Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the abdomen.

 

Before Surgery

  • Plan to take off work for 3-4 weeks.  It will depend on the type of work you do.  No strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.
  • Do household and outdoor chores ahead of time, or make plans for someone to help you with the "big" chores for about 4 weeks.
  • Plan meals that are easy to prepare.
  • Make plans to have someone help with your children for weeks.
  • Plan to take it easy for several weeks.

After Surgery

  • You will be in the hospital for 1-3 days.
  • You will have a PCA or patient controlled analgesia pump to help take care of your pain.
  • Someone will help you when you get out of bed for the first few times.  You will be walking slowly and bent over at the waist.  You will slowly begin to walk straighter over the next week.
  • You will have "drains" or tubes placed during surgery to drain away excess fluid from your abdomen.  The fluid will collect in a bulb attached to the tube.  This drain will stay in for a couple of weeks.  Your nurse will tell you how to take care of them before you go home.  Record the amount of drainage from the drains and bring the results with you to your clinic visit.
  • When you go home, you will be tired and may not want to do much.  You will find that you tire quickly.  You should walk around your house and have planned rest periods.
  • Avoid strenuous activity.  No lifting over 10 lbs.
  • Do not drive for 2 weeks.
  • Do not take tub baths.
  • You may shower while your tubes are in.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing for a few days.
  • Plan to visit your surgeon 2-5 days after discharge and every week for a month. 

When to Call the Doctor

 

Call your doctor for:

  • Fever over 100.5° F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
  • Incision or drain sites become more painful, swollen, red, and/or feel warmer than usual.
  • Any drainage or bleeding from your incision.
  • Pain that is not relieved by medicine
  • Problems with nausea and vomiting.

Phone Numbers

 

Your doctor's office phone number is (608) 263-7502 8:00 - 4:30, weekdays.

 

After hours and weekends call UW Hospital Paging Operator at (608) 262-0486.  Ask for the Plastic Surgery doctor on call.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.

 

 

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/06/2009

Copyright © 07/03/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4784

Print Health Fact For You