Anyone else have an outpatient abdominoplasty?

[Heather_8.1.14 65]

I saw my plastic surgeon a few weeks ago and we went over everything that I want to get done, and he always starts with the stomach first, then move on to other problem areas. He told me that I am an excellent candidate for the abdominoplasty (as well as the others I'd like to have done) and he told me that I can actually have it done outpatient which will save me almost $3,000.00 This plastics is also my WL surgeons husband so I trust him whole heartedly and his work is AMAZING.

So, my question is have any of you had an outpatient procedure? What was the first 24-48 hours like? I'm going to be self pay for this since my insurance wont cover it (also why I'm only doing one procedure at a time for now) and if possible I'm going to have it done in June or July.

[AvaFern 3,516]

All of my plastics procedures have been outpatient. I had an abdominoplasty done at the same time as Lipo on my legs, thighs, and back and a breast lift/ augment. I went into surgery at 7:30 and I was back home by 4:30. This was my first surgery so I had a friend stay with me for a few days and her job was primarily to go get me more to drink and to periodically find the remote when I managed to lose it somewhere in my giant stack of pillows or on the floor. I had two other plastics procedures where I had no one at home with me and I was just fine, so recovery is not bad at all. The first 24-48 hours are actually the best because you still have a lot of numbness and the drugs are good. You basically just sit, watch tv, and zone out, periodically taking naps. I stopped the drugs at 72 hours each time and I was fine without any other form of pain medication. The first week is the worst because you can't move freely, so you're hunched over, you can't reach things, twisting the wrong way hurts, getting up in bed is a challenge, and you're cranky. After that though it's smooth sailing and I'm sure you will love your new stomach! It is probably my favorite of the results I have had.

[freelee 128]

This is amazing information! I am so surprised it can be done outpatient!. Thanks for letting us know. That is very encouraging. I've always heard it is like having a C-section, which was not outpatient, but not horrible either. Will you / Did you have an epidural or completely out? I'm hoping you say completely out, can't imagine hearing them talk about removing all the skin!

[Bluesea71 698]

Most plastic surgery is performed in the United States on a outpatient basis unless there is a complication. I suspect this is to keep costs down, not because we wouldn't benefit from the extra care!

[BayougirlMrsS 3,939]

i stayed over night and im grateful for the person that invented Morphine.... hehehehe. all i had was a TT it was 8800 and i put it on an interest free credit card and paid on it. For me it was better than putting on care credit...

[Sherrischeffler 74]

I was out patient also on TT, &hoping i get approval for Breast reduction in next 3 weeks & that also will be outpatient with same plastic surgeon.

[Julie norton 2,850]

Heck yeah! 8 weeks ago tomorrow ... TT and abdomnoplasty outpatient... In by 7 out by 1... Just had galfriends come in everyday and check on me... Bring soup..

By far, the hardest thing was to get up and down for almost a week. I had a roll to the side, push up with your arm type system... Still hurt, but followed Doc orders and laid low... Walking blocks in 3 wks. Light workouts in 5.. Back to it at 6 weeks. Adore the results and to me, worth the pain....NOW!

I was completely out and I did need pain meds for about 10 days... Really glad I had them.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

When I had usa consults I wasn't even offered a hospital option.

I wound up going to Dr Sauceda in Mexico for several reasons but one of them is I had fear about being sent home same day. Not entirely rational but that was my headspace at the time.

Anyway it's very typical to do as outpatient.

[spiritedcowgirl63 108]

I'm having fdl on June 11th outpatient. Surgical unit with hospital 3 blocks away. Can't wait:-)

[Mary23 17]

Just had my TT on 04/28! Feeling sore but totally self sufficient. So thankful for my surgeon and his team! Completely happy!

[Mary23 17]

I'm having fdl on June 11th outpatient. Surgical unit with hospital 3 blocks away. Can't wait:-)

Good luck! It is totally worth it!

[MichiganChic 3,262]

My lower body lift and brachioplasty were done in a hospital as an outpatient. I was kept overnight as an observation patient. I think that's pretty typical in my area.

I had my thigh lift and breast lift in an outpatient surgery center. It was late in the day and I had a hard time leaving at 10 pm, and probably shouldn't have gone home. My blood pressure was so low I passed out at home. I don't think I would consent to having a 5 or 6 hour procedure as an out patient again - I just don't do well with the anesthesia and pain, I suppose.

[jess9395 5,450]

3/4 of my consults in CA said outpatient. The fourth wanted to keep me one night in surgery center for observation

[loseitsoon 157]

Please, spend the extra money and spend the night, it saved my life. A few hours after the TT I had external bleeding and had to go in for more surgery to stop it. The next day I received 2 blood transfusions. Yes complications are rare but they do happen. I recovered normally after that. Love the results of my TT.

[Mary23 17]

I just have to say looking back I am glad it was outpatient. The suture line is huge and at least I know how clean my home was and my carefiver( husband) kept my environment exceptionally sterile which is key and even high rated hospitals have germs. I felt better at home.