Cosmetic Procedures - Tummy Tuck - After Surgery

Patients who undergo a full abdominoplasty may often need to remain in the overnight in the hospital or surgery center. In certain patients, it can be performed as an outpatient. A mini-abdominoplasty can always be done as an outpatient. Pain can be expected to be moderate and will initially be felt with every movement but is managed with oral medications. The compression should be worn for several weeks and may be taken off to shower. Drains will be removed between one to two weeks after surgery. Most of the time, sutures are placed underneath the skin and do not need to be removed.

Strenuous physical activity (e.g., lifting, running, straining) should be avoided for four to six weeks. One may resume normal, non-strenuous activities as one feels comfortable. While this surgery can produce a remarkable change in one's abdominal appearance, it is important to appreciate its magnitude and most patients will need a slightly longer recovery than anticipated. Incisional scars will remain from the operation but will fade significantly by one year.

Significant complications from this procedure are rare. Minor complications include the potential for fluid buildups underneath the abdominal skin, delayed healing of the skin incisions and navel, and excess skin ('dogears') at the ends of the abdominal incision.

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