Post-Op Instructions: Abdominoplasty

DRESSINGS

• Keep your incisions clean until your first follow-up clinic visit.
• Do not remove skin tapes (butterfly tapes) for 2-3 weeks from your surgery or until they fall off.
• Wear your compression garment under the chin for 2 weeks, 24/7, outside of showering. After 2 weeks, you may remove the garment, but please wear it whenever you can until you are 6 weeks post-op.

MEDICATION

• Pain meds should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Do not drive if taking pain meds.
• For patients with normal kidney function, we recommend taking 1000mg of Tylenol every 8 hours and 600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours for 3 days post-op.
• Do not take vitamin E, fish oil, or garlic pills for 2 weeks after surgery.

ACTIVITY

• Please begin to move around as tolerated. During waking hours, walk around every 2-3 hours to help prevent blood clots for the first 2-3 days after your surgery.

AVOID

• Do not smoke, vape, use nicotine gum/patches, or expose yourself to secondhand smoke for at least 6 weeks after your surgery.

CALL OUR OFFICE if you get a fever of over 100ºF or if your incision becomes red or hot to the touch.