PREPARING FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY
There are several types of abdominoplasty. Following a physical exam, we will discuss the surgical technique that best suits your needs. The size of the post-op scar varies from one patient to the next. In patients mainly presenting with weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) with slight excess skin, a mini-abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with rectus muscle repair is sufficient in most cases.
You must refrain from smoking for six weeks before and six weeks after the surgery. This measure promotes faster healing and helps prevent the surgical wounds from reopening. Healing may take longer for people with diabetes or who are overweight.
ABDOMINOPLASTY: SURGERY
Abdominoplasty is a day surgery performed under general anesthesia that takes two to three hours, depending on the surgical technique chosen. After the surgery, bandages will cover the incisions, and you will have to wear a support belt. Two small drains will be inserted in the lower abdomen.
RECOVERY AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY
You may experience rather significant pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications and rest. A follow-up visit will be scheduled one week after the operation to remove the dressing and drains. After that visit, you may shower again. You will have to wear the support belt day and night for three weeks, and then during the day exclusively for the next three weeks. The following post-op visits are usually three weeks, three months and one year after the operation. Avoid intense physical effort for six weeks. If your work does not require physical effort, you may return to work after a few weeks of recovery, but we recommend taking four to six weeks of leave.
