Question:
A few post op tummy tuck questions....
Hi everyone. Had my TT last Wednesday. I'm doing pretty good and I go back to see the surgeon on Monday to hopefully have drains removed. I just realized how little post-op instruction I've been given though. Like, do we need to use anti-bac ointment on the incision? (no staples) Or on the belly button? How often should I change dressings? Can I shower with the drains (I've been sponegbathing)? Thanks everyone! I should have asked beforehand :) LOL — emilyfink (posted on June 20, 2004)
June 19, 2004
My surgeon didnt have me put anything on my incisions. Yes, you can take a
shower (I used a necklace to pin my drains so they didnt pull down.) Also
dont count on getting your drains out on your first visist. I had two, the
first one didnt come out until 2 weeks post, the 2 almost 4. If your
doctoc didnt tell you you should be keeping a log on how much is draining.
As far as changing dressing, you shouldnt have much there; I used sanitary
napkins..worked great... changed mine 3 times a day when I measured the
drain output.
— star .
June 19, 2004
My surgeon said NO showers until the drains were out. I had mine on
Monday, and saw her on Friday, the only thing she removed was the pain
ball. I hope my drains will come out next Friday, but I know that is only
if they are staying empty. You don't want them to come out too early, you
will have pain from fluid build up and could form pockets. She told me to
leave things alone under the binder unless they need to be changed and to
use old clean towels, cut into strips. I have tape over the incisions and
am just leaving them alone. I had a body lift, but am more comfortable
than I expected.
— Gail O.
June 20, 2004
I was able to take a shower. I had drains in for 3 weeks so I would have
been in a world of hurt if I couldn't have showered. I was told not to use
hot-hot water, just warm. Don't really know why that was but I followed
orders. I used neosporin on my incisions/drain holes until the incisions
healed and I changed my dressings once/day after my shower. Good luck to
you!
— [Deactivated Member]
June 20, 2004
You need to be asking YOUR surgeon these questions as they all have
different opinions. My PS said no showers but then relinquished after
about 2 weeks because the drains weren't going anywhere soon. However, no
baths were allowed. I ended up having drain for 8-1/2 weeks from my LBL.
Not fun but I survived.
<p>My surgeon uses glue to close the skin so after all the glue was
picked off, starting at about 2 weeks, he had me put strips of a silicome
sheet on the incisions for the next 4-6 weeks. It helps the incision to
heal more and lay flat etc. I just had my 2nd PS two weeks ago and will be
getting the silicome sheets later this week. They are expensive, but worth
it. Fortunately insurance covered the cost.
<p>Pick up the phone and ask his nurse these questions, rather than
do something that is not in their protocol.
— zoedogcbr
June 21, 2004
I agree with Chris, Call your doctors office and ask them. Every DR does
things different and you don't want to mess up by not knowing your docs
rules. Good Luck!
— ZZ S.
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