Most Abdominoplasty procedures are performed with the plan of an overnight stay (at least) in hospital, and many patients will have small drains in their abdomens when they wake up.

In the first 24 hours, it is normal to expect:-

•    Drowsiness
•    Dry throat
•    Nausea (possibly)
•    Discomfort and stiffness

The local anaesthetic helps with pain control for the first evening, but has usually worn off by the following morning. Regularly taking paracetamol and anti inflammatories for the first few days after the operation is important in minimising your discomfort and need for stronger pain killers.

You will wake up with a surgical or post operative compression garment on, and you should wear one at all times in the first six weeks after your operation. This helps compress reduce the amount of fluid in the drains (so they come out earlier) and helps compress the fat that has been liposucked.

Once you are comfortable moving around your room, you will be discharged home with a prescription for pain relief and antibiotics.

Straightening up through your abdomen and lower back will be stiff for the first week, but does improve each day. Most people can return to an office job within a week. Gently walking is the only exercise you should plan on doing for the first few weeks, and it will take six to eight weeks before you will feel well enough to return to the gym or restart running. Your body will tell you (pain) if you are trying too soon.

You will be asked to see Dr Gavin Sandercoe for a follow up at one week, one month, three months (optional) and six months after your operation. Some procedures may require longer follow up. If there are any problems, we want to hear from you and sort it out as soon as possible!