Should I opt for a hospital stay after tummy tuck?

Question

My plastic surgeon does not use exparel or pain pumps and I'm a bit concerned about the pain following initial recovery. He's given me the option of an overnight hospital stay for one or two nights. Would doing so provide me with better paincontrol?

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Are you having any other procedures done at the same time?  My rule is typically tummy tuck plus any other procedure, you stay overnight.  Rarely do patients want/need to stay any longer.  Regardless of when you go home, you will have to walk regularly around the house and do toe-up exercises to keep the blood flowing in your legs.  If you lay still for too long, you run the risk of blood clots in your legs.  In the hospital, they will typically help you walk and you usually wear "squeezers" on your legs to keep the blood flowing.  You also have the benefit of IV pain medication since your surgeon does not offer a pain pump. If you have little ones at home, I find that it is easier to "get away," at least for one night, for some private, quiet recovery time.  Best of luck to you!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although a tummy tuck can be done as an outpatient procedure in many patients, in my opinion a 1 night hospital stay greatly improves your comfort and helps you start your recovery in the most comfortable way.I frequently encourage my patients to spend an overnight in the hospital after tummy tuck.  The benefit is that nurses will be available to take care of U, and help teach you the best way to manage her daily activities once she leaves the hospital.  In addition if you have discomfort, intravenous medications for pain, nausea and other issues are available and can be administered in the hospital.  In addition if he stay overnight in the hospital we will be able to see your surgeon the next morning before you go home.In my hospital for cost of an overnight stay is about the same as a moderately expensive hotel room and very well worth the expense.

Should I opt for a hospital stay after tummy tuck?

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Should I opt for a hospital stay after tummy tuck?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.