Brachioplasty Discharge
AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS: BRACHIOPLASTY
INCISION: You will have long incisions along the back of your arm.You will have staples and drains that will need to come out after a couple of days. Some drainage is normal, keep the area as clean and dry as you can.Wear the compression sleeves for at least the first week. Hydrogen Peroxide will get any drainage stains out of the garments.You will go home with lotion after your first post-op visit, this is the first step of scar care.
SWELLING: You should expect swelling and bruising of areas where you had the surgery. Compression is important, especially for the first week after surgery. Please wear the sleeves as much as you can tolerate.
DRAIN:You will have a drain in both arms after surgery.These will be removed 2-3 days after surgery, as well as the staples along your incision lines.The drain tubing needs to stay free of clotted material and occasionally ‘stripped’. Nurses at the surgery center will show you how this is done. increased activity causes increased swelling/fluid so the drain is very helpful for the first few days after surgery.
SHOWER: When you are up to it. Be careful, you may feel faint so please have someone close. Replace your compression garment after you shower.
LAY LOW:An adult must stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.The effects of anesthesia can persist for that long and you are at an increased risk of falling and making bad decisions. Stay safe. Heal well!
ACTIVITY: REST for the first 72 hours after surgery.Walk around, move frequently, but nothing strenuous for the first 3 days.
BLOOD CLOTS: The best way to prevent a blood clot is to move frequently, even while laying down. Signs of a blood clot include pain, heat, asymmetric swelling, and redness, usually in one of your legs/calves. Notify us ASAP if you experience these symptoms, or go to the emergency room for life threatening symptoms.
ICE: Please DO NOT use ice.The skin along the incision line is healing and compromised. Using Heat or ice on the area can cause tissue damage which can prolong the healing process. Protect that sensitive skin!
SLEEP: Sleep however you are comfortable. Bed, recliner, lots of pillows, no pillows… Your body is excellent at knowing what is best during recovery from the injury of your surgery. Listen to it!
DIET: You may not be hungry, this is normal. Eat small portions when you feel like eating. Remember in the first three days after surgery (at least) your body will retain fluid. Limit high salt foods, keep your rings off, and do not obsess about what the scale says. DRINK fluids. Staying hydrated helps with healing and it will help your bowels. If you’re concerned about constipation try a little milk of magnesia, fiber powder with plenty of fluid, fresh grapes or maybe a suppository.
MEDICATIONS:Take it easy on the narcotic pain medications for the first 12 hours after surgery.Try rotating Ibuprofen orTylenol with the pain medication.Adjust to lower doses of the narcotics over the first 3 days to maximize your progress.A little pain is normal and to be expected after surgery.
NAUSEA: Nausea is often a sign of low blood pressure, which is a normal response to both pain medication and the initial recovery phase after surgery. Laying down, elevating your legs on a couple of pillows and a cold compress can help ease the nausea.This sensation may come on suddenly, which is why we recommend LAYING LOW for the first 3 days.
DO NOT DRIVE: No driving for the first week after surgery is probably best. No driving for as long as you are taking pain medication.
NO SMOKING:This should go without saying.Any nicotine you were exposed to for a month before your surgery will hurt how well you heal. Smoking directly interferes with you result.
INFECTION:This is rare!! Any high and sustained fever, nausea and/or rapidly increasing redness and discharge from your wound requires attention. Contact the office during business hours 801-278-9062