Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

Stop smoking

Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

· Minimal activity of the first week after surgery. Do not get your heart rate up for two weeks after surgery. One drain may be required. Drainage amounts should be logged and taken to each postoperative visit for the surgeon to review.

· Remember to position yourself as instructed by Dr. Stacey, avoid standing up straight for the first few days.

· Leave the surgical compression garment on until instructed otherwise. This will decrease the risk of seroma (collection of fluid) formation in the postoperative period.

· No HOT or WARM compresses.

· No COLD or ICE compresses to the area.

During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Typically the greatest amount of discomfort is experienced during the first 72 hours following abdominoplasty. The level of discomfort usually diminishes day-by-day and may be effectively treated by various pain medications.

· All sutures are absorbable, the glue will be removed in two weeks.

· Moderate discomfort, which should be relieved with the pain medications.

· Moderate swelling and bruising around and below the abdomen.

· There may be some bloody drainage on the dressings.

· Clear liquid oozing from the incision.

· You will follow up with one of our nurses by phone 1-3 days after surgery and when your drain is ready for removal. You will follow up with Dr. Stacey if any concerns arise during the time and you will see him at your two week postoperative appointment.

Call the office if you experience:

· Severe pain not responding to pain medication.

· Significant swelling or more swelling that is greater on one side than the other.

· Greater than 50 cc of bloody fluid in the drainage reservoir within an 8 hour period.

· A bright red spot on the bandage which continues to enlarge.

· A fever.

· Call the office if you have any questions.