What do you advise for out of town tummy tuck patients? How long should you stay in town?

Thanks for the question. In my practice I recommend to my patients to stay at least the first two weeks post op in town if everything goes fine, to avoid unnecessary complications. Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mal

I usually can remove drains in 2-3 days, but for many techniques the drains stay in longer.  You definitely should be within driving distance until the drains come out, and usually a couple of days longer to make sure there is no recurrent fluid collection.   I like to see my patients again about 2 weeks after surgery, and after that it is variable depending on the patient and ease of travel. However, every surgeon has their own protocol.  Abdominoplasty more than most elective cosmetic procedures has the potential for issues that need further management, and you should discuss this with your surgeon.  Some patients have engaged in medical tourism to save money, and if you go out of the country, and then have problems, that can be a very difficult problem.

Hello,You will find that the time suggested typically ranges between 1-2 weeks however your specific health picture, surgical plan and your Plastic Surgeon will determine that. I recommend that you discuss this with themAll the best

Each surgeon has their own
post operative protocols that differ. This questions should be address by your
chosen surgeon.
Regards,

HiI usually recommend sticking around until the first post-op visit, about 5-6 days after tummy tuck surgery.  If it is only a couple hours drive then my patients can go home the next day so long as all is well and come back for their 5-6 day followup.  If they come by flight then I advise to get travel cancellation in the event I want them to stick around for any reason after that visit.  I am very hands on so like to make sure that my patients are well cared for after the fact.  Once they go home we usually do Skype or phone consults in lieu of the regular followup visits.  However, the understanding is that they would come and see me if there are any concerns.  Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonAssistant Clinical Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training Program,McMaster University

That is a good question, and I think the answer is, it depends. I think most of my patients after a tummy-tuck alone opt to go home; if they have a several hour drive, sometimes they will stay the night at a local hotel or at the surgery center. Following an abdominoplasty, I usually see patients at about 1 week and 2 weeks out from surgery. So, as long as the prospect of driving back to see your physician at their recommended intervals sounds okay, you should be good going home. The challenges seem to arise in patients who travel very far for their surgery. If you have to take a flight to your surgical destination, it certainly complicates routine follow-up and it makes evaluations for unexpected concerns very challenging. 

Dear Jamia,   I have a lot of patients from Baltimore, which is only an hour away from my office in Tyson's corner , Fairfax , VA. So, in your case, you will have stay in a local hotel for over night and be examined the following day. You can leave back home for 4 days and return for check up and placement of the abdominal binder. The next appointment will be, again after 4 days and than a week, a month and 3 months.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center, for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.                Best of luck,                               Dr Widder

Hello and thank you for your question. I recommend 10 days.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with.   I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

I recommend that patients undergoing major surgical procedures stay in the area for at least a week, depending on the procedure.  Patient should be near their surgeon should there be urgent post surgical issues to deal with. Generally there is a drain in place and I usually take that out about one week out from surgery. Other than that, they can soon travel.  

If you spend the night after surgery then see the doctor the next day you could drive home if it is a short drive lets say 3 hours. You then can come back to see the doctor a week later. I usually see my tummy tuck patients once a week for the first 3-4 weeks depending on how they feel. Remember it is all about the patient having a great experience so I want to be there for you! Good Luck!