TUMMY-TUCK/ABDOMINOPLASTY

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY
“CARE OF WOUNDS WITH STITCHES”

1. Bandages will remain intact for 3-5 days.

2. Use cotton buds dipped in ¼ strength hydrogen peroxide 3% and ¾ strength normal saline to gently cleanse the stitches and remove as much scab as possible.

3. Apply a very thin layer of antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bactroban).

4. Pat dry with gauze and cover the stitches with steri-strips.

5. Do this dressing daily as instructed.

6. Stitches (sutures) are to be removed in 10- 14 days.

7. Things to look for:
(a) Bleeding: It is normal to expect some oozing from the wound. It is also normal to
expect some swelling, especially 24 - 48 hours after surgery. If you notice
rapid swelling after a sudden movement or when bumped, and/or blood
dripping from the stitches, this may mean active bleeding underneath the
wound and requires prompt attention. Although very rare with skin
surgery, this generally occurs only in the first two days after surgery.

(b) Infection: Wound infections after skin surgery are also unusual. Redness, warmth,
pain and/or swelling of the wound may indicate infection and a need for
antibiotics.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

1.
a. Your bed will be placed in a special position to ease the strain on the wound. Do not alter
this position yourself or allow your visitors to do so without permission of staff.

b. You are not to eat or drink anything until your doctor/nurse gives permission.

c. You will be encouraged to have small frequent meals as this will prevent abdominal
bloating and discomfort.

d. You will have a restrictive abdominal bandage on for 3-4 days. You will be fitted with an
abdominal binder within 48 hours after your surgery, which you will be required to wear
day and night for 6 weeks.

e. You may also have wound drains.

f. You are encouraged to take deep breaths regularly and to move your legs gently while
confined in bed

PAIN & MEDICATIONS

2.
a. Pain experienced varies considerably from person to person. Some medications torelieve
pain will be prescribed if necessary.

b. Severe pain is uncommon. After 2-3 days, Panadeine Forte 1 or 2 every 3-4 hours, no more
than 8 tablets per day.

c. Do not take Aspirin or products that contain Aspirin or Vitamin E for 2 weeks.

d. Restart Hormone replacement therapy after consulting the doctor.

WOUND CARE

3.
a. The dressing will be removed 3-5 days following surgery. After this time you may shower
as normal but until then you will have to have a sponge bath.

b. Clean stitches with ¼ strength 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and ¾ strength normal saline using
cotton buds, daily.

c. Apply antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bactroban) to stitches with cotton buds.

d. Apply wide steri-strips to the stitches.

e. Apply a non-adhesive dressing (.e.g. Telfa or Melolin) to cover the wound.

f. Wear the supportive abdominal binder night and day for 6 weeks.

g. Stitches are to be removed in 10 - 14 days.

h. Continue with wound care for 3 days after the stitches have been removed.

i. The scar lines take up to 2 years to fade.

EXERCISE

4.
a. When you are allowed out of bed, you are not permitted to straighten up completely for 2 -
3 days to avoid tension on the stitches.

b. Heavy exertion/exercising is forbidden for 4 - 6 weeks.

c. Weight gains are also to be avoided.

d. Avoid bending, reaching and lying completely flat for 6 weeks.

e. Arrange to get someone to move things frequently used at waist height to avoid bending or
reaching.

f. Avoid carrying heavy objects e.g. bags or children.

SWELLING & BRUISING

5.
a. Swelling and numbness of the skin of the lower abdomen may be noted for up to six
months.

b. Bruising may persist for 3 - 4 weeks.

c. Wearing a support garment/heavy deniere panty hose as instructed will reduce swelling and bruising.

d. You will be instructed on massage techniques at approximately 3 -4 weeks.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal Saline 0.9% - 500 ml.
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Steri-strips x 20 packets ( ½” x 4”)
• 20 x Primapore or Airstrips (large) 18.25 x 18.25 cm approx.
• Gauze squares - packet of 100 - 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm approx.

Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.
For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036