- A responsible adult MUST drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
- The effects of the anesthetic may remain for 24-48 hours. You should remain in bed with help to the bathroom for at least 24 hours.
- You may have liquids after surgery if desired. A regular diet should be enjoyed the day following surgery.
- Take medications exactly as directed. ALCOHOL is strictly prohibited. It is important to have food in your stomach before taking medications. If you should become nauseated or develop a rash, please call the office. Resume regular medications unless your doctor directs otherwise. Remember, you will need to avoid ASPIRIN and ASPIRIN-CONTAINING products for two weeks after surgery.
- You may drive after 1-2 days unless you do not feel up to it. Do not drive, however, if you are taking prescription pain medicine.
- Do not remove the garment during the first 48 hours. This is to remain on to minimize swelling and bruising. After 48 hours, you may remove the garment and shower. The garment should be washed, dried, and placed on you again. If another surgery was performed at the same time (breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, etc), do not shower until the doctor authorizes it.
- Fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual pain in the operated area, especially if one-sided, should be called to the attention of the staff immediately.
- The incisions are covered with glue and/or Steri-strips. These will stay on for a couple of weeks. Do not remove them until they begin to come off. The glue and/or Steri-strips will stay on even with showering, and come off on their own over the next several weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activities for the first two weeks after surgery. Light aerobic activity is encouraged. Strenuous activities, however, increase blood flow to the treated areas and may exacerbate swelling.
- It is common to have numbness in the treated areas for several weeks to months. Feelings of sharpness, burning, or other sensations are common in the healing process. You may have bruising and swelling which should subside over the first 1 to 3 weeks.
- After the first week, you should start massaging the treated areas to encourage fluid mobilization. You may use a lotion or vitamin E and rub the treated areas toward the heart.
- You must use your judgment and call the office immediately if you are concerned about a possible complication.
