Primary Reason for Hospital Stay After a Tummy Tuck?

Most patients across the country go home after tummy tuck surgery. I do most of my surgery out of a hospital setting where my patients have the option to stay or go home. Over 90% of my patients choose to stay overnight. Granted it is a special program which only costs an additional $300 but they find real value in it. Why? It's nice not to have to home directly after the surgery and anesthetic. They can be treated for any pain or nausea. I think the biggest benefit is the fact that they can continue to receive IV fluids, which not only decreases nausea but also keeps you well hydrated and reduces blood clots (DVT). Also compression stockings (SCDs) are continued throughout the night which also decreases DVT. The nurses also help you deal with the drains and getting in and out of bed. In summary, while hospital stays after tummy tuck are not necessary, there is great value in using them if they are readily available.

In the United States, most tummy tucks are done on an outpatient basis with patients going home the day of surgery. The two main reasons why a patient might need admission are 1) excessive post-operative pain and 2)inadquate oral intake because of nausea/vomiting.  When patients are admitted after surgey these two problems can be better treated in that patients can be given pain medicine and fluids by an iv. Currently, anesthesia providers are experts at preventing and treating nausea and vomiting.  Also, pain is usually well controlled with oral pain meds.  Some patients will also benefit from the use of pain pumps.   Fortunately, it is extremely rare for patients to require admission after a tummy tuck. 

we did this for years and have stopped this in the last ten years.   it is not necessary.. pain can be controlled with proper care.  it is safe and reasonable to go home

In my practice whether an abdominoplasty patient stays overnight depends on if there are combined procedures that may require further monitoring of hydration status, blood pressure and/or pain control. During the consultation the determination is made if overnight stay would be necessary.  Different surgeons will have their own criteria for overnight admission.  You will have to determine your comfort level with the surgeon of your choosing reasons "To or Not To" admit you overnight.

Dr. ES

Tummy tuck is a significant amount of surgery.  Often is may be accompanied with liposuction and sometimes breast surgery.  If it is a long case 6 or more hours i offer a 23 hour stay for comfort and monitoring.  The patients health plays a significant decision on every aspect of this type case.  If you are in good health and a 4 or 5 hour case and good support at home, then it sounds reasonable.

I always use a pain pump for comfort.