Importance of Following Post-Op Instructions
Post-op instructions are intended to guide you through the recovery process as quickly and safely as possible. A body lift is a major surgical procedure that often involves extensive incisions and a significant reshaping of body contours. The comprehensive nature of the surgery means that the recovery can be complex and sensitive to how well you follow post-op instructions.
When You Get Home from Surgery
After surgery, it’s important that you rest most but not all of the time. Walking slowly and carefully for short distances is encouraged to keep your blood circulating and prevent blood clots. Taking short walks as you are able is important, but so is listening to your body so that you don’t overdo it.
You can further help your circulation by keeping your legs elevated when you rest and wigging your feet while you do. Move them back and forth or in circles to keep things moving. Note that while elevating your legs is important, many patients also feel more comfortable if they elevate their head as well.
It’s imperative that you have people around who can help you after your surgery. You won’t be able to lift, bend, or reach, so you will need some help around the house and may need some help with personal care. Don’t wait until you get home to rally the troops. Line up helpers before your surgery so you know you’ll have the help when you need it.
One of the most important things that you will need to do when you get home from surgery is to avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and vaping. All three of these activities will slow your recovery and significantly increase the risk of complications.
Pain Medication Regimen
During your initial recovery, take your pain medication as prescribed. A lower body lift is an intense surgery, and you’re going to want to stay ahead of the pain. Skipping pills or trying to avoid taking them will likely lead to discomfort and it may be difficult for you to get the pain back under control.
Unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon or pharmacist, take your pain medication with food to avoid an upset stomach. Don’t supplement your pain meds with ibuprofen or aspirin as these can increase bleeding. As you start to feel better, you can replace your pain medication with Tylenol if you are able but don’t exceed more than 4,000 mg of Tylenol per day.
Post-Anesthesia Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of anesthesia. If you have a history of experiencing nausea and vomiting after anesthesia, talk to your surgeon. Your anesthesiologist may be able to give you medication before your surgery starts to prevent the issue. You can also take antinausea medication after your surgery if your surgeon allows it.
If you’re feeling ill after surgery, stick to clear liquids until you start to feel better. Some patients find that ginger tea or chews help to soothe an upset stomach. Reintroduce food slowly and stick to bland items like toast or crackers.
How to Sleep After Body Lift Surgery
After body lift surgery, finding a comfortable and safe sleeping position is crucial. You will need to sleep on your back with your feet and legs elevated using pillows or an adjustable bed for two weeks. You may also wish to place pillows at your sides so that you don’t accidentally roll or twist while you sleep. It’s important to listen to your body. If you feel a stretching or tugging sensation at your incisions, you need to make some adjustments until it eases.
Getting in and out of bed can be challenging as well. Always use a log rolling technique—turning to your side and using your arms to push up into a sitting position. Avoid using your abdominal muscles to sit up straight directly from a lying position. It’s best to have someone assist you when getting up, especially during the first few days after surgery.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is difficult but important in moderation after a lower body lift. Regular movement during the day is necessary, so take slow, cautious walks as you are able. The most important thing to remember is to not lift heavy objects, do any intense exercise, or move in any extreme ways.
You can resume light to moderate exercise in about three weeks. Around six weeks you should be able to take on more rigorous exercise. Do not ignore signs from your body that you’re doing more than you’re ready for. Aching or intense pain near your incision site are signs you’re overdoing it.
Your Compression Garment is Your Best Friend
After a lower body lift, wearing a compression garment is an essential part of the postoperative care process, significantly impacting your recovery and the quality of your results. You will need to wear your compression garment all day and night for at least three weeks except when washing it or showering. If you can, get two compression garments so you have one to wear while the other is being washed.
Wearing a compression garment is important. The garment’s pressure helps reduce swelling and prevents fluid from building up at the surgical site. It also helps to hold your body in its new shape as it adjusts to a new normal after surgery.
How to Bathe After a Body Lift
Unless your surgeon tells you otherwise you can shower as soon as the day after surgery. You will need help to do so since you won’t be able to bend or stretch. Even reaching up to shampoo your hair may pull on your incision, so play it safe and plan on having help. You may need help for a week or two.
You’ll need to wait at least four weeks before swimming or using a hot tub. Always ask your surgeon for approval before engaging in these activities. If your skin is already somewhat sensitive to chlorine, it’s best to avoid it until well after you’re fully healed.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure
Make sure you don’t expose your incision to sunlight as you are healing, Doing so can cause the incision to swell or become irritated. It can also make scarring worse. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you go out in the sun.
Drains
Despite what the internet tells you, there is no such thing as a drainless circumferential body lift. Drains are critical to preventing fluid from building up around the incision, greatly assisting the healing process. Drains are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery.
You will need to empty your drains as directed by your surgical team. We will show you how to do this before we send you home. The process is easy but important. You may be asked to measure the amount of fluid coming from your drains, in which case you’ll want to empty them into a measuring cup.
Be mindful of your drains while you have them and avoid pulling or tugging at them. Doing so is quite painful and best avoided. If you have any questions about or problems with your drains be sure to call us so we can help.