PostOp Minor Surgery

POSTOP Instructions for Minor Surgery

Keep your abdominal incision(s) clean with soap and water and pat dry. Showers and hair washing are permitted. No baths, soaking or swimming until assessed at post op appointment. 

Vitamin E and MeDerma like products to decrease scar visibility should not be used until 6 weeks after surgery. 

Abdominal binder might be given to you postoperatively for support and comfort. After 1 week may be removed. 

Light vaginal spotting and bleeding are expected and can last for approximately 2 weeks after surgery. 

Avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use and douching until assessed at post op appointment. 

Avoid driving until assessed at post op appointment. You may ride as a passenger, if you will be traveling long distances as a passenger, please stop every hour and walk for 15 minutes to improve circulation in your legs. 

Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (ie gallon of milk) for 6-8 weeks after your surgery. 

Avoid bending, squatting, pushing or pulling and do not perform any strenuous activity at home other than light walking until assessed at post op appointment

Constipation can cause bloating, abdominal discomfort and worsen pain. You should have at least one soft stool a day that passes without straining. See Constipation Education for ways to prevent Constipation. Do not strain to have a bowel movement

Additional postop instructions are individualized and based on post op appointment assessments. Please do not perform these activities until discussed at your post op appointment: 

Please call our office if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Temperature over 100.5 D Any vomiting 
  • Pain not controlled with prescription pain medications 
  • Any swelling in your legs 
  • No bowel movement within 3 (three) days of being home.