PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:

THREE WEEKS BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:

• Laboratory and EKG (if they are required) must be done. If you are having your preoperative testing at a lab other than the one we suggested, you are responsible for having the written results of this testing arrive at our office one full week before surgery (our fax number is 585-271-4786).
• TUMMY TUCK SURGERY WILL NEED TO BE CANCELLED IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT.
• All fees are due, including surgical, facility and anesthesia.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:

• Do not take any products containing aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or Vitamin E. Tylenol is acceptable.
• Refrain from all nicotine products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chew or Nicotine patch. Nicotine interferes with healthy circulation and may affect the result of your tummy tuck surgery. It also places you at higher risk of complication when receiving anesthesia.

ONE WEEK BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:

• Do not drink alcohol for 1 week before and after tummy tuck surgery.
• Please ensure that all laboratory tests and/or blood work has been completed by this time as ordered by the plastic surgeon/nurse practitioner. Our fax number is 585-271-4786.

THE DAY BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:

• Call 244-1135 to obtain arrival time for the day of tummy tuck surgery.
• DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT. (This includes water and gum chewing). Tummy tuck surgery may be cancelled if this is not followed. A fasting state is required in order to receive sedation for surgery. The only exception is medication, which we instruct you to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.

DAY OF TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:

• Go to suite 101 (Lindsay House Surgery Center).
• You may shower and shampoo the morning of tummy tuck surgery. Do not wear makeup, hair sprays or gels or nail polish. You may leave acrylic nails on.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing.
• Do not wear jewelry, including boy jewelry or bring valuables to surgery.
• If you have your menstrual cycle, please wear a feminine napkin. Do not wear a tampon.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:

COMMON INSTSRUCTIONS AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:

• A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation is not permissible).
• A responsible adult must stay with you overnight and after surgery until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
• Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not drive for approximately 10-14 days and while you are taking pain medication.
• Avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort.
• Limit your activities for the first 24 hours after surgery. Walk for short distances during the first 24 hours after surgery. You may not be able to stand straight up for the first week. This is normal. By the second week you will gradually notice that you are able to stand more upright. Keep your hips flexed while in bed for the first week or so to prevent excess tension at the surgical site.
• Take deep breaths often for the first 24 hours post operatively.
• Pump legs while lying down to prevent blood clots. Resume activities slowly. You may feel tired for the first few days. Avoid heavy lighting, bending and straining for 4-6 weeks. You may resume all activity after six weeks.
• Expect significant pain for the first 24 hours. Take your pain medication before pain becomes severe. \
• Take all medications as instructed.
• Swelling and bruising are normal. It is expected to take between 3-6 months to see your final results.
• Drink plenty of fluids for the first couple of weeks after tummy tuck surgery as this will h ell you to remain well hydrated and reduce swelling.
• After tummy tuck surgery it is common that you will have a drain at the surgical site. Drains help to remove excess fluid from the abdomen. The amount of drainage will determine how long the drain will be left in place. Follow the separate instruction sheet on drains that will accompany your paperwork post operatively.
• You may change the absorbent gauze pads that are placed at the surgical site needed to help keep the incision clean and dry.
• A surgical garment will be applied immediately after your tummy tuck surgery. This is to be worn continuously for the first week. After one week you may remove the garment to shower. After showering, the garment must be placed back on and worn for up to six weeks.
• You will notice some surgical tapes placed over your incision. If they get wet from showering, you may help them to dry by using a blow dryer (cool setting). Leave tapes in place as they will fall off on their own.
• Avoid direct sunlight to the incision for at least 1 year. Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide with SPF 20 or greater to help decrease the visibility of the scar.

CALL OUR OFFICE IF YOU DEVELOP ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
• Pain not relieved with pain medication.
• Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from an incision site.
• Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
• Any other concerns.

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Copyright 2010 Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery