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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 and do not remove them until advised by us.
If your drains have not yet been removed, you may shower with your drains in place. However, do not bathe until your drains are removed. You may sponge bath. After the drains are removed, shower as often as you wish but do not bathe until advised (generally 3-4 weeks). The action of the shower water over your incision will keep it clean and studies show that people who shower often post operatively have a significantly decreased infection rate. However, do not soak your incisions.
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.
Wear support garment continually for 4 weeks. Thereafter, you should wear it during the daytime for another 2 weeks.
Bruising and discolouration are to be expected. This will mostly disappear in approximately 2-4 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 continue 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.
You may apply ice (or a small package of frozen peas or carrots) intermittently for comfort and to decrease the bruising and swelling. Do not apply the ice directly on to the operative site.
You may experience some numbness and tingling in the skin over the areas that have been operated on. This will also resolve with time.
Once your incision is completely healed, we advise you to cover it with surgical paper tape for a period of 3 months. This will help to support the scar and keep it 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.
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.
Sleep and rest in whatever position is comfortable for you.
You should walk as much as you want. Avoid lifting heavy objects for 6 weeks. Walking is encouraged immediately post operatively. Strenuous aerobic activity and weightlifting can be resumed at approximately 4 weeks post operatively. 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. |
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