Safety & Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Our approach at Newvue is to always put our patient’s safety above all other concerns. We have invested in state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards.
Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with a tummy tuck procedure in Bellevue. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with tummy tucks include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.
Prior to Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
Prior to your tummy tuck surgery, we will schedule a preoperative appointment with Dr. Min in Bellevue. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that your procedure goes smoothly and efficiently. Our staff will review the risks and benefits of the procedure, your consent forms, and answer any questions you might have. You may be given prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. You will be given a list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your tummy tuck procedure in Bellevue. After you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Min and with your anesthesiologist. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax. You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a general anesthetic. Surgery usually takes 2-3 hours. You will wake up in the recovery room, where you are closely monitored. We will let you know how everything went and advise you on what to expect as you recover. You want to be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first couple of days as you adjust.
After Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
You are still our patient after you leave, and we will be there for you as you recover to answer any questions you may have and advise you on any side effects you may be feeling. You can expect to feel tired and sore after the tummy tuck surgery in Bellevue, and you will experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area, both of which can be managed with medication.
You may have a surgical drain installed in your abdomen, which you will use to periodically drain fluid from the site of the surgery. The drain will generally be removed at your first follow-up visit (1-2 weeks). You will likely wear a binding, abdominal dressing for 2-4 weeks following surgery. While some movement is permissible, most patients will want to avoid any even mildly strenuous exercise (such as climbing more than a few stairs) for 7-10 days. Most patients return to work in 1-2 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks and avoid high-impact activities (skiing, wakeboarding, contact sports) for the duration of your recovery (6-8 weeks). Your stitches will dissolve and be absorbed by your body, so you will not have to worry about getting them removed.