Post-Operative Surgery FAQs

Generally, at 3 weeks post-op. you will typically see physical therapy that day for
instructions on safe exercises

Walk.

Functional walking such as walking to the bathroom and to the table for your meals is a
great start.

A couple of 10-minute walks per day is encouraged.

If you can tolerate more activity, you can walk as much as you would like Pay attention to your body. If hurting while walking, then back off. If sore the next day, that may be normal. Build your activity up slowly.

Telfa-Tegaderm dressing may be removed on post-operative day 3.
Aquacel dressing may be removed on post-operative day 7.
Prevena or PICO dressing may be removed on post-operative day 7.
If the device is malfunctioning, it may be turned off.
Still keep the dressing on until day 7
If you have questions about one of these devices, please call the office.

On post-operative day 3, you may remove the bandage and shower over the skin glue.
Until then, do not get the bandage wet. You may bathe the other parts of your body, but
keep the dressing clean and dry. If the bandage does get wet, then remove it and
replace it with a clean dry dressing

If the incision is clean and dry, you may leave it open to air.
If there is some continued fluid or blood, please cover it with a clean, dry sterile gauze
and tape.

Please contact us immediately if you notice irritation, drainage, a foul odor from the
incision, or if you start running a fever greater than 101 °F.

You cannot submerge your incisions until they are fully healed.
Generally, 6 weeks

Please feel free to wear whatever is comfortable
Loose-fitting clothes are a safe bet
Slip-on shoes are recommended

Most sutures are dissolvable, but if you do not have dissolvable stitches, those will be
removed 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Medications may vary based on the surgery and your medication history. Prescriptions
will be sent electronically

Generally, after the first post-operative visit.
You CANNOT drive within 4 hours of taking a pain pill.
If you are comfortable driving sooner, that is ok if you are not under the influence of pain
medication.
Remember, that anesthesia as well as post-operative medications may impact your
reaction time and decision-making.
Ultimately, you are responsible for your safety, as we are not in the car with you.

The post-operative recovery period varies based on the surgery and the patient. The
type of work you do will also impact your ability to return with or without restrictions.

Generally, with most procedures, you can return to office work when you feel
comfortable.

Work that requires heavy lifting may need to be restricted for a few weeks.

All of this paperwork is now handled by third-party companies.
We use Healthmark to communicate with the third party company that may deal with
your employer.

Please submit all paperwork requests through them

Healthmark
Phone (972) 895-2138
[email protected]
Fax: (833) 657-2420

For most procedures, you are encouraged to be quite independent postoperatively.
For outpatient procedures, we want you up and walking as well as doing your activities
of daily living.

For inpatient procedures, physical therapy will work with you to teach you how to properly mobilize so that you can be as independent as possible That being said, it is a good idea to have help available if you need it or to have a family member be available to check in on you.

For many procedures, you will be independent and will not need home health services
or inpatient rehab.

For certain procedures, home health will be recommended, where a therapist will work
with you a couple of times a week on mobility and walking.

This will typically be completed by your first post-operative visit at 3 weeks

Inpatient rehabilitation is less common. This may be recommended by the physical therapist in the hospital based on your post-operative evaluation and progress.

A case manager in the hospital will help you select a location if necessary

Post-operative physical therapy is as important as the procedure itself.

Your long-term outcome is improved by prompt, high-quality physical therapy.

We work closely with our physical therapists to tailor your post-operative rehabilitation,
and they are in close communication with the surgeon to discuss any issues that may
arise.