FAQ's

Activity

Generally patients should remain active after surgery getting out of bed approximately five times a day to maintain the natural muscular pumping action of the legs to avoid blood clots. Abundant fluid intake should be continued, and if dizziness occurs when walking around, notify the doctor.

Showering/Swimming

If no drains are present, showering can be done safely a few days after surgery, with avoidance of direct water exposure to the surgical site. Swimming should be avoided until incisions are healed, and you will be notified by the doctor or nurse when this can be done safely, generally three to four weeks after surgery. Hot Tubs or swimming in the ocean should be avoided for six to eight weeks after surgery.

Drain Removal

Drains are removed when the output is dry, generally seven to ten days after surgery. The drain will be removed in the office, and is generally not painful. Sponge baths should be taken and showers avoided until the drains are removed in the office.

Incision Care

After most procedures, steristrips are placed on the surgical incisions, and will be continued for two to three weeks after surgery. Mederma or silicone type tape will be applied after for the first one to two months after surgery. For eyelid and facial surgery, generally nothing needs to be done to the incisions after sutures are removed. Do not apply Vitamin E to the scars. In certain patients, a laser will be used to lighten scars especially in dark skinned patients.

Lifting/Exercise

Restrictions on lifting with procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks should be adhered to with not more than ten pounds or so lifted in the first few weeks. When lifting a baby or a toddler, the legs should be used for leverage, keeping the arms close to the body. Lifting can slowly be increased, with normal activity generally by six weeks after surgery. Mild aerobic exercise such as walking can be started immediately but should not be continued if fatigued.

Low impact exercise can be started at about two to three weeks with small doses, with higher impact exercises to follow. Generally after 6 weeks, normal exercise can be started with continued adequate support, especially after breast augmentation. Significant pectoralis exercises such as pushups or bench press should be minimized to avoid distortion of the breast implants.

Post Operative Garments

After breast augmentation, an Ace Wrap is removed the next day in the office, and a soft sports bra is placed, generally with an elastic band that places mild downward pressure on the top of the breast implants to assist in them dropping appropriately after surgery. This is usually worn of the first three weeks after breast augmentation. After three weeks, a non-underwire bra is worn for the next four to five months, after which underwire bras may be worn. This delay aids in the scars to look the best possible after surgery. For brief periods, underwire bras can be worn at six to eight weeks after surgery.

Post Operative Garments

After liposuction of the abdomen or a tummy tuck, the elastic garment worn (abdominal binder) should not be on when sitting for extended periods of time. This can cause creases in the skin that can become swollen, and cause temporary distortion of the result. Abdominal binders should be worn when walking around or lying down but not sitting.

Massaging Breast Implants

All breast implants, except when told otherwise by the Doctor or Nurse, should be massaged daily to keep them soft and supple. The office staff will give you instructions and show you how to massage correctly, and when to begin after surgery. This should be performed daily for as long as you have the implants.

Medications

Pain medications will be prescribed after surgery, and you should not wait until you are out of medication to notify the office for a refill. Please do not call for refills over the weekend. Generally prescriptions can be called in by the office staff, you should have your pharmacy number available when you call the office so we can refill quickly. Percocet cannot be refilled over the phone, so you will need to come into the office to have this medication refilled. Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, and cold/flu medications should be discontinued 2 weeks before surgery, as they can cause bruising and bleeding.

ALL HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY AS THEY CAUSE BLEEDING. IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION PLEASE DISCUSS WITH DR. SHAPIRO OR HIS NURSE.

Driving after Surgery

Driving should be avoided until you are finished taking all pain medications, and can react appropriately.

Intimate Relations Sexual relations can generally be resumed gently without weight bearing or significant exertion after about two weeks, and those patients that have had significant body contouring surgery such as a tummy tuck, sexual activity can be resumed after six weeks.

Tanning and Long Term Incision Care

Tanning darkens scars and should be avoided when possible. I have seen cases of burns of the abdomen months after a tummy tuck due to sun exposure through a one piece bathing suit. For facial and breast surgery, sunscreen should be applied at all times, and one can go out in the sun after a month or so. After a tummy tuck, until the six month mark, you should cover your abdomen with a towel if in the sun for prolonged periods of time. For all incisions, sunscreen should be applied under bathing suits. Always be aware of the potential of the sun to darken scars.