Abdominoplasty
Post operative Instructions:
What can you do to help?
Breathing exercises. After any operation it is important to take a few extra, really deep breaths during the day. This helps inflate the lungs fully and avoid chest infections. Following an operation the lungs can become slightly sticky; this simple exercise helps avoid problems.
Protect the wound. Reduce the tension on your abdominal wound by stooping and avoid standing up straight for the first two weeks. Wear the support garment 24 hours a day if possible; if not wear it whilst up and about. Try sleeping with a pillow under your knees.
Look after the dressings. Keep the dressings intact until the outpatient review. If, for whatever reason, your review is delayed, you may remove them after this period.
Help avoid DVT. Reduce the small risk of DVT by exercising the calf muscles, (circular ankle movements and regular walking), in the early postoperative period. Continue wearing the TED stockings, day and night, for up to six weeks.
What to avoid:
Smoking. Smoking inhibits wound healing, promotes bleeding, infection and coughing. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE.
Soaking. Although the dressings is showerproof it is wise to avoid a prolonged soaking. Following a shower, pat the dressings dry with a clean towel and ensure that they are dry before dressing fully. A hairdryer, on a low setting, can be used to help but ensure that you do not burn your abdomen, which may be numb.
Long distance travel. Long-haul flights and prolonged car journeys should be avoided for a period of six weeks.
Pressure / knocks. Undue pressure, sudden movements or knocks to the abdomen are to be avoided at all costs. This may mean sleeping on your back for at least a fortnight.
What to expect:
Discomfort. The initial discomfort of an abdominoplasty procedure should wear off rapidly. Any pain felt should be easily controlled with simple oral analgesia, (avoid Aspirin). If the discomfort increases, advice should be sought from the ward staff (see below).
Swelling. As with any surgery, patients can expect a moderate degree of swelling. Any dramatic swelling should be reorted to the ward staff (see below).
Gurgling. Despite the use of drains, fluid may collect under the abdominal wound. This can given a sensation of 'sloshing' around. If present at your outpatient review, the fluid will be drained off. If however, the pressure becomes unbearable, phone the secretary on 01752 707345 during normal working hours to arrange an early review.
Bruising. A small amount of bruising is common. Any significant bruising should be reported to the ward staff (see below).
Numbness. As discussed in the preoperative consultations, post operative numbness is usual. On the whole this gardually resolves but may take months to do so.
If you are unsure about anything before leaving the hospital, please ask the nursing staff.
Contact the ward staff if you notice any of the following:
- Increasing pain
- Significant swelling
- Fever
- Excessive weeping through the dressing
Outpatient Review. An appointment should have already been arranged for you. This appointment should be printed on the bottom of your admission letter. If you have any queries, please telephone 01752 707345.
Contacting the Ward Staff. In the unlikely event that you do have one of the problems mentioned above please contact the ward staff in the first instance. They are available 24 hours a day and will contact me once they have assessed the situation.
Raleigh Ward (Nuffield Hospital) : 01752 775861
Duchy Hospital : 01872 226100