POSITION: Because abdominoplasty involves the removal of the extra abdominal skin and usually tightening of the abdominal muscles, you will experience some difficulty standing up straight for a week or two or even longer. During this period, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow or two under your knees while in bed. The tightness will gradually disappear as you heal and progressively use your body muscles for the activities of daily living. Please make no special attempt to stretch or pull the abdomen straight during the first two weeks of healing. You must change your position and walk around the house every few hours to reduce the danger of blood clots.

DRESSINGS: We usually cover the scar with a special dressing that vacuum the wound to reduce the swelling and fluid collection. You would wear your custom-made garment on day one after your surgery. The dressing will remain in place for 4-5 days and will be removed when you visit Dr Bangash in our room.

DRAINS: Dr Bangash probably place two drains in the surgical area at the time of surgery. These drains evacuate the fluid that accumulates after surgery and enable you to heal faster. When the drain is first put in place, the bulb at the end of each tube will be compressed to create gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, it will expand. When the fluid accumulation is less than 30 cc in a 24-hour period, we will remove the drains.

DRAIN CARE: Secure the bulb of the drain to your clothing or the abdominal binder with a safety pin. Whenever the bulb fills or expands 50% or more, empty the bulb by opening the plug at the top and pouring out the contents. Do not attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it, and put the plug back into the hole at the top to maintain the vacuum

Dr Bangash or a nurse will remove the drains 5 to 10 days after surgery when the fluid begins to turn a clear straw colour and/or the amount of drainage diminishes. You may shower the day after your drains are removed. Occasionally Dr Bangash will allow you to shower with your drains in place.

ACTIVITIES: Tummy tucks are probably the most uncomfortable operation we do. You will experience some pain for 10 to 20 days and will not feel like resuming sports or heavy exercise for at least 6 weeks. After the first 2 weeks, you may resume moderate walks for as long as it is tolerable. Too much initial activity can prolong swelling.

SUTURES: The only removable stitches you will have will be around the drain site. The rest of the sutures will dissolve on their own over the course of several weeks

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT: We recommend that you protect your scars from the sun for a year after surgery. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. Wear a sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when out in sunny weather.

LONGER TERM

ACTIVITY/SPORTS: We want you to avoid straining or any aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks after surgery. This is to avoid bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Do not resume strenuous exercise for 3 to 4 weeks

DRIVING: You may resume driving when you feel you are able but wait at least two weeks after surgery. Keep in mind that you must have full use of your reflexes. If pain will inhibit them, don’t drive!

SEXUAL ACTIVITY: You may enjoy sexual activity as your body allows with the following restriction: please reread Activity/Sports above and apply the same concept to sex.

SUN EXPOSURE: If fresh scars are exposed to the sun, they will tend to become darker and take longer to fade. Sunscreen can help. Take extra care and precautions if the area operated on is slightly numb — you may not “feel” a sunburn developing.

AS YOU HEAL

TIGHTNESS: Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the centre of your tummy where Dr Bangash has repaired your muscles. This hurts more than any other part of the procedure.

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Usually, the skin of the abdomen remains partially or completely numb for several months or longer. Tingling, burning, or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the small sensory nerves. This feeling will disappear with time and is not cause for alarm. It may take as long as two years for the sensation in your abdomen to be restored completely.

FEELING OF FULLNESS: You may pleasantly find that you feel full sooner than normal when you begin to eat regular meals.

ACTIVITIES: If your job keeps you sedentary, you may plan on returning to work in 10-14 days, with the understanding that you will still have discomfort with motion. Here again, swelling may indicate too much activity. Do not plan on resuming aerobic or strenuous exercise for about 5-6 weeks after surgery. Let your body tell you what it can do.