Your Surgical Experience
Abdominoplasty is often performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.
When abdominoplasty is performed at the same time as a hernia repair or hysterectomy, a short hospital stay may be required.
Small drains will be placed to remove excess fluid. These will be removed in the office approximately one week after surgery. Dressings along with an abdominal binder will be put in place. The binder will be worn for 4-6 weeks.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery, as cigarette smoking before or after abdominoplasty can significantly hinder the wound healing process.
Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery.