Post-operative : Abdominal Lipectomy

When you get home

 You can expect to have some pain and feel that your abdomen is tight. To help you rest comfortably, follow these instructions:

  1. Take extra strength tylenol every 4 hours
  2. Take an anti-nausea medication such a gravol 30 minutes prior to taking your prescribed pain medication
  3. Take the pain medication as prescribed
  4. Take your antibiotics as prescribed
  5. Keep your garment on
  6. Stay in a semi sitting position (flexed) even when sleeping
  7. Empty your drains as was shown to your by the nurses
  8. Drink a lot of fluids

Please communicate with your local emergency department if you have:

  • Fever over 38.5 Celsius
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Hallucinations or unusual behavior
  • Pain that is not controlled by medications
  • Excessive bleeding or drainage from your incisions
  • Pain or swelling of one calf
  • Inability to urinate

The day after surgery

  • You can expect that your pain will start diminishing at 48hours after
  • Swelling may increase over the first two days
  • You will need to remain in a flexed position for 5-7 days while your skin stretches
  • The drains will need to be removed 5-7 days after surgery

Healing and follow up

  • You will be swollen for 4-6 weeks
  • You must continue to wear your garment during this time
  • It is recommended to rest for at least 1-2 weeks
  • You will have a follow up with Gdalevitch between 1 and 2 weeks
  • You will not appreciate your final result for at least 2 months. Scars will continue to improve and fade over 1- 2 years
  • You will not see the final result before 1 month. Scarring continues to improve for 6 months to a year.