Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty
Recovery Time
Plan on at least three weeks to full recovery. The first ten days you are stooped over and walking carefully. As the skin stretches and gets used to its new position you slowly straighten up. The drains may be removed within 10 days, this depends on the 24-hour output. While the drains are in you are draining and recording the amount twice daily. Wound care around the drain sites and incisions is easy and you will be taught how to care for these areas before you leave the hospital. While at home you will have medications for pain and prevention of infection. You will take these as directed. The pain medication will be taken as you need it for pain and the antibiotic will be taken as directed until all medication is gone. You will also wear a compression garment or binder for two weeks day and night and then during the night for the next two weeks. You may wear your compression garment day and night for the next two weeks to add support to your new tummy. It is also important for you to walk the night of surgery and 3 times a day for 5-10 minutes every day to prevent risks such as blood clots in your legs and pneumonia. For contact Dr. William Adams.
How many visits after surgery?
You will return several times over the next few weeks. You will return to have the drains removed and sutures removed in 7-10 days. Dr. Adams and your nurse will see you weekly for the first month and then will extend time between visits as you progress.
Am I a good candidate?
Your visit with your surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health with reasonable expectations you should be an appropriate candidate.
How do I pay for surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is often covered by your insurance. The surgery will be pre approved by your insurance company. Once your insurance company approves the surgery you will be given a quote on your responsibility.
What does the surgery cost?
You will be quoted a price to include the surgeon's, hospital, and anesthesia fees.
Are there scars?
Yes. Whenever surgery is performed on your body a scar will result.
If you are a candidate for a mini-abdominoplasty your scar can be limited. For more severe laxity, the standard abdominoplasty incision extends at least from hip to hip, right over your pubis area. This leaves a long scar that usually heals very well but is always present. It will take at least a year for the scar to mature and fade from pink/red to pale. It is usually not visible in your swimsuit or underwear. Dr. Adams will discuss the placement of your incisions during your first visit. Dr. Adams continues to use the latest techniques to minimize scarring and make your existing scar look as best as possible. Starting 1 week after surgery Dr. Adams will begin your post-operative scar therapy to make your optimize the appearance of the scar. For contact Dr. William Adams.
Will I be awake during surgery?
Your surgery is best done under general anesthesia for control of pain and nausea if they develop post surgery. You will be entirely asleep for your surgery.
Where is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.
Are medical photographs taken?
Photographs are taken at your first visit for Dr. Adams and then after surgery. Medical photographs are essential to help Dr. Adams better assess your body's contours, to assist in planning your surgery.
What medications should I avoid?
You should avoid or be off all diet or over the counter weight medications. The only homeopathic medications are those recommended by Dr. Adams. It is especially important to be off St. John's Wort and Ginseng, which can cause adverse effects during anesthesia. Please stop taking all aspirin-like products, Advil, and ibuprofen as these medications can cause bleeding problems. Please tell Dr. Adams what medications you are on ( prescription or non-prescription) to ensure the safety of any surgery. For contact Dr. William Adams.
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