Preparation for Surgery
It is very important that Dr. Van Laeken is aware of the state of your general health prior to surgery. Please let her know of any allergies you have, medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are taking as well as the reasons for taking them. It is also important that you inform Dr. Van Laeken if you have a tendency for Keloid scarring (thick, wide, or raised scars).

If you are a smoker we encourage you to quit prior to proceeding with an Abdominoplasty. Smoking can interfere with the blood flow to the skin, and will inhibit the healing of the incisions.

Depending on your age as well as your general health pre-operative tests may be ordered, such as blood tests, or an ECG (electrocardiogram).

It is important that you avoid taking vitamin E, anti-inflammatories or aspirin products for 2 weeks prior to surgery. These products are anti-coagulants, and could lead to hematoma formation and bleeding during the surgery.

Most patients who have sedentary jobs plan to take 2 weeks off work. If your job involves a great deal of physical activity Dr. Van Laeken can advise you as to how much time you should take off.

Procedure
Dr. Van Laeken operates at several different hospitals, but generally performs Abdominoplasties at either the False Creek Surgical Centre, or the Vancouver Plastic Surgery Centre. These are both state of the art, fully accredited private surgical facilities.

The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic.

The incision for the Abdominoplasty is made along the lower abdomen just above the pubic line. The length of the incision depends on if you are having a full or mini Abdominoplasty. Generally for a full Abdominoplasty the incision extends from hip to hip. The incision normally cannot be seen when wearing undergarments or bathing suits.

During an abdominoplasty, Dr. Van Laeken will often repair the vertical muscles of the abdomen that can become separated during pregnancy. The muscles are pulled tightly together, and then sutured into the new position.

Recovery
When you arrive home from the clinic, you should rest in bed with pillows under your knees to help minimize the pull on the incision. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. You should be able to get up and do short walks 1-2 days after surgery. Dr. Van Laeken does not want you to stand perfectly straight for the first few days to avoid tension on the area.

Between days 3-5 you should see Dr. Van Laeken to have the drainage tube removed. After that appointment you will be able to have a shower. Please do so with lukewarm water and your back to the spray. Your next appointment should be in approximately 10-14 days to remove the sutures.

You should not drive for at least one week following the surgery.

A surgical compression garment is an important part of the recovery period, as it helps to avoid any fluid building up under the skin. Dr. Van Laeken suggests that you wear the garment for 6 weeks post surgery. It is also best to avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks post operatively.

There will be swelling and bruising for up to 3 months post operatively.

Potential Complications
There are risks associated with any type of surgery. Although the incidence of complications is rare Dr. Van Laeken feels that all patients should be informed of the potential complications prior to proceeding with surgery.

This procedure is subject to the same complications as all other surgical procedures such as infection, bleeding, and failure to heal, which could require appropriate treatment including possible further surgery.

Haematoma - Blood can gather under the skin and cause a blood clot. If this does occur, Dr. Van Laeken can drain the area. Indications of a haematoma are a firm, painful lump that causes colour change in the skin. This rarely occurs after 48 hours post operatively.

Infection - Signs of infection are localized heat, redness, fever, and pain. Dr. Van Laeken can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Occasionally the area will need to be drained.

Seroma - Serum can accumulate underneath the skin. On occasion it is necessary to have the fluid drained.

Necrosis -Tissue loss that can occur when blood supply to the skin and tissue is compromised.

Swelling - There can be persistent swelling in the lower abdominal area.

Hypersensitivity / Numbness - The sensation of the abdomen can be altered temporarily or permanently.