General Post-Operative Care
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and assist you for the first 1–2 days after surgery.
Get adequate rest and allow your body time to heal.
Prevent constipation, which may occur due to pain medication, reduced activity, or dehydration. Walk regularly, drink plenty of fluids, eat a balanced diet, and consider adding fresh fruit. A stool softener may be prescribed. Contact our office if constipation becomes problematic.
Avoid carbonated beverages for 2 weeks.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products unless specifically approved by your surgeon.
Resume vitamins with iron as tolerated.
Do not smoke or vape for at least 1 month. Smoking significantly delays wound healing and increases complication risk.
Activity Guidelines
Begin walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling, prevent blood clots and pneumonia, and improve bowel function.
Do not drive until you have full arm mobility and can safely brake or swerve, typically about 4 weeks after surgery.
Avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds for 6 weeks unless otherwise instructed.
Sexual activity may be resumed when comfortable, usually 2–3 weeks after surgery.
Avoid straining the abdominal muscles. Strenuous activity and exercise are restricted for 8 weeks.
Most patients can return to work within 2–4 weeks depending on job demands.
Wound and Incision Care
You may shower 2–5 days after surgery, even if drains are in place, depending on mobility.
Gently pat incisions dry with a clean towel and allow them to air dry before reapplying dressings.
Pack the new umbilicus with Vaseline and sponge as instructed.
Keep incisions clean and inspect them daily for signs of infection.
Avoid tub bathing or soaking until drains are removed and incisions are fully healed.
Wear your compression garment or abdominal binder 24/7 for 6 weeks or as directed.
Apply soft dressings over incisions and drain sites daily to absorb moisture and prevent garment irritation.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated and pillows under your knees to reduce tension on the incision.
Avoid direct sun exposure to scars for at least 12 months. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use SPF 30 or higher.
What to Expect During Recovery
Pain and discomfort are normal after surgery, even with medication.
You will be prescribed pain medication, typically for up to 5 days.
Pain levels will be evaluated at your first follow-up visit, and alternative medications may be prescribed if needed.
Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medications unless specifically instructed.
Temporary soreness, bruising, swelling, and tightness of the abdomen are expected.
Most discomfort improves within a few days.
Swelling and bruising usually resolve over 4–6 weeks.
Fatigue is common and may persist for several days or longer.
Appearance After Surgery
Your abdomen will feel firmer and appear more contoured.
You may initially walk slightly bent forward and gradually return to an upright posture over 1–2 weeks.
Keep steri-strips in place as directed.
Scars typically appear red for several months and gradually soften and fade.
The incision usually runs low across the abdomen from hipbone to hipbone, though length may vary depending on the procedure.
Follow-Up Care
A follow-up visit for drain removal will be scheduled when drainage is less than 30 mL over 24 hours for two consecutive days or after one week, whichever occurs first.
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately if you experience increased swelling or bruising, redness spreading along the incision, severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication, yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage, fever over 101.4°F (38.5°C), bleeding not controlled by gentle pressure, or medication side effects such as rash, nausea, vomiting, headache, or severe constipation.
Contact Information
Clinic Phone or Text: (610) 850-4470