Plastic Surgery Instructions (Sternal Wound Flap):
-Avoid any excessive pressure on your chest/flap.
-You may change the gauze pads (4×4’s) or drain sponges around the drains as they become soiled.
-You will be on sternal precautions for at least 3 weeks, and until you are released to full activity by your Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
-No strenuous physical activity until cleared by Dr. DePerro and your Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
-Females need to always wear a surgical bra, except when showering. This will relieve tension on the skin closure.
-You can wash your surgical bra in the washing machine if it gets dirty.
-Ok to shower 48 hours after surgery.
-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.
DRAIN CARE:
- 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.
- 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 suctioned and providing negative pressure, it should be slightly indented.
-Do Not apply a heating pad or ice to your incision or abdomen. After surgery you will have decreased sensation and heat/ice can result in a burn/frost bite without you feeling it.
-Take your pain medication with food (a few crackers are ok) to help prevent nausea.
-Pain medications can cause constipation. Take a gentle over the counter laxative (Milk of Magnesia, Colace, or Dulcolax) if you feel constipated.
-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.
-Be sure to walk at least 300 yards daily. This can be broken up in multiple short trips. It is OK and recommended that you walk more than the minimum of 300 yards. This will help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’s/Blood Clots) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE’s).