How Do I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Before undergoing a tummy tuck or any cosmetic surgery, you can take proactive steps to enhance recovery and achieve desired outcomes. While your surgeon will provide recovery guidelines, you can take proactive steps even before your initial consultation.

This includes adopting healthy habits and making sure your home environment is conducive to a smooth recuperation process.

Reach Your Desired Weight

If you haven’t reached your ideal weight, work on a weight loss plan before receiving a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck removes any excess skin left after weight loss or pregnancy, but it doesn’t help you lose weight. Be as close to your desired weight as you can when you schedule your consultation for the cosmetic surgery of a tummy tuck. If you have a few pockets of stubborn fat that won’t go away, your surgeon may recommend liposuction along with a tummy tuck.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A tummy tuck is a permanent procedure. But if you gain weight, it can diminish the results. To keep your new appearance, you’ll need to maintain your weight by adapting to a healthy lifestyle. Habits you begin before the surgery will carry through afterward. These habits include:

Eat enough protein to make you feel fuller for longer

Eat low-calories foods

Drink enough water

Exercise regularly

Get enough sleep

Plan for Post-Op Care

Following surgery, you may experience discomfort and reduced mobility, which will limit your usual activities. Reach out to family and friends ahead of time to arrange for assistance, especially if you have young children who will require lifting that you won’t be able to do. If you have pets, it might be helpful to board them or arrange for someone to care for them while you recover.

You’ll need to have someone drive you home from the surgery. They may need to spend the first night with you to monitor your recovery and help with tasks you are unable to accomplish due to limited movement. Here are more preparations to arrange beforehand so you can prioritize rest during your recovery period:

Prepare meals in advance to avoid cooking while recuperating

Organize personal items near your recovery space, such as bottled water, snacks, a book, and the TV remote

Make sure you have all of the required supplies for wound care to maintain cleanliness around your incisions

Take Time Off of Work

Talk to your employer and ask for time off from work as soon as you have a date set for the surgery. Allow ample time to recover before returning to work. You may be sore for several days and not feel up to sitting at a desk, traveling, or walking. Don’t feel pressured to return to work before you’re up to doing your job. Find out if you have the option of working at home to allow more time for recovery. If you have vacation time, you can choose to use it to take a couple of weeks off before returning.

Adjust or Change Behaviors

As with any surgery, you should stop smoking before having a tummy tuck. Limit your intake of alcohol for several weeks before the surgery. Nicotine and alcohol may slow the healing process. Try to eliminate as much stress as you can, which may hamper the immune system. Find out from your doctor if you need to stop taking any medications. For most surgeries, the doctor will have you stop blood thinner medications and aspirin. These medicines may increase the risk of blood loss during surgery.

Make a List of Questions

As you prepare for your tummy tuck surgery, compile a list of questions for the surgeon. It’s beneficial to have these questions prepared before your consultation to make sure you cover all your concerns. Inquire about the expected recovery duration specific to your type of tummy tuck. Address any questions regarding the procedure and its anticipated outcomes.

Find an Experienced Doctor for Cosmetic Surgery

Preparing for a tummy tuck involves practical steps to provide a comfortable recovery. By organizing your home, gathering necessary supplies, and arranging support from family or friends, you’re setting up the conditions for a smoother healing process. Focus on these preparations to alleviate stress and allow yourself to rest and recover effectively post-surgery. Schedule an appointment with an experienced plastic surgeon and begin your journey to a new appearance.