What
can I expect the scars to be like?
The incisions,
and resulting scars, go in a configuration from hip to hip,
around the navel (belly button) and sometimes down the belly
button in the center. Generally, after appropriate healing
time, just like any other scar, they fade and aren’t as
noticeable. All scars are permanent and every patient’s
healing characteristics are individual, from those who barely
scar to the few who develop keloids (an over production of scar
tissue) but, all in all, the scars from this surgery are
generally viewed as acceptable. It is important that you comply
with postop scar therapy directions. The design of the
scar is generally such that it is covered with the average swim
suit.
What
is the most common complication you’ve seen with
abdominoplasty?
Complications
are quite rare but, in my opinion, abdominoplasty has the
potential for more than most of the other procedures we do.
I’ve seen a woman or two break down a few sutures or develop
an area of delayed healing. This is more common in smokers since
smoking reduces the blood flow to the skin surface. This
generally makes a heavy, dark scab which sort of heals from the
inside out. If kept clean and covered, it usually takes care of
itself but it can take a long time and certainly be a nuisance.
If this didn’t progress as expected, it could mean a secondary
procedure for closure. The biggest issue is blood clots in the
legs. That’s why we have you moving right after surgery
and we put the compression stockings on you. The
"perfect abdomen" is purely subjective – in the eye
of the beholder, so to speak and in some cases it’s just
impossible to get to that point.
Should
I have more children after abdominoplasty?
No.
Pregnancy and weight gain can undue positive results and make
the tummy saggy again.
Will
I have to spend the night at the hospital or surgery center?
Most patients
go home after surgery. You’ll need a driver and someone to
help with the dressings for a few days. My admitting
privileges are at Alton Memorial and St. Anthony’s Hospital in
Alton
,
IL
Am
I likely to need a blood transfusion for breast reduction
surgery?
No.
When
can I go back to work, exercise, etc.?
You’ll be up
and about in a day or two but you’ll have to take it easier
than usual for a couple of weeks. If your job isn’t very
physical, you’ll be back sooner than some someone doing hard,
physical labor. Most people are back in 2-4 weeks. You
will do light exercise but nothing strenuous for several weeks
after surgery.
How
long will I have stitches?
Part of them
are removed in about a week and the rest are come out in about
10-14 days.
When
can I shower?
Once the drains
are out you can shower. Until then you have to just wash
up. No tub baths or really hot water.
Will
I need pre-op testing?
Yes.
Depending on your age and health status, we will tell you what
test are necessary.
|
