Tummy Tuck in Charlotte, NC

Two weeks before your tummy tuck surgery, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire that will be reviewed by the doctor. A physical exam will be performed, and careful measurements will be taken. You will meet with one of our nurses to discuss your motivations and desires in terms of the final appearance. The proposed plan, consent forms, medications, pre- and post-op care and follow-ups will also be reviewed. Any questions you have will be answered at that time. Photographs will be taken. After the exam, Dr. Ferrari will discuss your options and show your photographs of other patients. Finally, you will pay the balance of your procedure or set up affordable monthly payments.

If you have certain medical conditions, Dr. Ferrari may ask you to have some blood tests done or obtain a preoperative clearance from your primary-care physician. All products containing nicotine, aspirin and certain medications or herbal supplements that are known to inhibit clotting should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to your abdominoplasty. Dr. Ferrari also can give you information about vitamins that can help aid in healing and minimize scarring.

Most procedures are done in our operating room at Premier Plastic Surgery Center, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) to ensure the highest standards in safety. In rare cases, the procedures are performed in a hospital setting such as Novant's Matthews Medical Center (formerly called Presbyterian Hospital - Matthews).

Though most plastic surgeons employ nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), at Premier Plastic Surgery Center we only use board-certified anesthesiologists (MDs) who specialize in outpatient procedures. These physicians are able to give precise combinations of anesthetics that provide excellent comfort before and during the procedure as well as quick recovery after the procedure. Our anesthetic regimens wear off very quickly, so you won't have that ”hangover” effect that typically occurs with other anesthetics.

In addition to having prescription pain medications (typically narcotics such as Lortab, Nucynta, Demerol or Percocet), patients have the option of having a long-acting local anesthetic (Exparel) injected into the muscles and skin edges at the time of surgery. This will provide significant pain relief for approximately three days. Most patients will still need to take some oral pain medications as well, but only about half as much when compared to those who opted to not have the Exparel injected.

Depending on how many areas are treated, most patients get back to work in two weeks. Though we encourage light activity right away, we recommend patients wait at least three weeks before resuming vigorous exercise and to try to limit your salt intake in order to avoid excessive swelling. Since fat is a fragile organ, it tends to swell after the surgery. About half the swelling is resolved in the first month. The rest of the swelling can take approximately six to eight months to resolve completely.

Yes. Careful measurements will be taken to provide you with an abdominal binder right after surgery. After one to two weeks, you will then transition to a compressive garment that will help minimize your swelling. Ideally, you would wear the binder or garment for at least 12 to 18 hours per day for the first three weeks. We recommend you remove the binder when you are in bed to reduce the pressure on your leg veins. After three weeks, we recommend you wear the garment at least 12 hours per day for the next two months.

Visit the Specials page to check for current promotional discounts on services at Premier Plastic Surgery Center. Flexible, interest-free payment plans are also available.