Recovery Guide
Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Recovery Guide
We all struggle with achieving our ideal physique. While many people have been able to achieve their desired physique, the demands of work, life, children and potentially massive weight loss limit the ability to achieve your goals. Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure but a way of enhancing the natural contours of your body while restoring the youthful shape of your stomach muscles. An abdominoplasty is the only procedure that can address all abdominal contour issues by addressing skin, muscles and fat.
Learn More About The Procedure
The Procedure
A low incision will be placed in a discrete area that will be hidden under a bathing suit or underwear. The placement is usually lower than a C-section scar and only 1-2 inches longer on each side than most C-section scars. This is typically performed under general anesthesia. A long acting local anesthesetic will be given during your procedure and will last for about 3 days. Unwanted skin and fat are removed and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. All of the sutures used will dissolve. Some patients will need a small drain to assist in removal of fluid and reduce healing time.
Additional Procedures
Liposuction: The most common procedure done in combination with an abdominoplasty is liposuction. An abdominoplasty is most effective improving the front of your stomach, while the effect decreases along the sides (love handles). Liposuction can help to create a very natural result. Liposuction of the front of your stomach can also be used to create a more athletic appearance as well. Liposuction of love handles (flanks), arms or thighs can always be included with your tummy tuck. Any area of concern can be addressed during your procedure.
Renuvion Skin Tightening: If your skin has lost its elasticity or you are interested in treating your bra roll or other areas that do not recoil, then renuvion will help your skin contract to give you a more youthful appearance.
Brazilian Butt Lift: While a tummy tuck and liposuction will remove fat, a BBL will allow us to use that fat to further enhance and smooth your silhouette.
Fat Grafting of the Breasts: Fat transfer to the breasts will allow for breast enhancement without an implant.
The Day of Surgery
Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgery. I will meet you at the surgery center that morning where you will have the chance to meet your team including the Anesthesiologist. The Anesthesiologist will review the documentation that I have provided you with to ensure accuracy and that we provide a smooth, safe anesthetic and recovery. Minimizing the risk of post op nausea and wooziness starts in the pre-op area.
You will be given an IV so that we can hydrate you and the Anesthesiologist can give medications during the procedure. During your surgery you will have a breathing tube that helps keep you safe during your operation. This can make you feel like you have a scratchy throat after surgery for a couple of days. A nice throat coat tea or chloraseptic or cool mist humidifier can help with the discomfort.
A long lasting local anesthetic is used to minimize your discomfort after surgery. Multi-modal therapy (multiple pain medications) will be used to help keep you comfortable after surgery without being nauseous and groggy.
When your surgery is complete, the nurse will contact your family member to let them know your procedure is done and let you know the time for pickup. If the surgery runs longer than anticipated, this is not a bad thing, though it can cause some anxiety in your family. Your body is unique and we must take our time to ensure that every little detail is accounted for. The work done during your surgery must last for the rest of your life.
Recovery
The typical downtime from abdominoplasty is about 1 week. Typical pain scores are between 3-6/10. Compression will be used to help minimize swelling and bruising. Our post operative dressings will include a waist trainer, or a compressive garment. If we have grafted fat into your breasts, buttocks or thighs, do not compress or apply ice to these areas. There will be some bruising and swelling. The areas treated with lipo will be swollen for about 4-6 weeks.
Incision Care
You can shower on day 2 after surgery. During the first week, you may need to change the gauze over the small incisions, but the incisions are typically water tight around 48 hours. Your incisions will never be as strong as what God gave you, but they will be maximum strength about 6 weeks after surgery.
Evening After Surgery
I recommend preparing a few soft, comforting dishes in preparation for surgery. You may feel sore and preparing meals at that point may be challenging. I recommend getting up and moving around at home. Surgery can increase your risk for blood clots in the legs and we want to keep that blood flowing. During the first evening, please ask for assistance from your loved one since you may not feel as stable as you normally do. The night after surgery, it is very common for the small areas to leak fluid that looks like blood. Do not be alarmed. This is normal though we recommend putting down an absorbent pad or towel to avoid ruining your linens. Swelling will follow gravity. If your butt or groin are the low point of gravity, these areas may swell more than others.
Video Tutorials
Drain Tutorial with Dr. Rankin
Drain Tutorial
Multi-Modal Therapy Medications
Tylenol Extra Strength (500mg) take 2 every 6 hours for 5 days
- Do not wait for pain. Tylenol makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.
Ibuprofen (600mg) take 1 every 6 hours scheduled for 3 days
- Do not wait for pain. Ibuprofen makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.
Gabapentin (100mg) take 1 every 8 hours for 14 days
- Do not wait for pain. Gabapentin makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.
Tramadol (50mg) take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. If you use antidepressants, this will be exchanged for Oxycodone (5mg).
- It is okay to wait until you have pain. Tramadol is a long-acting narcotic that will begin to work in about 30 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Oxycodone is a fast acting, strong medication that can exacerbate nausea and or make patients feel "loopy".
Zofran (Ondansetron, 4mg) take 1 every 8 hrs
- The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia.
Cyclobenzaprine (Muscle Relaxant, 10mg) take 1 every 8 hours PRN
- It is okay to wait until you have pain. The pressure you feel after surgery is due to the Pec Major muscle getting tight/stretched. This can lead to spasms and pain. A muscle relaxant will help to break that spasm and can help you sleep better.
MiraLAX (Constipation, OTC)
- Drink 1 full cap twice daily while using Tramadol/Oxycodone until first bowel movement. MiraLAX brand is preferred though, any stool softener is fine. We want to avoid constipation as bearing down can increase your blood pressure in the first week and can put you at risk for bleeding, in addition to being uncomfortable.
Medication Schedule
A proposed schedule has been supplied in order to simplify the scheduling of medication. We understand there are a lot of medications to follow, but rest assured, we believe Multi-Modal therapy provides the greatest comfort and decreases post-operative nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. If your pain has become severe or additional recommendations are needed, do not hesitate to contact our office.
| Medication | Times |
|---|---|
| Tylenol (1000mg) |
|
| Ibuprofen (600mg) |
|
| Gabapentin (100mg) |
|
| Tramadol (50mg) / Oxycodone (5mg) |
|
| Cyclobenzaprine (10mg) |
|
| Zofran (4mg) |
|
Follow Up Schedule
1 Week
You will already be much less swollen, though the areas treated may still have bruising. Please continue to use your compressive garment. We recommend lymphatic massage starting 2 weeks after surgery. Please inquire for recommendations as there are a few providers in the area that have a good reputation.
1 Month
You feel great! …but there are still some areas that are swollen. Hang in there! This is the frustrating part, but the rewards are just around the corner. We want to make sure that we are right on track!
3 Months
You are enjoying the result of your surgery. The incisions are fading, but they will continue to improve all the way up to one year after surgery.
6 Months
Feeling good, looking good! There are small nuances that we want to make sure are still progressing well and we continue to see more and more definition.
1 Year
"Why do I have to see the doctor?!" Body contouring for me is a life long process of constant assessment and reassessment. I want to ensure that you have healed well and that we have improved your quality of life. I also want to ensure that we continue to use the most cutting edge techniques that provide high quality, durable outcomes. I need your help to continue this process in order to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcomes. At this point all of the swelling should be resolved.