Denver Weightloss Surgery

Excess Skin Removal

You’ve gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and spiritually, and it’s very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.

This surgery is similar to a tummy tuck but is more complex. Panniculectomy cuts out the large abdominal apron of fat that hangs down in obese people or those who have lost a great deal of weight.

Home Care After Panniculectomy

Please follow these instructions in addition to those listed on the General Home Care After Plastic Surgery sheet you received. Abdominoplasty / Panniculectomy

• If you have steri strips (butterfly tapes) on your incision, leave them in place until your first doctor’s visit after the surgery.
• If you have drains, empty them as instructed. Record the amount of drainage and reapply the suction 2 times a day.
• Sponge bathe daily until the drains are removed, then you can shower.
• Wash your wound with soap and water and pat it dry once a day.
• Clean around the drains once a day and replace the dressings. If the dressings are soiled, they can be replaced more often.
• Do not lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks. This includes children and pets.
• Do not put pressure or weight on your abdomen for 6 weeks.
• Wear an abdominal binder, if provided, 24 hours a day until you return for your first doctor’s visit after surgery. You may remove it to clean your wound.

As expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor can prescribe a painkiller if needed, and will instruct you on how to best handle the pain. Soreness may last for several weeks or months. You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period. As with any surgery, there are risks. Remember, this surgery affects a very crucial part of your body. Though they’re rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. You may carry an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung or liver disease.

You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery. As we mentioned before, the scars from a tummy tuck are fairly prominent, and though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you’ve completely healed to help with the scars.

Return to Living

Generally, most people love the new look after they’ve undergone this procedure; however, you may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You’ve gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and spiritually, and it’s very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.