Skip to main content
Back

Post-Op Instructions: Mommy Makeover

DRESSINGS

  • Remove the gauze dressings 48 hours after your surgery. You may shower even with your drain in place. 
  • Do not remove the clear dressings over the drain exit sites.
  • Do not remove skin tapes (butterfly tapes) for 2-3 weeks from your surgery or until they fall off.
  • Wear your abdominal binder or garment for 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Silicone scar strips, scar gel, or scar systems like Embrace may be used 2 weeks after surgery.

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 Tylenol every 8 hours and ibuprofen 600mg 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.
  • Expect to be in a hunched posture for about 3 weeks after surgery due to your abdominal skin being tight.
  • Sleep upright at 45 degrees or more to take tension off your abdomen for 2 weeks+ post op.
  • Restrict excessive use of your arms for 5-7 days after surgery. After that, you may do full non-weighted range of motion.
  • No lifting greater than 10 lbs (gallon of milk), or housework (vacuuming, cooking, cleaning) for 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Avoid heavy lifting (>25 lbs) with the upper body for 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Employment can be resumed in 14-21 days after surgery.

AVOID

  • Do not smoke, vape, use nicotine gum/patches, or expose yourself to secondhand smoke for at least 6 weeks after your surgery.
  • Do not place ice over your surgical sites unless directed by Dr. Bartholomew

DRAINS

  • A nurse will teach you and your family how to empty the drains and record the amount of drainage. Every day, add up the total output per drain over the last 24 hours. Bring this sheet with you to your post-op appointment.
  • Your drains will be removed when the output decreases.

CALL OUR OFFICE IF:

  • You get a fever of over 100ºF or if your incision becomes red or hot to the touch.