INSTRUCTIONS
• Have someone else drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
• Get plenty of rest
• Follow balanced diet
• Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to you diet, and be sure to
increase fluid intake
• Take pain medications as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin
• Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medications
• Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risks of complications
ACTIVITES
• Start walking as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots
• Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics)
• Do not drive until you have full range of motion with your legs (approx 2 weeks)
• Do not lift anything greater than 5 pounds for 6 weeks
• Sexual activity may be resumed as comfort permits. Usually 4-6 weeks
• Avoid straining the thigh and buttock muscles. Restrict strenuous exercise and activities for 6 weeks
• Return to work in 2-4 weeks
INCISION CARE
• You may shower 48 hours after surgery
• Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months
• Always use a strong sun block, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater)
• Keep steri-strips on, replace if they come off
• Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection
• No tub soaking while sutures or drains are in place
• Soft support underpants may be worn, and you may pad incision with dressings for comfort
• Sleep with a pillow under your knees and with your head elevated on 2 pillows
WHAT TO EXPECT
• You may experience temporary pain, soreness, numbness of thigh and buttock skin, or discomfort in the incision
area
• Maximum discomfort will occur during the first dew post op days
• You will have bruising and swelling of the lower back, thigh, and buttock area. The majority of bruising and
swelling will subside in 6-8 weeks.
• You may feel tired for several weeks
APPEARANCE
• You should notice improvement in the contour and shape of the thigh and less sagging of the buttocks
• You will walk slightly bent forward and gradually return to normal posture over the next 3 weeks
• Scars will be reddened for 6 months, after which they will fade and soften
