The pre-operative care is similar to that of the adominoplasty. Routine tests are needed and photographs are taken to assess progress.

       I strongly recommend that patients donate their own blood four weeks prior to surgery so that it is available for transfusion after the surgery. The extent of the surgery is significantly greater than the abdominoplasty and other operations, so it is wise to have the blood available if needed.

       Patients should not smoke within three weeks of the operation. Of course, smoking is never a good idea and patients should quit smoking early and permanently.

       No aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar drugs should be taken within two weeks of surgery. These medications can cause serious excess bleeding during, and after, the operation. If you have any questions about drugs you are taking, including over the counter preparations and natural herbs, please call the office.

       An office visit is scheduled the day before the surgery for final markings. Please shower before this visit and wear your favorite bikini bottom or underwear to the office so that the incisions and scars can be properly placed.

       You should be at the office surgicenter or hospital at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled surgical start time. Bring all paperwork from the office with you, as many of these papers will save time on the day of surgery.

       Post operatively you will have multiple drains to prevent an accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma). Most drains will be removed between the third and seventh days, though some may remain in place for 2 weeks. Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-4 nights, mostly for pain control and nursing care. This means you will go home with at least 1-2 drains. They are easy to take care of and the nurses will teach you all you need to know. While in bed you will have special stockings to help prevent blood clots.

       When you get out of bed you must walk carefully and avoid straining your incisions on your front or on your back. In a few days you will quickly gain stretch and be able to stand normally.

• Use deep breathing exercises and cough as needed.
• You will be on a liquid diet at first and then quickly advance to regular food.

       Since this is an abdominoplasty plus, there is post-operative pain, but the pain quickly resolves and the results are excellent. In the hospital you will have a pain pump and at home you will have oral pain medication.

       It is important to maintain a resting attitude for six weeks after surgery. While it is nearly impossible to tear the skin stitches, it IS possible to loosen the underlying permanent abdominal, thigh, and buttock, stitches and thereby lessen the operation's effectiveness. It is important to avoid all heavy lifting or exercise during the first 6 weeks after surgery while your underlying tissues are healing and forming new collagen fibers.