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CICATRIX * OPTIMA 1720 HOWARD AVE, SUITE 364 WINDSOR, ON N8X 5A6 TEL/FAX: 519.971 0971 |
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Post-Operative Instructions Wound Care Keep all bandages dry. You may remove them 48 hours after surgery, after which you may resume showering. The action of the shower water over your incisions will keep them clean and studies show that people who shower often post operatively have a significantly decreased infection rate. However, do not soak your incisions. After showering, you may wish to protect your incisions with sanitary or gauze pads.
You may find that you become dizzy or lightheaded when changing position. In addition you will be sore. You should move slowly and with caution until this feeling passes. Please call us if you experience severe pain and swelling.
Bruising and discolouration are to be expected. This will mostly disappear in approximately two to four weeks. You may find, due to swelling following surgery, that you appear larger than before surgery. Skin tightening begins about 4 weeks after surgery and continues slowly up to one year. A feeling of tightness in your chest wall skin may persist for several weeks. This is a natural result of removal of excess tissue and will resolve with time.
Once your incisions are completely healed, we advise you to cover them with surgical paper tape for a period of 3 months. This will help to support the scars and keep them flat. You do not have to remove the tape on a daily basis, as it may tear your skin. Replace it only when it comes off on its own.
You may experience some numbness and tingling in the skin over the areas that have been operated on. This will also resolve with time.
Medications:
Getting your life back to normal Drink regularly and as much as you can. It is important that you stay well hydrated. In addition to a healthy diet, you need to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for the first week following your surgery. Do not drink any alcohol during the first two weeks. Wear your support garment continually for 4 weeks. Thereafter, you should wear it during the daytime for another 2 weeks.
Sleep and rest in whatever position is comfortable for you.
We encourage you to start walking almost immediately after your surgery to diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs, as a result of immobilization from the anaesthetic. Even while you are resting, you should be moving your feet and ankles frequently to promote circulation in your legs. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.
Avoid lifting heavy objects for 3 weeks. Strenuous aerobic activity can be resumed at approximately four weeks post operatively. For the first four weeks, you should stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.
Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
You can call us with any further questions you may have. |
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© cicatrix optima 2008 |