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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 bypass graft (CABG) surgery
Tips for sitting and standing up after CABG surgery
Source: Allina Patient Education, Helping Your Heart, fourth edition, cvs-ahc-90648
First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/01/2007
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts