Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck continued

Liposuction or Tummy Tuck: The Pre-Operative Appointment

The next step, your pre-operative appointment, takes your patient process to the next level; with a more in-depth discussion of your specific goals, and the surgical plan that will be used to accomplish them. You'll engage in doctor/patient dialogue on what to expect from your surgery, including a discussion on potential risks and complications. Additionally, your medical history will be acknowledged, and a physical exam will take place.

Following this, patients receive a prescription for a pre-operative medication, and the required blood test(s) are ordered. Finally, Dr. Heil will confirm that you have elected a responsible adult to drive you home following surgery. If you have any additional questions, you may phone them in to our Pittsburgh tummy tuck office prior to your surgery date.

Liposuction or Tummy Tuck: The Day of Surgery

As you may soon find out, excitement and anxiety are both natural and expected on the day of surgery. Fortunately, our AAASF certified Pittsburgh plastic surgery facility offers you the highest quality accreditation for surgical facilities in the U.S. Additionally, our skilled, experienced surgical team, including Dr. Heil, our qualified anesthesiologist (also a medical doctor), and a top-notch nursing staff is at your disposal.

As stated above, general anesthesia is the safest, most effective means of anesthesia for either of these procedures; after it is administered, you'll fall asleep quickly and comfortably. The surgery, each of which is detailed above, will then begin.

Upon completion of surgery, you will be wheeled into the recovery room for approximately 90 minutes of observation by a Registered Nurse. Before you are released, he/she will confirm that you have:

• Fully awakened
• Urinated
• No signs of abnormal bleeding

Once you are released, you and the party you have elected to drive you home will review post-operative instructions with the staff. It should also be noted that patients who live more than one hour away are strongly advised to stay at a local hotel for the first night following surgery, in order that we may evaluate you at a moment's notice if you experience emergency problems. This is the optimal scenario for your protection.

Liposuction or Tummy Tuck: The Recovery

The first of a short series of follow-up appointments will take place two to three days after surgery. During that time, Dr. Heil will remove your surgical drains and obtain feedback regarding your experience. This is undoubtedly the ideal time for you to ask questions regarding recovery.

One of the most common questions is a request for a timeline on resuming normal activities; specifically, returning to work, exercise, and sexual intercourse. Normally, patients return to work within this first week (with the exception of physically laborious occupations, which should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Heil). Exercise will need to be avoided for the first several weeks. The same is true for sexual activity, as it can interfere with healing and the sterility of wounds.

During the second week, your sutures will be removed. Again, you may ask questions of Dr. Heil during that time. Your final visit to us will take place six weeks post-operative, when the compression garment will be removed. Again, it's important that you do not engage in exercise or other strenuous efforts during this time.

Liposuction Risks

As with any cosmetic surgery, complications, however rare, may arise. Some risks of liposuction include infection, anesthesia reactions, blood clotting, and fluid accumulation or loss. Less severe risks, which are more common among our Pittsburgh liposuction patients, include bruises and scars, a numbing of the skin, and mild changes in skin pigmentation.

There are complications with excessive liposuction, including irregularities like dents, lumps, and sagging skin; plus, there is a heightened risk of overexposure to anesthesia. To minimize this, patients should schedule multiple liposuction procedures at least several days apart.

Finally, patients should be aware that because the targeted fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction, they should commit to a healthy lifestyle thereafter. If significant weight is gained in the months or years following liposuction, the fat will accumulate irregularly in other areas of the body - because it cannot accumulate in the area that was treated. The result is a disproportionate, often "lumpy," appearance.

Tummy Tuck Risks

The risks of a tummy tuck are similar to those associated with liposuction, including anesthesia reactions, aspiration pneumonia, bleeding, blood clots, delayed wound healing, and infection. These can be avoided by carefully following the instructions you receive from our Pittsburgh tummy tuck surgeon. Occasionally, patients report a numbing sensation in the navel area following tummy tuck. For more information, inquire to Dr. Heil about these risks during your initial consultation.

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