Abdominoplasty, Panniculectomy, Tummy Tuck

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Activity:

Please rest at home with a responsible adult close by for 24-48 hours

Recommend 1-2 weeks off work for desk jobs, 4-6 weeks off for jobs requiring physical activity/lifting

          Everyone is different. Your time off work and any forms required will be discussed at your post         

          operative visit

You need to sleep in a recliner with your upper body elevated at least 30 degrees. Alternatively you may sleep in a bed propped up on 3-4 pillows

You may perform your activities of daily living but be careful with any twisting or compound movements

Lifting restrictions

            Week 1: 5-10 lbs (1 gallon of milk is 7lbs)

            Week 2: 10-15 lbs

            Week 3: after drain removal – 5lbs

           Week 4-5: If no fluid collection 15-30lbs

           Week 6: >30 lbs

Working Out:

          Week 1: Walking only

         Week 2: Walking only

        Week 3: Gentle activity after drain removal

        Week 4-5: If no fluid collection ok to start light activity in the gym

        Week 6: Ok to resume all gym activity

Wound Care:

You may remove the abdominal binder and outer ABD’s (absorbent pads) to take a shower 24 hours after surgery

You have a cotton ball and clear bandage over your umbilicus (belly button) You may remove this 24 hours after surgery.

Leave the skin glue in place

Regular soap and water is fine. Do not scrub the incisions. Allow soap and water to run off

After gently patting incisions dry, replace absorbent pads with maxi pads and put the binder back on. 

Place Triple antibiotic ointment and bandaid over the umbilicus. You do not need to replace the cotton ball.

If you have also undergone liposuction you might notice clear, clear yellow, or red tinged clear drainage from the ports. This is normal. Keep covered with absorbent pads or maxi pads

Binder must be worn 24/7 besides when bathing or washing the binder. Ok to wash the binder, do not put in the dryer

Drain Care:

You have drains in the lateral (the outer side) of each side of the incision.These are sutured in place

Please empty the drains and record your output every 24 hours. Please bring your drain output sheet with you to your follow up appointment

You might notice clear, red tinged, or clear yellow drainage from the drains

If you notice thick yellow, or green drainage please call the office

The first drain will be removed at the first post operative visit, the second drain will be removed at the second post operative visit. Occasionally Dr. Palakodeti will keep the second drain in place for longer depending on how much drainage is coming out. 

Follow Up:

Your first post operative visit will be 1-2 weeks after your surgery

All attempts will be made to make this appointment during your preoperative visit

If you do not have this appointment or need to confirm please call the office 419-479-5713

Your second post operative visit will be 1-2 weeks following the first visit.