The procedure will take approximately 2-3 hours.

AFTER SURGERY

1. Get plenty of rest and limit yourself to light activities the first 10 days after surgery. When resting or sleeping, your head should be slightly elevated for the first 3 days.
2. You may take a cool shower the day after surgery. If you don't feel up to it sponge bath until you are ready. Make sure you have someone helping you. Use shower chair. Let water run gently over the drains exits. Dab dry. Place gauze over drain exit. Put your binder back on.
3. Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours. Avoid stairs.
4. Take all medications as directed. If you need a refill on pain medications call the office.
5. Empty drains every 8 hours or when they become full and write down the amount of drainage.
6. Do not be concerned if the fluid from the body comes around drain. If the drain clogs you will need to milk it. If you are not sure how, call the office for instructions.
7. At one week start wearing girdle under the binder. The girdle should be snug but not too tight. Wear both items for 6 weeks.
8. At 2-3 weeks after surgery take your steri-strips off. Apply ScarLess®, allow it to dry and then re-apply silicone sheets twice a day for two months.
9. Sutures will dissolve on their own.
10. Do not drive for the first week or while on pain medications. Do not do heavy housework (this includes vacuuming). Do not work out at all for the first 3 weeks, and once you resume working out, do not do abdominal exercises for at least 8 weeks.
11. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 2 weeks.
12. Please avoid exposing the incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks. This will help the scar to heal without being noticeable. After 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision, if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
13. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
14. Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
15. You may apply ice or frozen peas or corn on the abdomen for the first 48 hours to decrease swelling. Do not apply it directly on your skin.
16. It is not uncommon for a small part of incision to open up and look like a pimple at 4-8 weeks. This is called a Stitch Abscess - it is caused by a suture which is expelled by the body. Simply wash it with soap and water and apply Neosporin or Polysporin on it. If the redness is larger than a dime call the office.
17. Remember it may take up to 3-4 months to completely get your energy back. Do not get frustrated if you get tired easily.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

1. Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
2. Many patients experience some pain for the first 3-4 days and soreness for the first 2 weeks
3. Standing straight will be difficult for about 1-2 weeks. You may also experience some temporary lower back pain due to this bent posture.
4. Swelling and bruising usually clears up within 2 weeks.
5. The scar may become thick and puffy as it heals. It will also look bunched up. The scar will flatten out within 6-12 months. After one year, if the scar is more noticeable than desired, you may discuss scar revision with the doctor.
   

WHEN TO CALL US

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following:

A temperature of 101 F or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling, calf pain, or if you feel that anything might be wrong. Please call the office during regular business hours @ 949-644-4808 after page Dr. Cruise @ 714-304-8050. In addition, call if you have continuous discharge from the incision line.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY