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Painless Abdominoplasty ~Is There Such a Thing?

So far I have seen 2 PS re:tummy tuck & breast lift w/ augmentation. One PS says all patients get lipo on abdomen, hips, & mons pubis. Another one says I do not need lipo at all, just TT. The 3rd one I have not seen yet advertises a 'painless' abdominoplasty & that his patients only take Tylenol after a couple of days. Is this realistic to not have pain? I can't find any information on a 'painless' abdominoplasty, so I don't know if I should even see this PS. Please give opinions on this.

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by 3903anon in HI

Doctor Answers (13)
Community Comments (0)

Less pain is possible...No pain is not.

Hello, I am a big believer in pain pump placement during tummy tuck surgery and it does greatly reduce post-op pain, but anyone doing a tight muscular repair will cause at least some post-op pain. A tight muscular repair is one of the greatest benefits of a tummy tuck for most patients. I am also not a believer in BS and I smell BS in the "painless tummy tuck" doctors approach. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

Bearw of ANY "surgeon" hawking "painless" Tummy Tucks

Every ethical Plastic surgeon would give up his front teeth IF he could have NO pain after a Tummy Tuck. It is a physical impossibility. Although there are many ways to significantly reduce the amount of pain after surgery, there is NO WAY to have a completely painless recovery. A physician who advertises such a recovery is lying and you should avoid him at all cost. If he tells a whopper of this magnitude, why would you expect he be honest about anything else, including his operative... more

Advertising a Painless Abdominoplasty

First I must compliment you upon trying to obtain 3 consultations. Sounds like you may need an additional 3. Second, there is NO such thing as a "painless" Tummy Tuck, makes no sense. Beware of Greeks baring Gifts!

I would be concerned about the ethics of any surgeon advertising a "Painless" Tummy Tuck

Hi there- While many things can be done to minimize pain with plastic surgery (including tummy tuck), the fact is that most responsible plastic surgeons would tell you it is (of the procedures we do) the procedure associated with the greatest discomfort and disability after surgery. The vast majority of our patients do feel it to be a worthwhile endeavor (se the before and after gallery to understand why), but most would tell you their transformation was not without pain. I... more

Painless Tummy Tuck

I do not see how this is possible. There is always some sort of pain or discomfort with any type of surgery. A pain pump can be used to help decrease the pain and discomfort, but it is never pain free. I would seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who can discuss with you all the risks, benefits and alternatives to the procedure.

Painless abdominoplasty???? Be afraid, very afraid.

No abdominoplasty could possibly be painless, even with a pain pump. And, really, would you want it to be painless???? If you felt fine, you would be up doing all the things you shouldn't do and would increase your risk for popping stitches, stirring up bleeding, getting a fluid collection (seroma) etc, etc. I rarely use pain pumps any more because my patients were being way too active too soon after sugery. Abdominoplasty is a big operation with... more

Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware)

In the principles of patient-physician partnership, we, PS are obliged to be candid about risks, benefits, complications and the recovery process. While much of the pain can be controlled with pain pumps, which remain next to the operative site for approximately 5-7 days, prescription drugs and positioning, the truth is that all surgery produces some discomfort. Body contouring patients are for the most part, extremely motivated and should be commended for their... more

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

"Painless Abdominoplasty Isn't"

I think the myth of the painless abdominiplasty ahs been "busted" by the noted experts who ahve already responded here ! As for the lipo. I find it odd that a PS would say they do lipo on "all" patients in the areas you mention. It's common sense to only do lipo where you have excess areas of fat. Maybe you need another consultation.

Painless tummy tuck

Your best option is to find these patients on your own and get your own recommendation or referral. I doubt that a truly effective tummy tuck can be painless, especially if muscle plication is performed.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck surgeons

Very interesting what you are describing. I would certainly NOT go to the "painless" guy because that just isn't honest and I would not go to the guy who does lipo on every tummy tuck because that clearly is not necessary. So, that leaves you with one left.

Pain in Tummy Tuck

All abdominoplasties have some pain associated with them. However, there are ways to reduce this. Many people are able to reduce pain pills to Tylenol or something else minimal by 2-4 days. Not all abdominoplasties need liposuction, but most will need at least some. Discuss your desires and look at results. Pick the board certified surgeon who answers your questions and with whom you feel comfortable.

Painless abdominoplasty? Free lunch too

There are a number of things that can be done to minimize the discomfort after abdominoplasty, such as an On-Q "pain pump" which slowly infuses numbing medication into the surgical site for a few days after surgery. But if you need the muscle plication, which is very typical, there is no way to escape at least some discomfort. If it is not necessary, then your recovery can be very easy, but you need to make the decision based on results not trade-offs in the first couple of days of... more

Abdominoplasty without pain medicine?

I would be highly suspicious of this "painless" abdominoplasty that is being advertised. A true abdominoplasty with removal of skin, repositioning of umbilicus (belly button,) and tightening of musculature hurts. Typically some pain medicine will be required for at least a week. Even with the use of pain pumps, the procedure still has a real recovery. If it sounds too good to be true.......