Hello! I am looking into skin removal due to loosing 140lbs and having 3 children. I believe I would receive a FDL or a circular/belt tummy tuck. One thing that has concerned me is I have heard this procedure is 99% of the time a outpatient procedure. Why? I am curious as someone who had 2 c sections, I was a 48 hour stay and I feel the FDL or Belt TT would be more invasive? I would love to know why Thank you for your time!
February 15, 2022
Answer: Tummy Tuck as an Outpatient Procedure Hello. You are asking a very good - and challenging - question concerning the different forces acting to influence outpatient plastic surgery. 1. Surgeries performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited surgical facilities has been shown to be safe. A study including over 20 years of data and more 26,000 cases supports the safety of outpatient plastic surgery procedures—performed by qualified plastic surgeons, at an accredited outpatient surgical center (ASPS, link attached). 2. Plastic surgeons have greater flexibility to perform procedures in outpatient centers. 3. Hospitals receive greater revenue for insurance-based surgeries in hospital operating rooms, so there has been pressure to limit the amount of elective cosmetic surgical time. This has pushed plastic surgeons from the hospitals into surgical centers. 4. There have been advances in the overall care plan for outpatient surgery, such as pain medication therapy - exparel, pain pumps - that have allowed for better non-narcotic pain treatment; better garments and support wear; etc. I began my career when patients would stay in the hospital for a day or two following a larger procedure. I think it was helpful for a great many patients. Unfortunately, that system has passed. It would be nice to still have that option. Respectfully, Jules A Feledy, Jr, MD American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgery
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February 15, 2022
Answer: Tummy Tuck as an Outpatient Procedure Hello. You are asking a very good - and challenging - question concerning the different forces acting to influence outpatient plastic surgery. 1. Surgeries performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited surgical facilities has been shown to be safe. A study including over 20 years of data and more 26,000 cases supports the safety of outpatient plastic surgery procedures—performed by qualified plastic surgeons, at an accredited outpatient surgical center (ASPS, link attached). 2. Plastic surgeons have greater flexibility to perform procedures in outpatient centers. 3. Hospitals receive greater revenue for insurance-based surgeries in hospital operating rooms, so there has been pressure to limit the amount of elective cosmetic surgical time. This has pushed plastic surgeons from the hospitals into surgical centers. 4. There have been advances in the overall care plan for outpatient surgery, such as pain medication therapy - exparel, pain pumps - that have allowed for better non-narcotic pain treatment; better garments and support wear; etc. I began my career when patients would stay in the hospital for a day or two following a larger procedure. I think it was helpful for a great many patients. Unfortunately, that system has passed. It would be nice to still have that option. Respectfully, Jules A Feledy, Jr, MD American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgery
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Answer: Hospital Stay Hello and thanks for your question. First of all, the process of aftercare may change depends on the doctor's practice. All of my patients who has a procedure under general anesthesia stays at least one night in hospital just in case. In major procedures like tummy tuck, face lift and etc, I want my patients to stay 2 nights in hospital. I can extend their stay in the hospital depends on their healing process and situation. After the body contouring operations(tummy tuck and liposuction), the mobilization is very important. Patient should start to walk and movement. The hospital has special plastic surgery nurses to help and assist the patients.
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Answer: Hospital Stay Hello and thanks for your question. First of all, the process of aftercare may change depends on the doctor's practice. All of my patients who has a procedure under general anesthesia stays at least one night in hospital just in case. In major procedures like tummy tuck, face lift and etc, I want my patients to stay 2 nights in hospital. I can extend their stay in the hospital depends on their healing process and situation. After the body contouring operations(tummy tuck and liposuction), the mobilization is very important. Patient should start to walk and movement. The hospital has special plastic surgery nurses to help and assist the patients.
Helpful
