Tummy Tuck

Tips for Achieving the Best Results

There are a number of things that can be done during and after an abdominoplasty to ensure the lowest complication rate, the speediest recovery, and the best results. Explained below are a number of the steps Dr. Loftus takes. Ask your doctor if he or she takes these extra steps. If the answer is no, ask why.

Reducing Seroma (fluid collections):
Your doctor will most likely place a drain or two at the time of surgery to prevent fluid from collecting. The drains will be removed a week or so after surgery, depending on your recovery.

There is however, another very effective maneuver that some surgeons use. It is to use stitching to prevent the fluid collection. The surgeon places internal stitches between your fascia (gristle) and the undersurface of your fat. This will prevent fluid collection before they start. When stitching is placed, it often makes it possible to remove your drains 2-3 days after surgery rather than a week or more.

Many surgeons that are not experienced with these sutures choose not to place them. Inexperience in placing these sutures can cause irregularities because it does take skill to place them. Be certain that your surgeon has experience placing them and that irregularities are not a concern.

Reducing Pain:
The greatest source of pain following this operation is related to the rectus muscle. The rectus muscle underlies the fascia (gristle), which is tightened as a part of this procedure.

If your plastic surgeon simply injects long-lasting numbing medicine in the muscle, it will markedly reduce your pain and expedite your recovery. Every surgeon should do this, because it is so simple, yet few take the time. Dr. Loftus has found that doing this has enabled her patients to go home the same day, with markedly less pain, even after the numbing medicine wears off.

Reducing Nausea:
One of the most common causes of nausea is pain. Dr. Loftus has found that taking the above steps to reduce pain has markedly reduced the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting, even in those who are prone to it.

Further, Dr. Loftus advocates a number of simple medications that are very effective in reducing nausea. All of her patients receive decadron (a steroid which reduces nausea), Zofran (an anti-nausea medication that is so effective that it is routinely prescribed for cancer patients), and Pepcid AC (this over-the-counter medication is a fabulous drug which further inhibits nausea in surgical patients). By taking all of these steps, Dr. Loftus has found that very few feel nauseated after a tummy tuck.

Reducing scarring:
Dr. Loftus has found that scars can be reduced by applying topical steroid cream after surgery. If done consistently for about 4-6 weeks, scars tend to fade faster and become much less noticeable.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck Complications

Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos

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