Tummy Tuck Instructions in West Orange

Here are some important instructions for your abdominoplasty procedure.

Before Surgery

• Do not take aspirin, ibuprophen, Motrin, herbal supplements, or vitamin E for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• No eating or drinking after midnight the day before surgery.
• Have prescriptions filled prior to surgery.
• Arrange for someone to pick you up after the surgery and someone to stay with you for at least 24hr. after the surgery.
• Do not smoke for 3 weeks prior to surgery.

Supplies needed –  Gauze, triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, bacitracin ), compression garment

After Surgery

You wills see full results of surgery 3-6 months.

   We will call you the day after surgery. Dr. Lalla has a blocked number, so please pick up.

• Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps with swelling and decreases the chance of blood clots. Walk 5-10 minutes 4 times a day.  Raise legs and flex muscles frequently.
• Drink plenty of fluids- 8 glasses a day.  Eat normally after surgery- you will need the calories to heal.
• Deep breathing and coughing are important after surgery to prevent pneumonia. Hold pillow on abdomen and compress abdomen in order to make it more comfortable to cough.
• Take antibiotics starting the day after surgery.
• Do not drive for 1 week and while you are taking pain medication.
• No lifting greater than 5lbs.for 6 weeks. Be very careful bending.
• Resume sexual activity as comfort permits. Usually 2-3 weeks.
• Avoid strain of abdominal muscles. Strenuous exercise and activities are restricted for 6 weeks.
• You may shower 3 days after surgery-drains can get wet.  Wash body but let water just run on incisions for 1 week.  After 1 week, gently clean incision with soap and water.
• Apply triple antibiotic ointment to all incisions once a day after shower, cover with gauze.
• Compression garment 24/7 for 6 weeks post- op.
• Sleep with head elevated and pillows under your knees to decrease tension in your incision.
• Empty drains every 4-6 hours and record drainage.  Milk drains daily.  Drains will be removed 7-10 days after surgery.
• You may use scar cream on incisions once incisions are healed and when advised by Dr. Lalla.
• Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
• Take over the counter stool softeners if you have any constipation.

When to Call

If you have increased swelling or bruising, increased redness along incision, pain not relieved by medication, fever greater than 100.4, yellow or green drainage or foul odor from incision, bleeding from incisions that is difficult to control with pressure, loss of feeling or motion.

For all medical questions, please call us.