Surgical Procedures for Women
Tummy Tuck
(Abdominal reduction or abdominoplasty) - Page 4 |
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What would you need to do before the operation?
If you are overweight you would be well advised to diet as best results are obtained in people who are the correct weight for their height. If you are taking the contraceptive pill you should stop doing so for six weeks before surgery and use an alternative method of contraception in order to reduce the risk of thrombosis. If you smoke there is a greater risk of chest infection and in particular healing of the abdominal wound is less good.
What you should expect at the time of the operation?
You will need to be in hospital for one to three days. When you wake up from your operation it is likely that you will be having a transfusion of salt solution (saline). This is quite normal and is to provide you with fluid you need whilst you are not drinking. You are likely to have two small drainage tubes coming from below the scar which are there to drain any collection of blood or serum. Any pain will be treated with pain killing tablets or via a drip. You will be asked to keep your knees and hips bent to take the strain off your stitches. Your abdomen will feel tight for the first week or so.
Recuperation
Over activity in the early days reduces healing and increases fluid accumulation. Light activities are comfortable in 10 to 20 days. Sports will not be possible for about 6 weeks particularly when the muscles have been strengthened with sutures. A corset is usually helpful to reduce the swelling and improve comfort in the first month. The scar will initially be a fine line, but may become raised and red temporarily. When it has fully settled, it should be pale, fine and flat. Mr Nduka will advise on ways to improve scars that are not settling.
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