Postoperative Surgery FAQs

We understand that a great deal of information has been presented to you all at once. Please review the frequently asked questions be below. If you have any questions that are not addressed, please reach out to us at (972) 623 2629 or send us a message through the patient portal.

For urgent matters such as motor deficits, bowel or bladder incontinence, high fevers, and altered mental status, please do not message through the portal. Call us or go to the emergency room.

When is my postoperative appointment?

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

What exercise can I do until my visit?

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.

When can I take my bandage off?

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 postoperative 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.

When can I shower?

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

Do I put a bandage back on?

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.

What do I do if I have issues with the incision?

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.

When can I get in a hot tub or pool?

You cannot submerge your incisions until they are fully healed.

Generally, 6 weeks

What can I wear after surgery?

Please feel free to wear whatever is comfortable

Loose fitting clothes are a safe bet

Slip-on shoes are recommended

When will I get my stitches removed?

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

What do I take for pain?

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

When can I drive?

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.

When can I go back to work?

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.

Who fills out paperwork for FMLA or short term disability?

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
fmla@healthmark-group.com
Fax 833 657 2420

Do I need help at home?

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.

Will I have home health or inpatient rehabilitation?

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 postoperative 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

Will I need to do outpatient physical therapy?

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.