative Instructions
- •Please advise the doctor if you are taking any blood thinning medication (e.g. Warfarin, Disprin, Aspirin, etc.)
- •This will need to be discontinued prior to surgery as per doctor's instructions.
- •Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of bleeding complications in all forms of surgery – please ensure your blood pressure is well controlled prior to your surgical date.
- DO NOT take any of the following medications prior to surgery:
- – Anti-inflammatories (e.g. Brufen, Ibuprofen, Myprodol, Voltaren, etc.).
- – Homeopathic medications (e.g. Arnica, Rescue Remedy, St John's Wort).
- – Vitamin E (oral or topical).
- •Prepare your skin for 3 weeks before surgery with Dermalac Lotion and Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil from Environ.
- •Take a bath or shower with antibacterial soap (or Bioscrub) on the morning of your admission.
- •Do not apply any body lotion.
- •Regardless of whether you are having a general anesthetic or conscious sedation – you should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to surgery.
- •If you are a smoker – NO SMOKING for 3 months prior to surgery.
- •Bring comfortable cotton underwear.
Post-Operative Instructions
- •You will overnight at Christiaan Barnard Hospital.
- •You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery and help you for 1 – 2 days.
- •You will need plenty of rest.
- •Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fruit and fiber to your diet.
- •Be sure to increase your fluid intake.
- •Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
- •Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
- •If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
- •Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increase the risk of complications.
- •Be aware that there will be some sensation loss around the navel for a few months – do not stand too close to or lean against hot surfaces or use a water bottle on your abdomen until sensation has fully returned.
Activities
- •Start walking as soon as possible – this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- •Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications.
- •No heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- •Resume sexual activity as comfort permits, usually 2 to 3 weeks post-operatively.
- •Avoid straining of abdominal muscles. Strenuous exercise and activities are restricted for 6 weeks.
- •Return to work within 2 to 4 weeks
- •If you have a car with power steering, you can start driving after 2 weeks.
Incision Care
- •You may shower only after your post-operative appointment (usually 4 days postoperatively).
- •Avoid exposing your scars to the sun for at least 12 months.
- •Always use sunblock – regardless of the weather – if you plan to go outdoors or not.
- •Apply Micropore to the incision lines for 3 months – change every 7 to 10 days. Do not remove the tape every day as it will cause irritation of the surrounding skin.
- •Keep incisions clean and inspect through Micropore daily for signs of infection or oozing.
- DO NOT USE ANY CREAMS CONTAINING VITAMIN E TO TREAT THE INCISION AREAS FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS.
- •Incision areas may be massaged through the Micropore for the first 3 months.
- •ScarScience, available from the therapists, should be applied from 6 weeks postoperatively – over the Micropore for another 6 weeks – and then on the incision directly for another 3 months postoperatively.
- •No soaking in the bath while sutures or drains are in place.
- •Support garments should be worn 24/7, and only removed for short periods while taking a shower.
- •Sleep with a pillow under your knees and your head elevated on two pillows.
What To Expect
- •Discomfort will be maximal in the first 3 days, improving each day thereafter.
- •You may experience temporary pain, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin or incision discomfort.
- •You will have bruising and swelling of the abdomen. The majority of bruising and swelling will subside within 6 to 8 weeks.
- •You may tire easily for several weeks.
Appearance
- •A flatter, firmer abdomen with the narrower waistline.
- •You will walk slightly bent forward and gradually return to normal posture over a period of 3 weeks.
- •Scars will be red for 6 to 9 months. After that, they will fade and soften.
- •The scar will be low on the abdomen and extend from one hipbone to the other and around the navel.
Follow – Up Care
- •Abdominal drains will be removed when draining is less than 30 ml over 24 hours.
- •Most of the sutures are buried and will dissolve in 6 to 8 weeks.
- •A support garment must be worn 24/7 for 6 weeks post-operatively.
- •ScarScience must be applied on the incision from 6 weeks post-operatively to help with the prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scarring. It should be used for at least 3 to 6 months post-operatively.
When To Call
- •If you have increased swelling or bruising.
- •If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
- •If you have increased redness along the incision.
- •If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- •If you have any side effects to medications, such as rash, nausea, headache and vomiting.
- •If you have an oral temperature over 37°C.
- •If you have any drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
- •If you have bleeding from the incisions that does not stop with light pressure
Emergency Contact
078 867 61372
