TUMMY TUCK (WEAVER WAVE) – POST-OPERATIVE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Tony L. Weaver, DO, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Office Phone: 256-817-6153
Text Line (Non-Urgent Questions): 256-434-7520
“I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord.
— Jeremiah 30:17


I. INCISIONS & DRESSINGS

• All incisions are covered with Prineo + Dermabond.
  
  
• Do NOT pick, peel, or trim any adhesive film. It protects the incision and will be removed in the clinic when appropriate.
  
  
• Expect mild tightness, pulling sensations, and numbness—these are normal in the early phase.
  

II. DRAIN CARE (JP DRAINS)You will have Jackson-Pratt drains to remove fluid and reduce complications.
How to strip your drains

1. Wash hands thoroughly.
   
   
   
2. Pinch the tubing near the skin with your non-dominant hand.
   
   
   
3. Using your other hand, squeeze the tubing between your fingers and glide downward toward the bulb.
   
   
   
4. Do this slowly and deliberately to clear clots or thick fluid.
   
   
   

How to empty & record your drains

1. Open the bulb cap without touching the inside.
   
   
   
2. Pour drainage into the provided measuring cup.
   
   
   
3. Record the amount twice daily (morning & evening) on your log.
   
   
   
4. Compress the bulb fully before closing the cap to maintain suction.
   
   
   

When to call Dr. Weaver immediately

• Sudden increase in drainage (>100 mL in 8 hours)
  
  
  
• Drain stops working or loses suction
  
  
  
• Bright red bleeding
  
  
  
• Foul odor or cloudy fluid
  
  
  

Keep drains secured at all times; use a belt or clip during the day.





III. SHOWERING

• You may shower starting the day after surgery.
  
  
  
• Use a lanyard, necklace clip, or crossbody strap to hold drains while showering.
  
  
  
• Allow warm, soapy water to flow over incisions--do not scrub incisions.
  
  
  
• Pat dry. Avoid applying lotions, oils, peroxide, or alcohol to the surgical sites.
  
  
  

IV. LIPO FOAM & ABDOMINAL BINDERYou have liposuction foam and a compression binder in place to support healing.
Binder Instructions

• Wear your binder 24 hours a day except for brief removal during showers.
  
  
  
• It should be snug but not restrictive—your breathing should be easy.
  
  
  
• Adjust the binder daily to avoid rolling or creasing.
  
  
  

Foam Instructions

• Keep foams flat against your skin without folds or moisture buildup.
  
  
  
• Replace with clean, dry foam if it becomes damp or soiled.
  
  
  
• Expect to use foams for 10–14 days, depending on swelling.
  
  
  

V. ACTIVITY, POSITIONING & MOVEMENTWalking & circulation

• Walk every 2–3 hours while awake to prevent blood clots.
  
  
  
• Keep knees slightly bent and your upper body gently flexed at the waist for the first several days.
  
  
  

Sleeping

• Sleep on your back with pillows under your knees and behind your upper back.
  
  
  
• Avoid lying flat or stomach-down.
  
  
  

Restrictions

• No lifting >10 lbs for 4 weeks.
  
  
  
• No strenuous activity or elevated heart rate for 4–6 weeks.
  
  
  
• Avoid twisting motions that pull on the abdomen.
  
  
  

VI. PAIN CONTROL & MEDICATIONSTake medications exactly as instructed. Pain often comes from muscle tightening and lipo soreness, not incision pain—that is normal.
PAIN CONTROL – MULTIMODAL APPROACHPain following surgery is expected and is best managed using a multimodal regimen to minimize opioid use while maintaining comfort.

1. Ibuprofen (Motrin) 800 mg
   • Take every 8 hours with food, scheduled for the first 5–7 days, then as needed.
   • Avoid taking other NSAIDs concurrently.
2. Methocarbamol (Robaxin) 750–1500 mg
   • Take every 8 hours as needed for muscle tightness, chest wall discomfort, or spasms.
   • May cause drowsiness—use caution when standing or walking.
3. Percocet 5/325 mg
   • Take only for breakthrough pain not controlled with ibuprofen and Robaxin.
   • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
   • Do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol while taking this medication.
4. Gabapentin 100 mg
   • May take three times daily for nerve-related pain (burning, tingling, hypersensitivity).
   • Most beneficial in the first 48–72 hours after surgery.
   • Discontinue if excessive sedation or dizziness occurs.
5. Phenergan
   • Take as needed for nausea or vomiting, particularly if using opioid medication.
   • May cause drowsiness.

General reminders:

• Take pain medicine with food.
  
  
  
• Take stool softeners to avoid constipation.
  
  
  
• Avoid driving while taking narcotic medication.
  
  
  
• Do not mix alcohol with pain medications.
  
  
  

VII. WHAT IS NORMAL

• Swelling and bruising
  
  
  
• Tightness across the abdomen
  
  
  
• Small drainage around insertion sites
  
  
  
• Temporary numbness
  
  
  
• A “hunched” posture for several days
  
  
  

VIII. WHEN TO CONTACT DR. WEAVERText 256-434-7520 immediately for:

• Fever >101.5°F
  
  
  
• Increasing redness or spreading warmth
  
  
  
• Sudden, painful swelling in one leg
  
  
  
• Shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911)
  
  
  
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
  
  
  
• Drain issues or concerns
  
  
  
• Any sudden change that does not feel “right”
  

IX. FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTSYour first follow-up is scheduled with our team to:

• Remove or adjust dressings
  
  
  
• Review drain output
  
  
  
• Evaluate early healing
  
  
  
• Update your recovery plan
  
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X. THE WEAVER WAY – FINAL GUIDANCE

• Healing is a journey, not a sprint.
  
  
  
• Give yourself grace and follow the instructions closely.
  
  
  
• Protect your investment—your results depend on your partnership in recovery.
  
  
  
• Reach out anytime. You are never bothering us.
  
  
  

For questions: TEXT 256-434-7520
Website: weaverplasticsurgery.com