Post-Operative Care:

Adequate pain medication will also be prescribed. All patients, who go home on the day of surgery or the next morning, will find that an assistant at home is a necessity for the first three days or so. High bulk foods are highly encouraged and laxatives may be necessary to prevent straining associated with constipation.

The patient will be encouraged to walk as much as possible at home after surgery as this will reduce the possibility of pneumonia or of clots forming in your calf veins. It will be necessary to avoid flexing the hips after thigh or buttocks procedures for the first few weeks to prevent excess tension on the suture lines.

The patient will usually be allowed to shower after the drains have been removed, but soaking in a bathtub is to be avoided for two weeks. Wounds are generally closed with buried sutures. The incisions are covered with surgical tapes, which are to stay in place for the first two weeks. These tapes will not fall off with gentle showering as long as you refrain from rubbing them with face cloths or towels.

Your first post-operative visit will generally be scheduled two to four days after surgery at which time the pain pump catheters will be removed, or four to six days later if you choose not to have the pain pumps. The drainage tubes will be removed at a subsequent visit, when the drainage has essentially stopped. You will be required to have someone drive you to the office for your first, and perhaps second, visits. Most patients find that they can gradually increase their activity levels thereafter. You may drive a car with caution, wearing a safety belt, beginning 48 hours after your last pain pill or sedative, if you feel comfortable and physically able to do so.