Therefore, I recommend that my patients have someone stay with them for the first few days in order to minimize their exertion levels and to help encourage the healing process. During the first week, there is usually a tight feeling in the abdomen that some patients find uncomfortable. The drains, which are placed to remove any added fluid accumulation, are removed 3 to 5 days after surgery. Then, sutures are removed after 7 days. A full abdominoplasty has incisional discomfort and tightness of both the abdominal wall and skin.
Pain medications ease the discomfort which can last for up to seven days.
With either a full or mini-abdominoplasty, the first two day following surgery are the most difficult. Perhaps the most difficult day is the day following surgery because of all the emotions associated with elective surgeries. I recommend that both full and mini-abdominoplasties be performed in either an outpatient surgery center or hospital. However, some surgeons do perform these procedures in an office setting. There will be some swelling and bruising of the abdomen.