Common questions from clients recovering from tummy tucks, breast augmentation, liposuction, and BBLs across Central Florida.
When should I start working with a wound care nurse after cosmetic surgery?
Most clients reach out within the first week or two after their procedure, once they are home and managing incisions and drains on their own. Starting early means healing is being monitored from the beginning rather than after a problem has already developed. That said, it is never too late — we regularly see clients weeks or months into recovery who have an incision that has opened, an area that is not closing, or drainage that has not resolved.
Does this replace the follow-up care from my plastic surgeon?
No. Your surgeon directs your care plan and their post-operative instructions always take priority. We work alongside your surgeon, providing hands-on wound assessment and dressing changes between office visits and documenting what we observe so your surgeon has a clear record. If something needs their attention, we help you escalate it promptly.
I had my procedure out of state or out of the country. Can you still help?
Yes. Many clients travel for cosmetic surgery and return to Central Florida for recovery without local follow-up in place. We provide RN-led incision monitoring, dressing changes, drain care, and caregiver education in Kissimmee, Orlando, Poinciana, Davenport, Celebration, and Saint Cloud, and we can help you connect with a local physician if a complication needs in-person medical evaluation.
How long do drains usually stay in after a tummy tuck?
Drain duration varies by surgeon and by patient, and is typically based on how much fluid is draining over a 24-hour period rather than a fixed number of days. Many tummy tuck patients have drains for roughly one to three weeks. Only your surgeon decides when a drain comes out, but we can help you record output accurately, keep the sites clean, and recognize when drainage is trending in the wrong direction.
Is some drainage from my incisions normal after liposuction or a BBL?
Yes. Thin, pink-tinged fluid draining from liposuction and BBL incision sites is expected in the first several days, and it should gradually lighten and decrease. Drainage that increases instead of tapering, turns thick or cloudy, or develops an odor is not normal and should be assessed.
When can I stop wearing my compression garment?
Compression schedules are set by your surgeon and commonly run several weeks to a few months, often with near-constant wear early on and reduced wear later. Compression supports healing tissue and helps manage swelling, so stopping early can affect your result. We can check that your garment fits correctly and is not putting pressure directly on an incision or a healing graft area.
My incision has already opened or looks infected. Can you help?
Yes. Incision separation (dehiscence), infection, and fluid collections are a core part of what we manage. We assess the wound, provide appropriate cleansing and dressing care, document the findings, and coordinate with your surgeon or physician, since infections often need a prescription that a nurse cannot write. If a wound shows signs of a serious or spreading infection, we will tell you plainly that you need to be seen urgently.
Do you offer virtual check-ins between visits, and which areas do you serve?
Yes. Virtual consultations are available when you want a set of experienced eyes on a healing incision without a full in-person visit. Mobile visits and virtual consults are both available throughout Kissimmee, Poinciana, Orlando, Southwest Orlando, Davenport, Celebration, and Saint Cloud, Florida.