Safety should always be the main concern. It is generallyrecommended that the length of elective surgery be less than six hours. Theprocedures should be performed in an ambulatory facility that is accredited byone of the national organizations like the American Association forAccreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) or in a licensedhospital. Many surgeons would recommend an overnight stay at an appropriatefacility where you can be appropriately monitored, no matter where theprocedures are performed.Keep in mind that following the advice of anysurgeon on this or any other web site who proposes to tell you what to dowithout: examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desiredoutcome, and taking a full medical history, as well as discussing the pros andcons of each operative option would not be in your best interest. I wouldsuggest your plastic surgeon be certified by The American Board of PlasticSurgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic PlasticSurgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with, and discuss yourconcerns with that surgeon in person. That way, you can have a better idea whatis safe and makes the most sense for you.Robert Singer, MD FACSLa Jolla, California
You should be able to go home from surgery in as little as an hour after surgery, especially if a long-acting (several days) local anesthetic is used such as Exparel. I have done hundreds of tummy tucks safely as outpatient surgeries and except under an extremely rare situation have not found it necessary for the patient to stay overnight. Best of luck with your surgery!
