What happens During Surgery?
The operation may take between 2 to 5 hours. Depending on whether you have a full or partial (mini) abdominoplasty different techniques will be used.
You will receive a general anesthetic before the operation commences.
There are different types of abdominoplasty depending on how much skin, muscle and fat needs to be restructured, and your surgeon will make an assessment on which procedure will be right for you.
In both full and mini abdominoplassty surgeries, the incisions will be either stitched, taped or clipped together. The wounds will be covered with dressings, and sometimes one or two small tubes will be inserted to drain any blood or fluid. The tubes may be left in for a few days.
How long will I stay in hospital?
You can return home after 2 or 3 days of staying in the hospital.
What is my recovery time?
You will spend a few days in recovery after the operation. Pain, bruising and swelling may be present after the operation. You might need to take over the counter medicine to reduce the pain and prevent blood clotting.
Lie down with your upper body raised and knees angled for the first few days after the operation. You may be asked even on the first day to walk around to prevent blood clotting.
Wear an elastic bandage or compression garment to keep the abdomen swelling down. Avoid any strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks. You should be able to return to light work in 1 to 3 weeks.
