Tummy Tuck/Post Weightloss

After Surgery
For the first few days, you are likely to feel discomfort, which can be controlled with medication. Your abdomen will be swollen. The swelling will resolve over a period of days to weeks depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty. We will provide you with instructions for personal hygiene and activity. We suggest you begin walking as soon as possible although rest is very important as well. Walking up stairs is discouraged unless necessary.

You will be seen back in the office in 1 to 3 days following discharge, at which time the wounds are checked and dressings changed. We ask that you wear the binder for a total of 4 weeks except when showering or washing the binder. At the time of the next visit, usually at 7 days, sutures around the belly button and the drainage tubes are removed. Showering is permitted 24 hours after removal of the drains. Individuals with deskwork type employment may resume work soon after drain removal. Lifting should be limited to 10 to 15 lbs. Others with work involving prolonged periods of standing or walking or heavy lifting may need to wait from 3 to 6 weeks. Vigorous activities or aerobic exercises should not be resumed for 6 weeks.

It takes several months for the abdomen to regain a normal feel. Temporary numbness, particularly just above the incision in the middle, is common. In some instances this numbness may be permanent. The abdomen feels very tight, and one feels occasional twinges of pain from time to time during this later healing phase. In the first few days after surgery you will feel like you need to be flexed at the waist to feel comfortable. Over the next several days you will gradually be able to stand upright. The scars often become redder several weeks after surgery and begin to fade out 2 to 3 months later. While they will never disappear completely, their appearance is usually very satisfactory. It may take scars as long as 18 months to reach their final appearance.

Risks of Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a common aesthetic procedure with generally very good results, especially when performed by a plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infections can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your recovery. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after surgery as possible.

Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers are advised to discontinue smoking 3 weeks prior to surgery and 3 weeks after surgery. Smoking, among other harmful side effects, decreases blood flow to the skin, increases the risk of complications and delays healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following our instructions before and after the operation, especially with regard to when and how to resume physical activity. If you have any questions regarding your post-operative instructions, do not hesitate to contact the office.

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