Plastic Surgery Instructions (Advancement Flap):
-Avoid any excessive pressure on your surgical site.
-Do Not apply a heating pad or ice to your surgical sites. After surgery you will have decreased sensation and heat/ice can result in a burn/frost bite without you feeling it.
-Check your flap at least twice a day for any signs of ischemia (the flap will look pale), venous stasis (the flap will look purple), temperature change, or fluid collection. The flap should have a similar color and temperature as the surrounding normal tissue. If you notice an acute change, please notify your surgeon immediately.
-Ok to shower starting 48 hours after surgery.
-You may change the gauze pads (4×4’s) or ABD pads around the incision line as needed. If your wound is closed, you do not need to apply any dressing unless the wound edges ooze slightly.
-Leave all tapes in place unless they are already coming off.
-Strip your drains at least 3 times per day. If you use a small amount of soap/water or hand sanitizer on your hand while stripping the drain, it makes the process easier.
-When showering you can hold your drains, pin them to a belt around your waist, attach them to a lanyard or string around your neck, or a partner/family member can hold them. Do whatever is easiest for you.
-Record the individual drain output daily. Bring the record to your follow up appointment. -Make sure the JP bulb is on suction by squeezing the bulb and then replacing the cap. When the bulb is on suction and providing negative pressure, it should be slightly indented.
-Take your pain medication with food. This can be with as little as a few crackers. This will help prevent nausea.
-Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 2 weeks following surgery unless specifically instructed. This can lead to bleeding issues.
-Smoking causes multiple wound healing complications. It is very important that you do not smoke, and you are not around people that smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as if you were to smoke.
-Avoid exposing the scars to the sun for at least 6 to 12 months. If you are going to be out in the sun it is recommended that you use SPF 30 or greater sunscreen over your surgical sites.
Call the office immediately if you have:
-A high fever (over 101F), severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior, such as hallucinations.
-Any pain that cannot be controlled by your pain medication.
-Bright red skin that is hot to the touch.
-Excessive bleeding at any time