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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