THE NIGHT OF SURGERY:`You may still be a little sleepy from the surgery and the anesthetic when you get home and the first night of surgery. Be careful moving from the car. You may sit the first night for short periods of 10 minutes but for the most part it is best to lay on the stomach or side. If you do sit, place a pillow under your thighs and the lower part of your back to keep pressure off of the buttock area. You may still be numb from the surgery and not feel the pressure in the area. If you start having pain when you get home, begin taking the oral pain medicine you were prescribed. Try to sleep on your stomach. A second pillow under your chest in addition to the one for your head may help you sleep comfortably.

THE FIRST WEEK: It is important for you to wear the buttock covering garment as much as possible to stabilize the implants or the fat grafting in place. It is important to not rub, massage or directly lay on the buttock area for 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Use a pillow under your thighs and at the lower back when sitting for periods of time (see diagram at bottom). When you sit for a short period, sit on your thighs not on your buttock. I want you to walk every hour or so after the surgery when not sleeping. Vigorous exercise should be avoided as this will not allow the surgery to heal as well as keeping the implants or fat grafts undisturbed.

CLEANING: An important part of your recovery is to keep the area of surgery clean. For the first 2 weeks it is important to clean the anal area with the Hibiclens soap after EVERY bowl movement. This is to minimize the risk of the incision getting an infection. You should use the Hibiclens at least once daily with a shower. You will see the incision has glue over the incision. It is clear and a bit firm. Do not try to remove the glue. I will separate from your skin on its own. You can clean over the glue with soap.

DRAINS: Drains are used to remove the swelling fluid. It is important the drains be emptied periodically to maintain their suction. Empty the drains by opening the valve and squeezing out the fluid. Re-activate the drain bulbs by squeezing them flat after emptying them. Record the drainage amount each time they are emptied and bring the totals to the office visit when you come. The drains are usually removed 7 -10 days after surgery. If a drain accidentally falls out, do not worry. Call the office the next day and let us know.

SHOWERING: You may shower the day after the surgery. The incision is covered in a waterproof dressing. Keeping clean is of the utmost importance. Use the Hibiclens to clean the buttock area when you shower and after each bowel movement. You can tie a string around your waist and clip the drains to it when you shower. Do not take a bath until I tell you it is safe to do so.

ICE AND HEAT: Putting ice on the buttocks the night of surgery can help with swelling and discomfort. By the next day ice will not have much benefit. You can use it if you want but it is not necessary. NEVER PUT A HEATING PAD ON YOUR BUTTOCKS after surgery. Heat will significantly increase swelling and you may even burn yourself.

DON’T WORRY: If one side looks a little different than the other. There are many reasons for this – the swelling does not come or go away exactly the same on both sides. You will look the same when the swelling goes away – the same size implants were placed. Surgery causes swelling and you may not be able to wear your normal pants until the swelling goes down. There will be areas of numbness. It can take 4-6 months for it all to return to normal.

DON’TS: No driving or sitting (except bathroom) for 2 weeks. No vigorous exercise (running, weights, stairmaster, horse or bike  riding) for 8 weeks.

Correct sitting position with pillows under thighs and lower back