Your comfort and safety during recovery are our highest priority. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate each stage of your healing journey with clarity and confidence. Please read it carefully and keep it close throughout your recovery — our team is always available should any questions arise.
Preparing for Your Procedure
One Week Before
- Refrain from alcohol for at least 3 days before and after surgery.
- Confirm that all required laboratory work and blood tests have been completed and sent to our office. Fax: 855-506-2309.
- Fill any prescribed medications so they are ready and accessible at home before your procedure date.
The Evening Before
- Our team center will contact you to confirm your arrival time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight — this includes water, breath mints, and gum. Failure to fast may result in cancellation of your procedure, as a fasting state is required for safe sedation.
- The only exception is prescribed medication; take it with the smallest sip of water the morning of surgery as instructed.
Morning of Surgery
- Shower and shampoo thoroughly before arriving.
- Do not apply makeup, hair products, gels, or nail polish. Acrylic nails may remain.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-slip-on footwear.
- Wear any compression garments prescribed by Dr. Zuckerman.
- Leave all jewelry, body piercings, and valuables at home.
- If you are currently menstruating, please wear a pad rather than a tampon.
- Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and remain with you overnight — public transportation is not permitted following
sedation.
Your Recovery at Home
The First 24 Hours
- Your designated caregiver must remain with you overnight following surgery. Ideally, plan for support assistance for the first 1–2 days of recovery.
- Avoid making any major decisions or engaging in activities that require clear judgment during the first 24 hours while anesthesia clears your system.
Activity & Movement
- For the first 10–14 days, limit activity to what is necessary and comfortable. Rest is an essential part of healing.
- Short, gentle walks are encouraged — they improve circulation and support recovery. Begin slowly and increase your distance
gradually over the coming days. - It is normal to walk in a slightly bent position for the first week. Do not force yourself upright — your posture will improve naturally as swelling resolves.
- Keep your hips gently flexed when resting to reduce tension at the surgical site. When lying down or seated, elevate your legs when possible.
- Avoid all heavy lifting, bending at the waist, and strenuous activity until Dr. Zuckerman clears you to resume.
Drain Care
- Drains remove excess fluid from the abdomen and help prevent fluid accumulation. The volume of drainage will determine how long the drain remains in place.
- Follow the instructions provided by our post-operative staff for emptying drain bulbs and logging fluid output. Bring your log to every appointment. Contact our office with any concerns or questions about removal timing.
Incision Care
- Keep your incision site clean and dry. Change absorbable gauze pads as instructed, and replace skin tapes if they become wet or loose.
- Apply a cool compress (not ice directly on skin) to reduce swelling and discomfort as needed.
Supporting Your Results
Swelling & Healing Timeline
- Swelling and bruising are a normal and expected part of the healing process. Most patients see their final result emerge between 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
- Be patient with your body — visible improvement is gradual, and your result will continue to refine over time.
Hydration & Nutrition
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. Staying well-hydrated in the first days following surgery is essential for reducing swelling and supporting tissue repair.
- Prioritize whole, nourishing foods. Limit sodium, which can exacerbate swelling.
Scar Care
- Protect your incision from direct sun exposure for a full year following surgery. UV exposure can permanently darken a scar.
- When the incision is fully healed, apply an unscented zinc oxide-based sunscreen or scar treatment as directed. Used consistently, this significantly reduces the visibility of your scar over time.
Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience Any of the Following:
- Fever above 101°F
- Pain that is not adequately relieved by prescribed medication
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site
- Bleeding that saturates your dressings
- Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or any other symptom that concerns you
When in doubt, please call. We would always rather hear from you.
