Is Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Painful?

While abdominal wall reconstruction is a significant surgical procedure, Dr. Olatomide Familusi and her team at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery prioritize patient comfort and pain management. During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia, ensuring you do not feel any pain. Some discomfort, swelling, and soreness postoperatively are normal, but these symptoms can be effectively managed with prescribed pain medications and proper care. Dr. Familusi will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support to help minimize pain and ensure a smooth recovery. Our team is dedicated to your comfort and will be available to address any concerns you may have during the healing process.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments needed for abdominal wall reconstruction varies based on individual circumstances and the complexity of the procedure. Typically, the process includes: Initial Consultation: During this appointment, Dr. Familusi will evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Preoperative Appointment : The preoperative assessment is usually scheduled 3-4 weeks before surgery. This visit includes completing any necessary tests, reviewing instructions, and finalizing the surgical plan. Postoperative Follow-Up Appointments: Several follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your recovery, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure optimal healing. These appointments usually occur at intervals such as one week, one month, three months, and six months post-surgery. During your initial consultation, Dr. Familusi and her team at Élevé Plastic Surgery will provide a detailed timeline and schedule of appointments, ensuring you are fully informed and prepared for your surgical journey.

How Long Until I See Results?

Generally, you can expect to see initial improvements within a few weeks after surgery as swelling and bruising begin to subside. In the first few weeks, you will notice a reduction in discomfort and a gradual improvement in the appearance and function of your abdominal wall. Following Dr. Familusi’s post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Most patients experience significant improvements within three to six months, with continued refinement of the results as the body heals completely.

Can I Combine Abdominal Wall Reconstruction With Other Procedures?

Abdominal wall reconstruction is usually performed as a standalone procedure. However, small hernia repairs can be combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal area, providing a well-functioning, toned midsection. During your consultation, Dr. Familusi will help you determine the best combination of procedures to meet your ideal aesthetic goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?

Like any surgical procedure, abdominal wall reconstruction can have some risks, although Dr. Olatomide Familusi and her team at Élevé Plastic Surgery take every precaution to minimize them and ensure a safe experience. Potential risks include: Infection Bleeding Scarring Seroma Hernia recurrence Pain Anesthesia risks Delayed healing Dr. Familusi will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation and provide you with comprehensive pre- and post-operative instructions to help mitigate them. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Atlanta, GA

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Introduction to Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (Hernia Repair)

The abdomen is one of the most complex anatomic structures in the human body. Trauma and complex hernias that weaken your abdominal wall can interfere with vital functions such as breathing and urination. At Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Sandy Springs, GA, Dr. Olatomide (Tomi) Familusi offers patients expert abdominal wall reconstruction to restore peace of mind and quality of life. She utilizes best-in-class suturing methods as well as more advanced techniques such as mesh reinforcement and autologous flap surgery to comprehensively correct abdominal irregularities.

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What is Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?

Abdominal wall reconstruction, also known as hernia repair, is a specialized surgical procedure that restores the integrity, strength, and function of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is typically recommended for patients who have undergone multiple major abdominal surgeries resulting in gaps in the abdominal wall or damage to the abdominal muscles. Hernias can cause recurrent issues such as pain, bowel obstruction, and life-threatening intestinal strangulation.

What Are the Benefits of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?

Abdominal wall reconstruction can offer many benefits, such as symptom relief, improved physical function, and enhanced aesthetic appearance of the abdomen. This procedure often significantly improves the quality of life for our patients who are dealing with discomfort and limitations caused by abdominal wall defects. Some of the benefits include:

Restored Abdominal Function
Pain Relief
Enhanced Appearance
Improved Quality of Life
Reduced Risk of Complications
Personalized Care

Who Are the Best Candidates for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?

Ideal candidates for abdominal wall reconstruction include:

Individuals with hernias, especially recurrent or complex ones.
Those with abdominal trauma or defects from previous surgeries.
Healthy individuals without underlying conditions that could potentially complicate surgery.
Non-smokers or those willing to quit to ensure optimal healing.

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Let’s Get Started

What’s the first step?

The first step towards abdominal wall reconstruction with Dr. Olatomide (Tomi) Familusi is to schedule a consultation. During this initial meeting, Dr. Familusi will discuss your medical history, concerns, and goals before conducting a thorough physical examination and developing a personalized treatment plan to suit your specific needs. Contact Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery today to begin your journey towards a stronger, more confident you today.

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What to Expect on the Day of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Surgery

Upon arriving on the day of your abdominal wall reconstruction surgery in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Olatomide Familusi and our team will ensure that you are well-informed and comfortable about the upcoming procedure. You will undergo a preoperative assessment, which includes vital checks and a review of the surgical plan. Dr. Familusi works with a general surgeon to ensure adhesions (scar tissue on the intestines) from prior abdominal surgeries are meticulously addressed.

Once in the operating room, you will receive anesthesia for a pain-free experience. Dr. Familusi will then perform the surgery with the utmost precision and care to restore the strength and functionality of your abdominal wall. The duration of the surgery may vary based on the complexity of the case, but our team will keep you informed throughout the entire process.

Following the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where our medical staff will monitor your initial recovery before you are transferred to the inpatient unit for recovery over 2-3 days. You will be discharged home once your care team confirms the return of normal bowel function.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Recovery

The initial phase after an abdominal wall reconstruction surgery might involve some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but Dr. Familusi will answer all of your questions and provide you with thorough instructions on managing these symptoms with prescribed pain medications. It’s crucial to follow her guidelines on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications recommended by Dr. Familusi. Remember to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks to help the healing process.

Make sure to attend your regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. Most patients can expect to gradually resume normal activities within six to eight weeks, with full recovery taking several months. Dr. Familusi and the team at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery are here to support you throughout every stage of your recovery journey to ensure the best possible outcome from your procedure.

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How Much Does Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Cost in Atlanta, GA?

For patients with well-documented symptoms caused by their hernias, abdominal reconstruction is usually covered by insurance. However, depending on your insurance plan and deductible amounts, your insurance company may assign some portion of the cost of surgery to you.

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Why Choose Dr. Familusi?

Choosing Dr. Olatomide (Tomi) Familusi for your abdominal wall reconstruction means trusting a highly skilled and compassionate surgeon who consistently shows dedication to your well-being. She was even awarded the University of Pennsylvania Health System Patient Experience Champion of the Year Award, which highlights her commitment to excellence in patient care.

Dr. Familusi’s impressive background includes an M.D. and M.S. in Clinical Research Methods from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and extensive post-graduate training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This combination of top-notch education and hands-on experience ensures you’re in capable hands.

When you visit Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Familusi takes the time to understand your specific needs and goals so she can create a personalized treatment plan just for you. With her expertise, empathy, and a strong commitment to your health and happiness, you can trust her to be there for you every step of the way.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (Hernia Repair) FAQ’S

While abdominal wall reconstruction is a significant surgical procedure, Dr. Olatomide Familusi and her team at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery prioritize patient comfort and pain management. During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia, ensuring you do not feel any pain.

Some discomfort, swelling, and soreness postoperatively are normal, but these symptoms can be effectively managed with prescribed pain medications and proper care. Dr. Familusi will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support to help minimize pain and ensure a smooth recovery.

Our team is dedicated to your comfort and will be available to address any concerns you may have during the healing process.
The number of appointments needed for abdominal wall reconstruction varies based on individual circumstances and the complexity of the procedure. Typically, the process includes:
1. Initial Consultation: During this appointment, Dr. Familusi will evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
2. Preoperative Appointment: The preoperative assessment is usually scheduled 3-4 weeks before surgery. This visit includes completing any necessary tests, reviewing instructions, and finalizing the surgical plan.
3. Postoperative Follow-Up Appointments: Several follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your recovery, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure optimal healing. These appointments usually occur at intervals such as one week, one month, three months, and six months post-surgery.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Familusi and her team at Élevé Plastic Surgery will provide a detailed timeline and schedule of appointments, ensuring you are fully informed and prepared for your surgical journey.
Generally, you can expect to see initial improvements within a few weeks after surgery as swelling and bruising begin to subside.

In the first few weeks, you will notice a reduction in discomfort and a gradual improvement in the appearance and function of your abdominal wall. Following Dr. Familusi’s post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Most patients experience significant improvements within three to six months, with continued refinement of the results as the body heals completely.
Abdominal wall reconstruction is usually performed as a standalone procedure. However, small hernia repairs can be combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal area, providing a well-functioning, toned midsection.

During your consultation, Dr. Familusi will help you determine the best combination of procedures to meet your ideal aesthetic goals.
Like any surgical procedure, abdominal wall reconstruction can have some risks, although Dr. Olatomide Familusi and her team at Élevé Plastic Surgery take every precaution to minimize them and ensure a safe experience. Potential risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Seroma
- Hernia recurrence
- Pain
- Anesthesia risks
- Delayed healing
Dr. Familusi will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation and provide you with comprehensive pre- and post-operative instructions to help mitigate them. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation

Taking the first step towards abdominal wall reconstruction is easy with Dr. Olatomide Familusi at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Scheduling a consultation is your opportunity to discuss your medical history, concerns, and goals with a dedicated and compassionate expert. During this initial meeting, Dr. Familusi will conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact our office online or by phone today to book your consultation and begin your journey towards improved health, confidence, and well-being. Our team at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is here to provide you with the exceptional care and support you deserve, ensuring every step of your experience is marked by elevated hospitality and unmatched results.

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