Welcome to Associates In Plastic Surgery’s Post-Op Instructions

For patients in search of post-operative care instructions, we are happy to provide easy access to this information. Simply select your procedure from the options listed and print the page for your convenience. Should you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our staff members, please do not hesitate to call our office today.

If you were sent home with PlasmaFlow Sequential Compression Devices, CLICK HERE for a video demonstration.

If a drain was used for your surgery, CLICK HERE to learn how to care for and empty it. 

To learn how to use your Incentive Spirometer, CLICK HERE for a video demonstration.

To learn how to remove & empty a Foley Catheter CLICK HERE for a video demonstration.

If you are looking for our injectable care instructions, CLICK HERE.

If you are looking for our spa care instructions, CLICK HERE. 

Facelift & Mini-Facelift Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding, or soreness, particularly if you notice the difference on only one side.
3. It is necessary that you stay quiet and do little talking for the next 24-48 hours as excessive activity may cause bleeding to occur. Please try to avoid any strenuous activity for ten days.
4. Sleep on three or more pillows. These pillows should be placed lengthwise under your back and neck, not under your head to help decrease soreness and swelling. This is of limited benefit after 3 days. Remember elevation will be helpful to control swelling but not at the expense of rest. Therefore, if you cannot rest with your head elevated, do not exhaust yourself. The swelling will always go away.
5. You may sleep on your side if it is more comfortable for you.
6. If a dressing has been placed around your head, keep the dressing dry and intact until you see your doctor.
7. A surgical drain may have been placed at the time of surgery by your physician. Separate instructions regarding their care and management of the drain will be provided prior to discharge from the recovery room.
8. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By the evening you may have a light meal. It should be a soft diet which requires no strenuous chewing.
9. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages-beer and wine included-for 48 hours. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you very sick.
10. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for at least 48 hours or as long as you are taking narcotic pain medication. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
11. Do not smoke any substance, cigarettes or otherwise.
12. Patient must not be left alone for the first 24 hours after surgery.
13. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you have not already voided while in our recovery suite and are unable to urinate within 6-8 hours of arriving home, please call the office. This situation may require an ER visit. 
14. Point and flex your toes, bend your legs at your knees every fifteen minutes while you are awake to promote circulation in your lower extremities.
15. Due to inactivity after your procedure, please remember to take a couple deep breaths and cough to promote good oxygenation every 3-4 hours while awake.
16. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at (757)491-3535. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00 PM, when the office is closed, or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at (757)491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid) Surgery Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as instructed.
2. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding or soreness particularly if in only one eye. Mild visual blurring for a week or two is not uncommon. Significant difference in your ability to see out of one eye
   as compared to the other should be reported to your physician immediately
3. It is necessary that you stay quiet and do little talking for the next 24 hours as excessive activity may cause bleeding to occur.
4. Sleep on three or more pillows if possible, this will help decrease bruising and swelling. After two or three days, this will be of limited help to you.
5. You may sleep on your side if it is more comfortable for you, but keep the surgical site elevated if possible.
6. You have been given a bottle of Sodium Chloride (salt water) and some gauze pads. When you arrive home, pour this solution into a bowl, place several gauze pads in the bowl with the solution and place in the
   refrigerator. Place a cold gauze pad on each eye. Alternate pads on the eyes with cold pads that are in the solution as necessary (every 20 to 30 minutes). Continue this through the evening to help decrease swelling and soreness.
7. You may have been given a tube of eye ointment. At bedtime squeeze some ointment on your stitch line and in your eyes to keep them moist.
8. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
9. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages- beer and wine included -for 48 hours. They do not mix well with anesthesia and may make you very sick.
10. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for 48 hours or as long as you are taking narcotic or sedative medication. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
11. Do not smoke for 48 hours after surgery.
12. Tearing from the eye reflects drying of the eye. This should be managed with artificial tears. You can also decrease eye dryness by closing the eyelids (if eyelid closure is incomplete) with a
    dressing or tape.
13. You may shower 24 hours after surgery unless otherwise directed.
14. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at (757)491-3535 if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00 PM, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at (757)491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered
2. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive, swelling, bleeding or soreness, particularly if you notice the difference in only one area.
3. It is important that you stay quiet for the next 24 hours, as excessive activity may cause bleeding to occur.
4. Sleep on three or more pillows. This will help decrease soreness and swelling. Elevating the affected area will be less helpful to you after the first few days after surgery. If you are unable to rest comfortably in an elevated position, then assume whatever position will allow you to rest. Rest is important.
5. You may not sleep on your side. This will cause excessive pressure on your ears.
6. Keep your dressings dry and intact until you see your doctor.
7. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
8. Do not drink any alcohol beverages-beer and wine included- for 48 hours. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you very sick.
9. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for 48 hours. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
10. Do not smoke after surgery.
11. Patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
12. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at (757)491-3535 if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00 PM, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at (757)491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Breast Surgery Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding or soreness, particularly if you notice the difference in only one breast.
3. It is important that you stay quiet for the next 24 hours as excessive activity may cause bleeding to occur.
4. You should not engage in any strenuous activities to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Let the level of discomfort guide your level of activity. Generally, after 3 weeks, any previous activities may be resumed.
5. Sleep on three or more pillows. This will help decrease soreness and swelling. Rest is important. If you cannot rest comfortably in an elevated position, assume whatever position is comfortable. This may increase the amount of swelling marginally. The swelling will always eventually subside.
6. Your may sleep on your side if it is more comfortable for you.
7. You may sponge bathe but be certain not to get your dressings wet. They will be changed in the office in the first few post operative days. You may shower after the dressings are removed.
8. Some drainage is not unusual. You may remove the dressing if it becomes soiled and replace it with a clean dressing. Unscented sanitary napkins or maxipads are a good source of clean dressings. Contact our office or the physician if the drainage is excessive.
9. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
10. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages-beer and wine included- for 48 hours. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you very sick.
11. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for 48 hours or while taking narcotic pain medication. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
12. Do not smoke after surgery.
13. Patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
14. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you have not urinated while in our recovery area and are unable to urinate within 6-8 hours of arriving home, please call the office.
15. Point and flex your toes, bend your legs at your knees every fifteen minutes while you are awake to promote circulation in your lower extremities.
16. Due to inactivity after your procedure, please remember to take a couple deep breaths and cough to promote good oxygenation every 3-4 hours while awake.
17. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at (757)491-3535 if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you’re to contact a doctor after 5:00 PM, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at (757)491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding or soreness.
3. Exercise calf muscles every hour. Extend your foot up, then down at the ankle several times. You may have been sent home with a sequential compression device. CLICK HERE to learn more.
4. Elevate both the head and foot of the bed with two to three pillows. This will relieve tension on the suture line.
5. Drains are often used. Please empty the drain reservoirs as you have been taught by the nursing staff. Please keep a record of the approximate output of the drain. CLICK HERE to see how to care for your drain.
6. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate within 6- 8 hours of arriving home, please call the office. If you are sent home with a urinary catheter, remove it as directed by the physician or staff early in the day. This allows for office intervention should you be unable to void.
7. Getting out of bed after surgery and walking is important to your health.
8. Sitting up puts strain on the abdominal area and will be uncomfortable after surgery. Using your arms and legs to pull yourself upright out of bed decreases discomfort. Recliners work well. Many patients chose to recover in a recliner for the first few days for this reason. Another option is to attach a cord or a rope to an object (i.e. bedpost) and pull on this to get up.
9. When it is necessary to get out of bed, you may feel the need to walk in a bent-over position. This will prevent tension on the suture line. You will be able to tell when this is no longer necessary. It is not uncommon to
   develop low back pain when you walk in a bent over position. This discomfort will stop once you are standing upright again.
10. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
11. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, beer and wine included, for 48 hours or while taking narcotic medication. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you very sick.
12. Do not do anything that requires your coordination for 48 hours. The medication and/or anesthesia agents may interfere with good judgment.
13. Do not smoke.
14. Do not lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds for six weeks after the day of surgery.
15. Avoid using heat. It is normal for some of the abdominal skin to have decreased sensation (i.e. numb). When the body’s appreciation of sensation is abnormal, the response to heat is abnormal. Heating pads, hot water bottles, and even intensive extended exposure to sunshine have resulted in skin burns.
16. The patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
17. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at (757)491-3535 if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurses will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00 PM, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at (757)491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.
18. You may remove dressings and shower after the first post-operative visit which usually occurs 1-4 days after surgery.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. Call you doctor if you notice excessive swelling, bleeding or soreness at the site of surgery.
3. Keep your dressings dry and intact until you see your doctor unless otherwise instructed. Some drainage is not unusual. You may remove the dressing if it becomes soiled and replace it with a clean dressing. Unscented sanitary napkins or maxipads are a good source of clean dressings. Contact our office or the physician if the drainage is
   excessive.
4. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
5. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, beer and wine included, for 48 hours. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you sick.
6. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for 48 hours. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
7. Due to inactivity after your procedure, please remember to take a couple deep breaths and cough to promote good oxygenation every 3-4 hours while awake.
8. Point and flex your toes, bend your legs at your knees every fifteen minutes while you are awake to promote circulation in your lower extremities.
9. A surgical drain may have been placed at the time of surgery by your physician. Separate instructions regarding their care and management of the drain will be provided prior to discharge from the recovery room.
10. The patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
11. Do not smoke after surgery.
12. Avoid using heat. It is normal for some of the abdominal skin to have decreased sensation (i.e. numb). When the body’s appreciation of sensation is abnormal, the response to heat is abnormal. Heating pads, hot water bottles, and even sunshine have resulted in skin burns.
13. Avoid any exertion for the first few days. Subsequently, let the level of discomfort at the surgical site guide your level of activity.
14. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate within 6- 8 hours of arriving home, please call the office. 
15. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00pm, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service and the physician on call will be
    contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Torsoplasty (Body Lift) Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. Call you doctor if you notice excessive swelling, bleeding or soreness at the site of surgery.
3. Keep your dressings dry and intact until you see your doctor unless otherwise instructed. Some drainage is not unusual. You may remove the dressing if it becomes soiled and replace it with a clean dressing. Unscented sanitary napkins or maxi pads are a good source of clean dressings. Contact our office or the physician if the drainage is
   excessive.
4. A surgical drain may have been placed at the time of surgery by your physician. Separate instructions regarding their care and management of the drain will be provided prior to discharge from the recovery room.
5. The patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
6. Avoid any exertion for the first few days. Subsequently, let the level of discomfort at the surgical site guide your level of activity.
7. Point and flex your toes, bend your legs at your knees every fifteen minutes while you are awake to promote circulation in your lower extremities.
8. Due to inactivity after your procedure, please remember to take a couple of deep breaths and cough to promote good oxygenation every 3-4 hours while awake.
9. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
10. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, beer and wine included, for 48 hours. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you sick.
11. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for 48 hours. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
12. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate within 6-8 hours of arriving home, please call the office or on call physician. If you are sent home with a urinary catheter, remove it as directed by the physician or staff early in the day. This allows for office intervention should you be unable to void.
13. Avoid using heat. It is normal for the surgical site to have decreased sensation (i.e. numb). When the body’s appreciation of sensation is abnormal, the response to heat is abnormal. Heating pads, hot water bottles, and even sunshine have resulted in skin burns.
14. Do not smoke after surgery.
15. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00pm, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Thigh Lift Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. Call you doctor if you notice excessive swelling, bleeding or soreness at the site of surgery.
3. Exercise calf muscles every hour. Extend your foot up, then down at the ankle several times.
4. Take a couple of deep breaths and cough 3-4 times per hour to promote oxygenation.
5. A surgical drain may have been placed at the time of surgery by your physician. Separate instructions regarding their care and management of the drain will be provided prior to discharge from the recovery room.
6. Keep your dressings dry and intact until you see your doctor unless otherwise instructed. Some drainage is not unusual. You may remove the dressing if it becomes soiled and replace it with a clean dressing. Unscented sanitary napkins or maxipads are a good source of clean dressings. Contact our office or physician if the drainage is excessive.
7. Avoid using heat. It is normal for the area to have decreased sensation (i.e. numb). When the body’s appreciation of sensation is abnormal, the response to heat is abnormal. Heating pads, hot water bottles, and even sunshine have resulted in skin burns.
8. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
9. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, beer and wine included, for 48 hours. They do not mix with anesthesia and may make you sick.
10.  Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination until cleared by your surgeon. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
11. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you are not able to urinate within 6-8 hours after surgery, please call the office or on call doctor. If you are sent home with a urinary
    catheter, remove it as directed by the physician or staff early in the day. This allows for office intervention should you be unable to void.
12. Point and flex your toes, bend your legs at your knees every fifteen minutes while you are awake to promote circulation in your lower extremities.
13. Do not smoke after surgery.
14. The patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
15. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00pm, when the office is closed or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Rhinoplasty Post-Operative Care

1. Use your medication as ordered.
2. You have been given gauze pads and tape. Change the drip pad under your nose when it becomes moist. By the evening or next morning, the drainage will begin to subside. Call your doctor if you have excessive
   bleeding or drainage. 
3. It is important that you stay quiet and do little talking for the next 24-48 hours as excessive activity may cause bleeding to occur.
4. Keep the dressing over the top(dorsum) of your nose dry and intact until you see your doctor.
5. Ice packs nay be placed on your forehead, cheeks, or eyelids to help decrease swelling and soreness. Please refrain from placing icepacks directly on the nose. 
6. Sleep on three or more pillows. This will help decrease swelling, bruising, or soreness. Keeping your head elevated is most helpful during the first 3-5 days after surgery. However, if you are unable to rest comfortably in an elevated position, then you may assume a more comfortable position that will allow you to rest. Avoid any pressure to the bandages.
   Rest is important. 
7. You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By evening you may have a light meal.
8. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages- beer and wine included- for 48-72 hours. They do not mix with the anesthesia or post op pain medications. 
9. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires your coordination for at least 48 hours. The medication and/or anesthetic agents may interfere with good judgment.
10. Anesthesia can sometimes delay your bladder function and ones ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate within 6-8 hours of arriving home, please call the office. This allows for office
    intervention should you be unable to void.
11. Avoid exertion for the two weeks after surgery.  Subsequently, let the amount of discomfort at the surgical site guide your activity level.
12. Point and flex your toes, bend your legs at your knees every fifteen minutes while you are awake to promote circulation in your lower extremities.
13. Remember to take a couple of deep breaths and cough to promote good oxygenation every hour while awake.
14. Patient must not be left alone for the first 24 hours after surgery.
15. Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions about your surgery. The nurse will be glad to assist you in any way possible. If it is necessary for you to contact a doctor after 5:00 PM, when the office is closed, or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Liposuction Post-Operative Care

1. The patient must not be left alone for 24 hours
2. STAY HYDRATED. By evening you may have a light meal. You may return to your regular diet as soon as tolerable.
3. Use your medication as ordered (see pain management sheet).
4. You will be placed in a post-operative compression garment at the time of your surgery. You will be instructed to wear the garment for most of the day for 3 weeks. The compression garment and dressings can be removed for showering 48 hours after surgery. You many then take a 1-2-hour break twice a day.
5. Drainage and blood may leak from incision sites for the first 24-48 hours. Absorbent pads cover your incision sites. You have been provided with supplies to change them out if they get saturated.
6. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding, or soreness.
7. Exercise calf muscles every hour. Extend your foot up, then down at the ankle several times. Continue on with calf exercises for the first 7-10 days after surgery to promote circulation.
8. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, beer or wine, for 48 hours or while taking narcotics. They do not mix well with anesthesia or narcotics, and may make you very sick.
9. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires judgment or coordination for 48 hours, or as long as you are taking narcotic medication. This may interfere with good judgment.
10. Do not smoke.
11. Avoid using heat. It is normal for some of the abdominal skin to have decreased sensation (i.e. numb). Heating pads, hot water bottles, and even extended exposure to sunshine have resulted in skin burns. Ice packs are helpful to reduce pain, swelling and bruising for the first 48 hours.
12. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate within 6- 8 hours of arriving home, please call the office or the on-call physician.
13. Constipation is not unusual when taking narcotic pain medication and your activity level is reduced while recovering from surgery. Over the counter laxatives may be needed.
14. Due to inactivity after your procedure, please remember to take a couple deep breaths and cough/clear your throat to promote good oxygenation every 3-4 hours while awake.
15. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at 757-491-3535 if you have any questions about your surgery. After 5:00 PM when the office is closed, or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at 757-491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions.

Brazilian Butt Lift Post-Operative Care

1. The patient must not be left alone for 24 hours.
2. STAY HYDRATED. By evening you may have a light meal. You may return to your regular diet as soon as tolerable.
3. Use your medication as ordered (see pain management sheet).
4. It’s important to avoid any pressure on fat grafted areas for 3 WEEKS! You should sleep/lay on your stomach to prevent pressure on these areas. If you must lay on your back, be sure to use pillows/cushions to keep your buttocks/hips suspended and change positions frequently.
5. You will be placed in a post-operative compression garment at the time of your surgery. You will be instructed to wear the garment for most of the day for 3 weeks. The compression garment and dressings can be removed for showering 48 hours after surgery. You many then take a 1-2-hour break twice a day.
6. Drainage and blood may leak from incision sites for the first 24-48 hours. Absorbent pads cover your incision sites. You have been provided with supplies to change them out if they get saturated.
7. Call your doctor if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding, or soreness.
8. Exercise calf muscles every hour. Extend your foot up, then down at the ankle several times. Continue on with calf exercises for the first 7-10 days after surgery to promote circulation.
9. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, beer or wine, for 48 hours or while taking narcotics. They do not mix well with anesthesia or narcotics, and may make you very sick.
10. Do not drive your car or do anything that requires judgment or coordination for 48 hours, or as long as you are taking narcotic medication. This may interfere with good judgment.
11. Do not smoke.
12. Avoid using heat. It is normal for some of the abdominal skin to have decreased sensation (i.e. numb). Heating pads, hot water bottles, and even extended exposure to sunshine have resulted in skin burns. Ice packs are helpful to reduce pain, swelling and bruising for the first 48 hours.
13. Anesthesia can sometimes delay the bladder function and your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate within 6- 8 hours of arriving home, please call the office or the on-call physician.
14. Constipation is not unusual when taking narcotic pain medication and your activity level is reduced while recovering from surgery. Over the counter laxatives may be needed.
15. Due to inactivity after your procedure, please remember to take a couple deep breaths and cough/clear your throat to promote good oxygenation every 3-4 hours while awake.
16. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office at 757-491-3535 if you have any questions about your surgery. After 5:00 PM when the office is closed, or on the weekend, please call the doctor’s answering service at 757-491-3535 and the physician on call will be contacted to assist you with any problems or questions,