Gabay Cosmetic Surgery

Am I a candidate?

A: Abdominoplasty is usually performed on men and women between the ages of 25 and 60.  A basic history and physical is performed at the initial complimentary consultation, which quickly and easily determines the underlying health of the patient.  Most patients in this age group are otherwise healthy and excellent candidates.

How long will I be out of work?

A: Patients usually require 2 full workweeks off following abdominoplasty.  This procedure is performed under general anesthesia as directed by our board certified anesthesiologists here at the Philadelphia Surgi Center.  As a result, patients feel tired and worn out for a few days after surgery.  A pain catheter is placed to provide medicine directly to the abdomen to keep patients comfortable over the first three days.  No lifting over 10 pounds should be performed until 1 full month after surgery.

When can I return to the gym?

A: At 1 month, patients can begin to exercise the abdominal muscles. Most patients will actually begin to exercise their legs and chest as early as 3 weeks.  As long as you discuss your exercise plans with the doctor, a safe regimen can be “worked out”.

What kind of pain can I expect?

A: Most women describe more of a muscle spasm as opposed to pain. This is due to the tightening of the muscles along the waistline.  The use of pain catheters here at the Philadelphia Surgi Center has greatly reduced the complaint of postoperative pain in multiple clinical studies.  These thin catheters control the majority of the pain during the first 3 days after surgery.  This is the critical time when pain would be the greatest.  Prescriptions for appropriate pain medicine and muscle relaxant are written during the pre-operative visit.

What scars will result from the procedure?

A: The incision used to remove the lower abdominal skin and fat is created at a location slightly lower than a Caesarian Section.  This allows for the final scar to be hidden by low cut pants and even bikini bottoms is some cases.  All patient develop scars, and none is exactly like any other. As a result, can we cannot predict exactly how you will heal, but our surgical techniques will provide you with the best possible cosmetic result.

Should I wait if I want to have a baby?

A: The decision to have a tummy tuck surgery should include the decision not to become pregnant.  Although the procedure would allow for a future pregnancy, it is highly discouraged.  The end result will likely require another tummy tuck procedure to regain the cosmetic result originally obtained.

Click here to see before and after pictures.