Vital Information About Tummy Tucks
Serving Denver, Aurora, Cherry Creek, and the Northern Colorado Area
Anesthesia: General.
Location: Surgery Center or Hospital.
Surgery Length: 2-4 hours.
Length of stay: 24-48 hours for a complete tuck, home the same day for a mini tuck.
Discomfort: Moderate to severe. You will be provided with IV pain medication in the hospital and use oral pain medication once at home to allow you the most comfort. Anticipate 7-14 days of this medication. If your pain becomes more than you can tolerate with the use of these medications, call Dr. Serota at 303-367-9000.
Swelling: Improves in 10-14 days and will diminish in 8-12 weeks when adhering to post-operative instructions.
Bruising: Isn’t typical unless liposuction was part of the procedure. If so, bruising will improve in 3-5 days and diminish in 7-14 days.
Numbness: Temporary numbness, if it occurs, can last 1-2 months. Permanent numbness may occur in 10-15% of post-operative patients.
Garment: You are fitted in an abdominal binder during the surgery and it is not to be opened or removed until you see Dr. Serota 5-7 days after the procedure. After 2 weeks you may replace this binder with a panty girdle of your choice that provides compression on the surgical area.
Sutures: The sutures around the belly button are removed at 10-14 days and those across the abdominal incision are removed at 3 weeks. Occasionally sutures are omitted and skin glue can be used instead.
Drains: Will be placed at the time of surgery to prevent fluid collection beneath the incision. The drain tubes are plastic and will be connected to small bulbs. The drains will remain in place at the time of your discharge from the facility. The drains will need to be emptied 3 times daily and it is helpful to keep a log of the fluid accumulation each time. Once the drainage is minimal, we will remove them, usually 5-7 days after your surgery.
Back to work: You may return to light duty work in 10-14 days. If your job requires heavy lifting or long periods of time on your feet, wait 3-4 weeks.
Exercise: Walking is encouraged for the first 3 weeks, after which, light exercise can be resumed at 4 weeks, leading up to your normal regimen without restrictions at 6 weeks.
Final Result: At 6 months, the results are stabilized. At this time Dr. Serota will determine with you if any touch up is necessary to achieve the best result possible. The incision will continue to fade for up to a year or more. Remember to always use sun protection when exposing your incision to sunlight. Adhering to all instructions given by your surgeon is essential to the outcome of your surgery.
E-mail or call us today at 303-367-9000 to schedule your personalized tummy tuck consultation at our Aurora office near Denver, Colorado.
13701 E. Mississippi Ave, Suite 220
Aurora, CO 80012
303-367-9000
800-292-4691
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