It's important that you do not smoke 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. This includes cigarettes and cigars, pie tobacco, chew, gum, "the patch", and yes, e-cigarette vaporizers as well. Nicote hinders healthy blood circulation, and can have a negative impact on your surgery. It also can place you at a significantly higher risk for complications involving anesthesia.
No crash dieting 2 weeks before surgery, please refrain from taking ibuprofen/aspirin(Advil/Motrin), turmeric, fish-oil, garlic powder, Vitamin E as it's shown to thin your blood/increase bleeding . It is generally a good idea to stop taking nutritional supplements during this time as their interactions with surgical procedures are still poorly understood. herbal supplements(also 2 weeks before surgery). We may also ask you to temporarily stop drinking red wine, or alcohol for two weeks before and after your procedure. If you have any questions or doubts about the medications you regularly take, do not hesitate to ask us for clarification. Please DO- Up your Protein anytime before surgery because we make sure to super stress about Up-ing your protein after surgery as well- this will help with wound healing and recovery.
The evening of surgery, we want you to walk around and may even get a very casual dinner. As long as you don’t drive or overexert yourself in any way. It is extremely important that you start moving as soon as possible to help prevent any blood clots and speed the recovery process.
You will be placed in an Abdominal Binder with Liposuction Foam after surgery. You will have surgical tape on your incisions.
The Garment/FAJA will be placed on you at your post-op appointment!
Leave this tape on until it falls off or your surgeon “clears you” to remove it, please. Do not peel it off as the tape helps heal the wound and improves your scar in the future. “The longer the tape remains, the prettier your scar will be.” If this is removed too soon, breakage of the skin or increased scarring can occur.
After surgery, it’s best to go to bed with your head and shoulders elevated on at least 2 firm pillows/ wedge pillows (approximately 30 degrees). While in bed during your recovery, lie on your back, keep
your head elevated and your knees slightly bent. Driving may be resumed when a sharp turn of the steering wheel does not cause you pain: this can be 5 to 7 days. Please don’t drive while taking pain relievers or diazepam.
No lifting anything heavier than a Gallon of milk for 2 weeks. No lifting heavy objects > 10 pounds for 6 weeks. No strenuous activity that increases heart rate for 2 weeks, no jumping or bouncing (includes running, spinning classes, etc.) All incisions will be extremely sensitive to sunlight during the healing phase. You should avoid direct contact with the sun or tanning booths. Use of clinical grade sunscreen with SPF 30 and zinc oxide (UVA and UVB protection) is recommended for at least 6 months, even under a bathing suit.
We want you to UP your protein-lower your carbs and lower your salt intake- doing this will help you recover and swell down faster. So please make sure to get plenty of protein during your recovery process. Make sure to have something in your stomach before taking your pain medications and always remember to include your laxative with your medications as well. Drink lots and lots of water.
You can shower @ Day 2 after surgery. Make sure you have someone to help get you in and out of your shower. A lot of the time, giving our back to the water first helps keep the water pressure from hurting. Warm water not HOT. Don't rub incision areas. Just let the soap and water run over. You can (with your own clean hand or clean wash-towel) in a gentle way/circular motion, wash everything else around-Let water run over the rest. Do not immerse any incisions in baths, swimming pools or any other body of water FOR 6 WEEKS/ OR UNTIL your surgeon clears you. We don't want you to risk an infection.
Once again, when you begin your meds please include a laxative/stool softner. Should you experience nausea, have some ginger ale handy. It'll help a ton. If the nausea is severe, please let your surgeon know and they can e-prescribe in a nausea med to help you with that.
