Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck (Can restore a flat, tight abdomen)
Anesthesia: General or heavy sedation.
Location of operation: Office or hospital.
Length of surgery: 2-4 hours.
Length of stay: Outpatient surgery or overnight for pain control.
Discomfort: Moderate to severe. The tighter your surgeon makes your fascia, the greater your discomfort will be. Anticipate 3-14 days of prescription pain medication.
Swelling: Will peak in 3 days. Most swelling will improve within 2-4 weeks but may take 6 months to improve completely. As it resolves, it will linger in your lower abdomen above your scar line and may temporarily make this area look unnaturally full.
Bruising: Does not usually occur.
Numbness: Abdominal numbness is expected and may last for 6 months or longer. If numbness it persistent, you will get used to it. Most do not find this bothersome.
Bandages: Removed in 2-4 days.
Stitches: Most plastic surgeons use absorbable stitches that are buried under the skin and never require removal. Nonabsorbable stitches will be visible outside the skin and will be removed in 7 days.
Drains: Will be placed at the time of surgery to prevent postoperative fluid collections, called “seromas.” The drain tubes are plastic and will be connected to small reservoirs. You will go home with drains and will be instructed to empty them several times daily. Your surgeon will remove your drains between 2 days and 2 weeks following surgery. The drains are not painful, but their removal causes temporary discomfort.
Support: You will be given an abdominal binder following surgery. It is a broad elastic band that should be worn continuously for 2-6 weeks. The binder will provide extra comfort and support as you heal.
Presentable in a bathing suit: Your abdomen will immediately look better in most bathing suits than it did prior to surgery. You may need to choose your swimwear carefully. If your scar is exposed while you are outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent discoloration. You must also avoid tanning beds.
Work: You may return to work once you have stopped taking prescription pain medication. For most, this is 1-2 weeks. If your job requires lifting or manual labor, wait 4-6 weeks.
Driving: May be resumed in 7-14 days, if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.
Exercise: May be resumed in 4-6 weeks.
Final result: Is seen after your scar has matured, approximately 1 year.
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