Name: Swan Clinic
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Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) FAQs

How can I prepare for abdominoplasty surgery?

You will need to see Dr Hadi twice. The first consult takes you through the operation as well as expected results. The second consult is at no extra cost to you and runs through things again. All risks and benefits will be discussed with you and treatment will be tailored to your needs and your body shape.

When you decide to proceed, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

Eat healthily by avoid excessively fatty foods and foods high in sugar.
Stop smoking as this significantly increases complications rates. You cannot smoke for 6 weeks prior and 6 weeks after surgery.
Two weeks prior to surgery, stop all anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications unless previously discussed with Dr Hadi. Please stop any over the counter medications that might thin the blood, a comprehensive list will be provided during your consultation. Please check any over the counter medications to see whether they contain these ingredients.
Shower the night before or the morning of surgery with anti-bacterial soap. These reduce the bacterial living on the skin and there is evidence it reduces chance of infection.
These reduce the bacterial living on the skin and there is evidence it reduces chance of infection.
Fast (do not eat anything) at least 6 hours prior to surgery. You will be given this time from Kareena Hospital.

How long will the abdominoplasty operation take?

The operation takes 3-4 hours with a recovery time of around two weeks with a complete recovery time of one month. An abdominal binder is sometimes needed to help reduce swelling. Drains are placed for the first 1-2 weeks until serous fluid output is reduced. You cannot shower while the drains are in and you will have oral antibiotics to prevent infection.

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. You will be looked after by a Specialist Anaesthetist throughout your operation. Our preferred hospital is Kareena hospital.

How long will I stay in hospital?

You will need to stay in hospital for one to two nights for a full tummy tuck.

You will be given antibiotic tablets and pain relief tablets to take home so that you can be comfortable.

You will be given Dr Hadi’s number to contact her if you have any concerns or questions post operatively.

What about the analgesia?

Intraoperatively, a pain pump will be placed in the abdominal sheath along the muscle wall. This will allow local anaesthetic to be continuously pumped through where it is needed. The pump lasts about 72 hours after surgery. In addition, you will be given tablet analgesia to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery. This combination allows you to go home earlier.

What is a pain pump?

This pump is placed along the sheath which allows the anaesthetic to get pumped directly to where it is needed. This lasts about 72 hours after surgery. This allows you to go home earlier.

What about the sutures used for an abdominoplasty?

The sutures used for abdominoplasty are dissolvable.

Abdominoplasty scar management?

Post operatively the wounds will be dressed with white hypafix.

This will be changed to brown tape at the two week mark. Tape needs to be applied for at least 6 weeks, but may be needed for 12 weeks. This tape is changed weekly. You can shower over the tape and blow dry if needed.

You need to protect the scar from sun exposure for at least 6 months post operatively. This can be achieved by taping or applying sunscreen.

When can I shower post-abdominoplasty surgery?

You can shower from the next day.

When do the drains get removed?

The drains are removed a few days after surgery. The drain is removed when it produces less than 30ml per day.

Can I walk normally after abdominoplasty surgery?

After the surgery, you might find it more comfortable to walk a little bent at the waist for 1-2 days. You can then slowly straighten up. When you are sitting in a chair, make sure you straighten your back completely to prevent back pain.

Do I need to wear a garment?

This will be provided to you. It is an abdominal binder. This needs to be worn for 4 weeks.

When can I drive?

You can drive as soon as it is comfortable to do so and you can press on the peddles without feeling pain. This is a minimum of one week, but can be two weeks.

When can I return to exercise?

You can do a gentle walk from the next day. Allow around 6 weeks before returning to heavy exercise.

When can I return to work?

You can go back to work after one to two weeks depending on how physically demanding your job is.

What are considered the best outcomes after abdominoplasty?

Your part in the operation is essential. You can help achieve the best possible outcome by:

Slowly straightening up after surgery to allow the muscles in the tummy to heal. This can take 1-2 days.
Deep breathing exercises. Take deep breaths every hour to help aerate the base of lungs
Hold your tummy when you cough or sneeze.
Wear a garment as much as possible for 4 weeks.
Look after the drains. Take tablet antibiotics as prescribed to avoid infection while the drains are in.
Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery
Tape the wound to give the best possible scar for 12 weeks (brown micropore tape)
Come back for regular review as detailed in the next section to ensure your healing is progressing at each stage.
Wear the white compression stockings for two weeks. These will be given to you at the hospital. This will reduce the chance of blood clots.
Avoid constipation by taking regular aperients
Avoid heavy exercise for six weeks.

What about post-operative visits?

As a minimum, you will be seen by Dr Hadi after surgery, at one week, at six weeks and twelve months after surgery. This is so that you can have the best possible outcome.

Please call the Swan Clinic on 9526-6885 following your surgery to ensure we have booked all your follow up appointments.

As our patient at the Swan Clinic, you will be well looked after and can always count on our honesty as we always have your wellbeing in mind.

Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

All surgical procedures carry risks.

Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Please call the Swan Clinic on 9526-6885 following your surgery to ensure we have booked all your follow up appointments. As our patient at the The Swan Clinic, you will be well looked after and can always count on our honesty as we always have your wellbeing in mind. Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

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Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) FAQs