Pre-Operative Instructions

To assist in your recovery following your procedure, we recommend you do the following:

  1. Start a stool softener 2 days prior to your procedure and continue until further instructed (recommendations: Colace, peri-colace, or Metamucil).
  2. Eat a clear liquid diet after lunch the day before your procedure (Jell-O, broth, Sprite, apple juice, etc.)
  3. Take a laxative of your choice the night before your procedure (Miralax, Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax tablets, etc.)
  4. Perform an over-the-counter Fleets enema the morning of your procedure.
  5. After surgery take supplemental iron: 300mg daily for 2-3 weeks.
  6. Your provider will review lymphatic drainage therapy options with you.

*By performing the above, abdominal distention post-operatively can be greatly reduced. This will help with pain and discomfort while recovering.

Post-Operative Instructions

  1. You may shower after your first post-operative visit as directed by your Physician Assistant or nurse.
  2. You will have Hypafix tape over your incisions. Please do not remove the tape or change any dressings unless otherwise instructed by your provider. If you notice extreme itching, please contact the office. Minimal itching is normal.
  3. Wear your compression garment (this will be placed on you after surgery) day and night except for showers for 6 weeks after surgery and then for an additional 2 weeks day or night for a 12-hour time period.  Should you choose to order an additional/more comfortable garment following your drain removal you may do so online at: Leonisa.com. Search under Classic Shapewear. Garment should cover your abdomen and any areas where you received liposuction.
  4. DO NOT lift/push or pull anything over 10 lbs. for 5-6 weeks following your surgery.
  5. Drain Care: strip your JP drains every 4 hours while awake. Record the drainage in ml’s and bring the provided record sheet with you to your post-op visits. Drains will stay in place for approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery depending on drainage output.
  6. Continue your medications as needed and as instructed by your provider. You will continue to take your antibiotic until your drains are removed.
  7. Do not apply heating pads to incisions. You may use ice packs above the incision site to help minimize swelling and discomfort.
  8. Limit activity. Walking is ok and encouraged as long as you feel comfortable. No power or strenuous walking or exercise. It is normal to walk in a bent over position for some time after surgery.
  9. You may resume sexual intercourse 6 weeks following surgery. 
  10. Please call the office immediately if you experience the following: sudden increase in pain or swelling, spreading redness, difficulty breathing or swelling in lower extremities.

*ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING for at least 8 weeks. It is also important not to be in a room with smokers, as smoking hinders healing and can lead to tissue death.
*DO NOT drive while taking prescriptive pain medications

Post-Operative Instructions Reminders

  1. Swelling and/or bloating of your new abdomen after surgery is expected and normal. Be patient, the swelling will gradually subside.
  2. It is helpful to maintain a healthy diet and drink lots of non-sugary fluids after surgery.
  3. Constipation following surgery is normal and will continue while using narcotic pain relievers. You may not have a bowel movement for a few days.
  4. Due to tissue removal from your abdomen and tightening of the abdominal muscles, there is a certain amount of tightness expected. This can make it difficult to stand up straight for a week or two; possibly longer. During this period, you may find it comfortable to place a pillow or two under your knees while in bed, while your upper body is slightly elevated. Please do not cross your legs. Some patients find it helpful to rent an electric recliner for the first few weeks after surgery. Independently Yours Medical Supply offers rental and delivery. http://independentlyyours.org/
  5. Many patients find it helpful to receive perioperative massages, lymphatic drainage treatments and scar therapy post-surgery. Your provider will review these options with you and provide recommendations during your postoperative appointments.
  6. Please note that weight control may be more difficult immediately after surgery, but it is important not to gain weight at this time.
  7. It is normal following a large surgical procedure to wax and wane through periods of emotional ups and downs. Be patient and call the office if you think something more serious is developing.