Diet:

• Start with regular diet high in protein and low in sodium as tolerated.

Medications:

• Have your prescriptions filled BEFORE surgery and bring them with you the day of surgery.  
• Take all medication as directed with plenty of water starting the day of surgery.
• Use pain medication as needed for pain and discomfort. DO NOT DRIVE WHILE TAKING PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION.

Activity/Wound Care:

• Keep back elevated on 2-3 pillows behind your back and 1-2 pillows under your knees or rest in a recliner for the first week.  This will minimize swelling and improve recovery comfort. Do not lay flat.
• The day after surgery, it is okay to remove the surgical garment and any gauze pads to take a shower. Leave the brown episeals on.   After showering, pat dry and replace surgical garment, with additional padding, if needed.
• JP drains, if applicable, can be suspended on a lanyard or shoelace while showering.  This will prevent them swinging free.
• Monitor and record drain output on sheet provided. Bring this sheet to all post-operative appointments.
• Do not remove brown episeals.  All sutures are under the skin and dissolvable.  The strips will be removed by Dr. Church or his staff.  
• No lotion or ointment to surgical incision areas for two weeks, unless instructed otherwise
• Do not submerge in a bathtub or pool for 6 weeks after surgery.
• Do not lift >10 pounds or increase heart rate for 2 weeks after surgery.  

Post-op Visits:

• Post-op visits are very important. Follow up with all scheduled appointments. If you were not given a follow-up appointment, please call the office within 24 hours of your procedure to arrange an appointment.
• Typical post-operative follow-up schedule: 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months.  If additional appointments are needed, we will schedule them accordingly.

Additional Discharge Instructions:

• • Do not drive, operate mechanical equipment, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

 

• IF YOU HAVE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911

 

• Please call the office at (910) 338-5900 if you experience any of the following:
  • Rash or hives
  • Fever of 101 or greater
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
• If it is after hours, please call the office telephone number, you will be directed to the doctor or nurse on call.
• If you have questions or concerns that are not an emergency, please call the office telephone number from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday, or leave a message on our voice mail after hours.

 

Thank you for choosing la Belle vie Plastic Surgery for your cosmetic procedure!