CABG incision care

Healing

You may notice swelling in the incision on your leg. This lasts about three weeks to three months after surgery.

• Keep your leg elevated (raised) as much as possible.
• When elevating your legs, use three to four pillows.
• Try to keep your ankles above your knees and your knees above your hips. This helps extra fluid in your legs get reabsorbed.
• If you have a swollen area at your chest incision, it will usually disappear in six weeks to three months.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor if you have concerns about incision care or show any of these signs:

• a temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• tenderness or redness around incision
• increased evidence of pus-like (thick, creamy) drainage

Related Links

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Self care after CABG surgery

Angina after CABG surgery

Tips for sitting and standing up after CABG surgery

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/01/2007

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts