After Mommy Makeover (Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift) 

Click a link below if you are having an individual procedure:

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Tummy Tuck

AFTER SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

REST: Get plenty of rest and limit yourself to light activities the first 10 days after surgery. Sleep and rest with head slightly elevated for the first 3 days.

SHOWERING: You may take a cool shower the day after surgery. If you don't feel up to it sponge bath until you are ready. Make sure you have someone helping you. Use shower chair. Let water run gently over the drains exits. Dab dry. Place gauze over drain exit. Put your binder and bra back on.

WALKING: Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours. Avoid stairs. If you were given ted-hose to wear on your legs, wear them as instructed to avoid blod clots. 

MEDICATIONS: Take all medications as directed. If you need a refill on pain medications, please call the office.

OVER THE COUNTER PAID MEDICATION: Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed

ICE: You may apply ice or frozen peas or corn on the abdomen for the first 48 hours to decrease swelling. Do not apply it directly on your skin.

DRAINS: Empty drains every 8 hours or when they become more than full and write down the amount of drainage. Do not be concerned if the fluid from the body comes around the drain. If the drain clogs you will need to milk it. If you are not sure how call the office for instructions

GARMENT: For breast procedures, you should be wearing a sports bra 24/7 beginning at your first post-op visit. At one week start wearing a girdle under the abdominal binder. The girdle should be snug but not too tight. Wear both for 6 weeks.

SMOKING: Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

DRIVING: It is advised not drive for the first week or while on pain medications.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Do not do heavy housework and do not work out at all for the first 3 weeks, no abdomen workout for at least 8 weeks. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 2 weeks. Remember - it may take up to 3-4 months to completely get your energy back. Do not get frustrated if you get tired easily.

STERI-STRIPS: At 2-3 weeks after surgery take your steri-strips off. Apply ScarLess®, allow it to dry and then re-apply silicone sheets twice a day for two months

SUTURES: Sutures will dissolve on their own. It is not uncommon for a small part of the incision to open up and look like a pimple at 4-8 weeks. This is called a Stitch Abscess - it is caused by a suture which is expelled by the body. Simply wash it with soap and water and apply Neosporin or Polysporin on it. If the redness is larger than a dime call the office.

 

SUN EXPOSURE: Avoid exposing the incision to direct sunlight for at least 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision, if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

> Immediately after a mommy makeover, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.

> Many patients experience some pain for the first 3-4 days and soreness for the first 2 weeks.

> Do not overuse your arms as this will cause the muscles to hurt for the first 3 weeks.

> Standing straight will be difficult for about 1-2 weeks. You may also experience some temporary lower back pain due to this bent posture.

> Swelling and bruising usually subside within 2 weeks.

> The scar may become thick and puffy as it heals. It will also look bunched up. The scar will flatten out within 6-12 months. After one year, if the scar is more noticeable than desired, you may discuss scar revision with the doctor.

WHEN TO CALL US

Post-surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following:

A temperature of 101 F or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling, calf pain, or if you feel that anything might be wrong. Please call the office during regular business hours @ 949-644-4808 after page Joseph T Cruise, MD @ 714-304-8050. In addition, call if you have continuous discharge from the incision line.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY

Blood Clot	It is important to walk at least every 2 hours while you're awake to prevent blood clotting- do not over do it. Right after surgery you will be instructed to walk around every 1 hour. Pay specific attention to Leg Swelling. If you notice swelling on only one leg or calf pain contact the office.
Drain Function	Make sure that your drains are functioning. Empty drains every 8 hours or when they become more than half full and write down amount of drainage. Do not be concerned if the fluid from the body comes around drain. You may need to milk the tube if it appears to be clogged. Drains come out at about 2-3 weeks, depending on the amount of drainage. Note - the drain is always uncomfortable but it is absolutely necessary to prevent fluid accumulation.
Constipation	If you are constipated at day 2 stop taking Vicodin or Darvocet. Encourage walking, drinking a lot of fluids, consider laxative( Ex-lax or Correctol).
Fever	Make sure to cough and breath deep as fever is usually in lungs for the first 3 days after surgery.
Garment Placement	ADJUST GARMENT/ BANDAGE EVERY 2 HOURS. This may mean undoing and repositioning the binder. You should have gentle compression. If you cannot put your finger in between the garment and your body, it means it is too tight. If the garment is too tight it will prevent proper blood flow. At one week start wearing girdle under the binder. The girdle should be snug but not too tight. Wear both for 6 weeks.
Activity	Walk in a flex forward position for the first 2 weeks. You can take a cool shower the day after. Hold drains in shower and allow clean water to run over drain entrance into the body. Dab dry. Make sure you have someone helping you. Walk around every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours from then on. Sleep at 45 degree angle for the first 3 nights. It is important not to move or rotate abdomen for 4 weeks. Bend with knees, don't bend with the abdomen. Turn your entire body, do not rotate abdomen. Do not walk too much. You can exercise areas other than your abdomen at 4 weeks.You can start working out your abdomen at 8 weeks if there is no pain. Do not overuse your arms as this will cause the muscles to hurt for the first 3 weeks.
Wound Care	Your gauze will be changed at your follow up visit. Make sure your garment is placed correctly. Keep surgical area clean and dry at all times. At 3 weeks after surgery take you steri-strips off. Apply ScarLess®, allow it to dry and then apply silicone sheet twice a day for two months. Make sure to keep compression on the incision.