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First and Second Stages
of Recovery Room
Discharge, Overnight
Stays, and Recovery Facility
Private Duty Nurses,
and Going Home
Post Operative Instructions and Avoiding Complications
Warning Signs
General Recovery Rule
of Three's
Post Operative Instructions and Avoiding Complications
Your doctor will provide you with a list of instructions
to follow after surgery. The closer you abide by these
guidelines, the quicker and safer your recovery will
be. Read the article: "The
Road to Recovery: Advice to Prepare for Post-Op Success".
The following general guidelines apply to most cosmetic
surgeries. Please refer to the procedure
section for a description of procedure-specific
instructions.
Once you're starting to feel better, resist the temptation
to catch up on household chores, play with the dog,
exercise, or pick up your kids. Any straining, lifting,
or increased activity may put you at risk for bleeding,
swelling, or tearing of stitches.
It is a good idea, however, to get up and walk around
the room or house a bit to improve blood flow to your
legs and prevent blood clots. Remember that you will
tire easily, though, so don't wander too far from your
bed. If you don't feel like getting up, all you need
to do is point and flex your feet - the muscle contraction
in your calves will help move the blood around.
It's equally important to take deep breaths and fill
your lungs with air. Especially after breast or abdominal
surgery, you will unconsciously limit your lung and
chest expansion which can put you at risk for breathing
problems.
Some surgery centers will send you home with a plastic
tube that you breathe into called a spirometer, as a
tool to exercise your lungs. Ten deep breaths every
20 minutes while you're awake will do the trick.
If you've had facial surgery, you'll be asked to sleep
on your back to keep tension off of the incisions, and
avoid bending forward which can cause bleeding and swelling.
(Bending at the knee is recommended if you need to pick
something up).
For patients with breast or facial surgery, elevating
your head and shoulders by 30 to 45 degrees will minimize
swelling that occurs when you lie flat.
If you've had a tummy tuck, elevating your head and
shoulders combined with bending your knees with a pillow
beneath them will take the strain off of your newly
tightened abdomen. Special or additional pillows can
help you to get comfortable.
Drink fluids, avoid salt, take your medication as directed
(usually with some food in your stomach but check with
your doctor or pharmacist to be sure), and rest!
For additional specific instructions, refer to individual
procedure information.
To Next Section - Warning
Signs
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