According to a study published in a recent issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, there is no real risk involved for patients who are fed after getting a “tummy tuck.”

Patient Condition Post-Operation

As with any surgery, there are risks and consequences associated with undergoing the abdominoplasty operation.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the more common side effects of having an abdominoplasty and can often cause severe dehydration and retching.

PONV can also slow down the healing process and cause complications with any wounds that may be trying to heal after the operation.

To date, health care providers have withheld food after the operation from patient’s to prevent PONV from lingering, and patients are prevented from going home right away so they can be given intravenous fluids to assure that they are being properly hydrated.

However, the new study shows that none of this is necessary and there may be no real harm in food consumption after surgery.

The Study

In the study, the 22 participants who underwent abdominoplasty were divided into two groups.

The first group followed the original rules and were prevented from eating after surgery.

The second group was given a meal immediately after the operation.

Researchers concluded that neither group suffered any complications and the group that was given food showed no signs of deteriorating health.

(Source: The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

Are you considering getting an abdominoplasty? Please contact us to schedule a FREE consultation with a board certified surgeon who will help answer all of your questions.