[PDF]POST-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS IF YOU...
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POST-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS Patient Name
Date of Surgery
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Once your surgery is completed, you must follow all the instructions given to you to heal properly and have a great outcome. TYPICAL POST OPERATIVE SYMPTOMS: Pink or red liquid draining from incisions. This is normal for 2 to 7 days. This is normal, it is not necessary to go to the Emergency Room. -
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You must change the bandages very often in the first 24 hours after the surgery, as your incisions will be left open so the numbing fluid can drain. Expect tightness and stiffness in treated areas as well as bruising, swelling and redness, tingling, burning or intermittent shooting pain. These are normal experiences as the skin, tissue and sensory nerves heal. Pain medications will help you cope with any discomfort Skin firmness, hypersensitivity, lack of sensitivity and numbness are normal and gradually resolve over time. Do not be alarmed by pockets of fluid in certain areas. Fluid retention in isolated areas can happen and it is considered normal. If you notice an area where you feel pressure and that fluid swishes around when you press, call our office because the fluid might have to be drained. Swelling can cause the skin in treated areas to appear shiny. As the healing process advances, you may also find a mild to severe itchy feeling. An antihistamine like Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. Asymmetry: Both sides of your body may look or feel quite different from the other in the days following the surgery; this can be fluid retention in one side more than the other. Your body will absorb that fluid over time. The normal fluid retention is up to 12 weeks.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OR HAVE QUESTIONS AFTER HOURS, PLEASE CALL: (813) 515-0676 or Text (727) 331-0512 Please allow 30 minutes for response -
A high fever over 101°F, severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior or hallucinations Pain that cannot be controlled with your medications Bright red skin that is hot to the touch
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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Day of surgery instructions: You will be released on your own after the surgery. It is important that you have someone with you to monitor you and help with support the day of the surgery.
Cold compresses. You must use cold compresses on the areas of liposuction, not longer than 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply the cold packs directly onto the skin. This will help reduce the inflammation. You will continue to use cold compresses for a week after the surgery.
FOR FAT TRANSFER PROCEDURE:
DO NOT USE COLD COMPRESSES ON THE AREAS WHERE
YOU HAD FAT TRANSFERS. If you had Fat Transfer to Buttocks you will not be allowed to sit directly on buttocks for about 4 to 5 weeks. If you do need to drive yourself somewhere in a few days after surgery you can use an inflatable doughnut to sit on (this way, the pressure won’t be as bad on your buttocks but on the back of your thighs). Rest, but not bed rest. While rest is important in the early stages of healing, equally important is that you are ambulatory, meaning that you are walking under your own strength. Spend 10 minutes every 2 hours engaged in light walking indoors as you recover for first 2 days. Recline, do not lie down. This will be more comfortable for you and can reduce swelling. Always keep your head elevated. Do not bend forward or over. If you had Fat Transfer to Buttocks you cannot recline or lie on your back. You must sleep on a side or on your abdomen. If you had Fat transfer to Breast or Face you are not allowed to lie on the front/abdomen. You cannot compress the areas where fat was transferred!!! Good nutrition. Fluids are critical following surgery. Stick to non-carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages. You must consume at least 8 ounces of fluid every 2 hours. Stick with soft, bland nutritious foods for the first 24 hours. Take all medications, exactly as prescribed. Change your incision dressings. Your incisions will seep pink – reddish fluid for 2 to 7 days after the surgery. Keep dressings clean and dry. Sterile Gauze (4/4) is used to cover your incisions. Wear your compression garment always. Do not smoke. Smoking can greatly impair your safety prior to surgery and your ability to heal following surgery. You must not smoke. Relax. Do not engage in any stressful activities. Do not lift, push or pull anything.
Two to Seven Days Following the Surgery: During this time you will progress as each day passes. Ease into your daily activities. You will receive clearance to begin work from the attending physician.
Continue to cleanse wounds as directed; you may shower. Take a warm shower, not hot shower. Do not take a bath. Limit your shower to 10 minutes. Avoid getting your incisions wet. Cover the incisions with waterproof band aids. Do not rub your incisions. Take antibiotic medication as directed until finished. Take pain medications only as needed. Tylenol may also be taken to help cope with pain.
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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Continue to wear your compression garment. Do not resume any exercise other than regular walking, for 6 weeks. Walking is essential every day to prevent the formation of blood clots. No sun exposure. If you plan to go outdoors for any reason, use sun protection including wearing protective clothing. Avoid any direct sun exposure. Maintain a healthy diet. Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
One to Four Weeks Following the Surgery: As you resume your normal daily activities, you must continue proper care and healing.
Continue your wound care as directed. Epson Salt baths are highly recommended (2-3 times a day, 2 cups of salt in the bath tub). Helps reduce the swelling. Can only bathe after incisions are completely healed. Refrain from weight bearing exercise. You may begin range of motion exercises but not any weight or pressure resistance of any kind. Continue walking. A daily, brisk 20-minute walk is recommended. Do not smoke. While incisions may have healed, smoking deprives your body of necessary oxygen that can result in poorly healed, wide raised scars. Continue to wear your garment. This is essential for your skin to conform to new contours. If your skin does not conform, revision procedures to reduce excess skin may be recommended. Practice good sun protection. Schedule your one month follow up!
Six Weeks Following Surgery: Healing will progress and your body settles into a more final shape and position.
You may ease into your regular fitness routine. However, you may realize that your body may require some time to return to previous strength. Discomfort, tightness and tingling of the skin will resolve. Schedule a 3 and 6 month follow up!
Your First Year!
Continue healthy nutrition, fitness and sun protection Your scars will continue to refine One year post-surgery follow up is recommended. However, you may call our office at any time with your concerns or for a needed follow up.
I have read and understand all the above instructions. I understand that the following instructions are solely my responsibility. I understand that it is also my responsibility to ask Sculpt HD Staff any questions.
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY After Having Liposuction: Drainage There will be some fluid draining or oozing from t he operat ive sit es into the dressings. The appearance of this fluid may be clear red -it is blood-t inged fluid. This is normal drainage and it usually lasts 24 to 72 hours. Bruising Extensive bruises (black & blue discolorat ion) and swelling in and around the liposuction surgery areas are common after liposuct ion. The areas of your body where you have had liposuct ion surgery may be covered wit h unsight ly bruises. Bruising usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. If you have liposuct ion of t he abdomen, you may have bruising, swelling and discolorat ion of t he genitalia, as blood and other fluid may descend into the soft t issues of t he genitalia. This is norma l, and is not cause for alar m. Itching of t he treated areas several days aft er surgery may also occur as part of the normal healing process . Swelling Swelling reaches a plateau at 48 to 72 hours aft er liposuct ion surger y . Swelling can last up to 2 weeks. During the first week aft er liposuct ion surgery, you will not ice that your clot hes are t ight and that you have gained weight and this is also due to fluid retent ion. This is normal. About 25% of t he expected contour reduct ion occurs wit hin 30 da ys, another 25% at 2 mont hs and most of the final will occur at 4 to 6 months. Changing & Showering After surgery do not soak in a bath , Jacuzzi, swimming pool, or the ocean for 1 to 2 weeks aft er surger y. Clean treated areas and change dressing as instructed by medical assist ant. Once you stop draining (usually 24 to 48 hours) you may take a quick shower . Before showering you must put Neosporin on incisions and cover wit h waterproof band aid for 2 to 4 days unt il all incisions are closed. It is best to do this in the presence of another adult in case you get dizzy or light headed. Sit down for 5 or 10 minutes aft er removing t he garment and t he dressing. This is different for every pat ient, but when you come to your follow–up the medical assistant will inform t hat if your incisions are closed and you can take normal showers/bat hs.
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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Massage Approximately 1 week aft er liposuct ion surgery, you may begin to self-massage the surgery areas if it feels comfortable to you. This may hasten t he resolut io n of swelling, lumpy areas and/or hardness. You can massage wit h your hands. In addit ion, we highly recommend post-operat ive ultrasound cavit at ion ($35 per session 10 – 15 minutes) in office start ing 2 weeks aft er surger y to help wit h recovery, speed healing, reduce fluid retent ion, reduce bruising and swelling and hardness beneath t he skin. Wearing the Garments Compression Garments: After your liposuct ion surger y, the medical assist ant will apply dressings to the areas where t he surgery was per formed and place you in your compressive garment. The compressive garment, which resembles a t ight girdle, helps reduce swelling, compressing t he skin as it re -adjusts aft er the liposuct ion surgery. It is very important during this period for the skin t iss ue to be supported and sculpted for the proper re-shaping to occur. You should wear the compressive garment day and night for 4 to 6 weeks after your liposuct ion surger y (except when showering and changing dressings as instructed above).
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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AS YOU HEAL FAMILY & FRIENDS:
Support from family and friends are very helpful, because they may not understand what constitutes a normal postoperative course, their comments may unintentionally create emotional turmoil for you. We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your results to be. Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you. Although cosmetic surgery has certainly “come out of the closet” in the past decade, your friends may still be reluctant to bring up and discuss what they believe is a private matter. Patients occasionally feel upset that “no one noticed” or “said anything”. If you feel comfortable discussing your surgical experience, do so openly. When people ask how you are, respond by saying, “I feel wonderful”. I just had cosmetic surgery and I’m recovering. This lets people know that they may talk freely with you. Often when patients are open, they find that their friends and acquaintances are very interested in discussing the subject. Quite frankly, patients experience a brief period of “let-down” or depression after cosmetic surgery. Some may subconsciously have expected to feel and look better “instantly”, even though they rationally understand that this will not be the case. Patients commonly question their decision to have surgery during the first few days after surgery. As the healing occurs, these thoughts usually disappear quickly. If you feel depressed, understanding that this is a “natural” phase of the healing process may help you cope with this emotional state.
DEPRESSION:
Everyone has the capacity to heal themselves to one degree or another. Clearly this ability is a variable and depends on several factors such as your genetic background, your overall state of health and lifestyle (exercise, diet, smoking, drinking, etc.) Many people can facilitate (but not accelerate) the healing process. Your cooperation and close attention is extremely important and in your best interest.
HEALING:
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Another major factor during healing is whether you follow instructions given by Dr. Miles verbally and in this document. Such guidelines are designed to promote the healing process and to prevent the occurrence of anything which may interfere with recovery. It is imperative that you recognize you are a partner in this process and have a responsibility to follow the instructions carefully. The instructions, based on broad experience, are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise. COMPLICATIONS: Unexpected occurrences are very infrequent. When they occur, it is seldom a consequence of malpractice. It is far more likely to be a result of the variable healing capacity or the patient’s failure to follow instructions. Rest assured, we will assist you in the best interest to ally yourself with Dr. Miles and the staff. We will support you through any difficulties and assist you in reaching your goals.
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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DIET AND HEALING IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN Protein can help you shed unwanted pounds and keep your belly full. But it’s important to eat the right amount and the right kind of protein to get the health benefits.
FISH/SEAFOOD: Seafood is one of the best sources of protein because it’s usually low in fat. Fish such as salmon is a little higher in fat, but it is the heart healthy kind: omega-2 fatty acids. POULTRY: Stick to the white meat of poultry for excellent, lean protein. Dark meat is higher in fat. The skin is loaded with saturated fat, so remove skin before cooking. PORK TENDERLOIN: This great versatile white meat is 31% leaner than 20 years ago. LEAN BEEF: Lean beef has only one more gram of saturated fat than a skinless chicken breast. Lean beef is also an excellent source of zinc, iron and vitamin B12. DAIRY: Not only are dairy foods excellent sources of protein, but they also contain valuable calcium. Choose skim or low fat dairy to keep bones and teeth strong, prevent osteoporosis and enhance weight loss. EGGS: Eggs are one of the least expensive forms of protein. The American Heart Association says normal healthy adults can safely enjoy an egg a day. BEANS: One-half cup of beans contains as much protein as 3 ounces of broiled steak. Plus, these nutritious nuggets are loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full for hours. SOY: Twenty-five grams of soy protein daily can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Combine soy protein foods like tofu with healthy low fat diet. SUPPLEMENTS: Grab a meal replacement drink, cereal bar or energy bar. Check the label to be sure the product contains at least 6 grams of protein, and is low in sugar and fat.
This office is regulated by Florida Board of Medicine 64.B8 FAC & 64.B15 FAC
rev 11/29/16
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