Tummy tuck preparation can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before — and most have not! You may still not know what to expect from the procedure and feel apprehensive about how you’ll be faring after surgery as well.
Naturally, it’s important to ask as many questions as possible at your consultation and any subsequent surgery appointment you have prior to your cosmetic procedure. However, we’ve also provided you with a detailed tummy tuck preparation list below to help aid you as you move toward your operation.
Preparation for Tummy Tuck: A Comprehensive List of Tips
1. Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally
Focus on both the physical and mental/emotional aspects of surgery preparation. Follow any pre-surgery instructions your doctor gives you, like avoiding certain foods or medications. But also try meditation and mindfulness techniques to calm your worries and anxiety.
2. Arrange Help for Your Kids and Pets
At home, be sure that your children and pets will be taken care of. Often, following a tummy tuck surgical procedure, patients cannot lift kids or pets and will need help with meal preparation, school pickup and drop-off, and other duties such as grooming and general caregiving.
3. Get Your Home Prepared for the Recovery Period
3. Get Your Home Prepared for the Recovery PeriodSet up a cozy recovery spot! You’ll want to gather comfort items such as pillows, blankets, and easy-to-reach items like books and remotes.
Add a basket of snacks and bottled waters, and be sure you have the small things you’ll need like pen and paper, a phone charger, tissues, and lip balm as well.
4. Prep Your Meals and Snacks
We recommend that tummy tuck patients prep some nutritional meals in advance and freezing or refrigerating them. This way you’ll have healthy, nearly complete meals ready to go and won’t need to order food or eat only packaged items.
You may indeed want to have a few healthy snacks on-hand as well. Protein shakes, protein bars, meat sticks, cheese, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, hardboiled eggs, smoked fish, and other protein-rich foods are recommended.
5. Take Care of Work Stuff
Let your boss and coworkers know you’ll be out as soon as you know your surgery date so they can plan accordingly. Naturally, you’ll want to finish up any important tasks before your surgery and set up an out-of-office email or voicemail message if necessary.
6. Pack a Surgery Bag
Pack comfy clothes, toiletries, and any personal items you’ll want during your hospital or surgical facility stay. Most tummy tucks are outpatient procedures, so you won’t be staying overnight, but there may be items you need and want while you’re there, so plan accordingly.
7. Stay Positive and Focused
Try to stay calm and positive as you prepare for a tummy tuck surgery. It’s normal to feel nervous, but remember, you’re in good hands with seasoned, board certified plastic surgeons. Practice deep breathing or meditation to help calm your nerves and keep you relaxed. Also stay focus on your diet to maintain your ideal weight.
Questions to Ask at Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Preparation for a tummy tuck always begins with a consultation appointment. This meet-up is the ideal opportunity to ask questions to your surgeon, so be sure to arrive prepared!
He or she will have questions for you too — mainly about your goals, what’s motivating you to get surgery, and your medical history.
Arrive on time (or early!), and have a list of questions and concerns written out on paper or your phone. Be sure to leave space below each one where you can write out the answer and notes.
Here are the questions we recommend you ask. These are geared toward a first-time initial consultation appointment where you still have not committed to surgery yet but are gathering information about your surgeon, how surgery will go, and what you’ll need to do on your end.
Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
If you have loose skin from weight gain, pregnancy, or genetics, as well as separated abdominal muscles, you are likely a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
Still, you’ll need to discuss the best surgery for you with your surgeon. Remember that excess fat is not the same as excess skin. Excess fat alone (without separated abdominal muscles or loose skin) typically only requires liposuction.
Can I see before and after photos of your previous tummy tuck patients?
Looking at photos can give you an idea of the results you can expect and help you evaluate the surgeon’s aesthetic style.
What type of anesthesia will be used during this procedure?
Removing excess skin will require anesthesia, but the type, either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, may vary depending on your unique procedure.
What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck?
It’s important to be knowledgeable about the potential risks of surgery so you can make an informed decision and prepare yourself mentally for the procedure.
What is the expected recovery time, and what can I do to facilitate a smooth recovery?
Knowing how long it will take to recover and what you can do to help your body heal can help you plan accordingly and minimize discomfort. You should be able to have pain medication to reduce discomfort.
Will there be visible scarring after the tummy tuck, and how can I minimize it?
Scars are an inevitable part of tummy tuck surgery, but ask where they will be located and how you can reduce their appearance.
Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before the surgery to optimize results?
Your surgeon will likely recommend specific lifestyle adjustments (such as taking herbal supplements, quitting smoking, or maintaining a healthy diet) prior to surgery. Some patients who are overweight may need to go on a weight loss diet and maintain a stable weight for a period before surgery.
What physical restrictions or limitations will I have during the recovery period?
You’ll need to know what you can and can’t do in terms of exercise after tummy tuck. Your surgeon will give you strict instructions pertaining to movement and physical activity following surgery.
What is the cost of the tummy tuck procedure, and do I have financing options?
Clarifying the financial aspects of surgery beforehand will ensure you are financially prepared when it comes time for payment. Some surgeons can assist with payment plants and financing options as well.
Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Appointment Today
While approaching an elective cosmetic surgery such as abdominoplasty has certainly been known to cause some nerves, keep in mind that this is a plastic surgery procedure that is routinely performed every day, almost always without any type of issue.
And when you choose a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive expertise and experience, such as Dr. Dahlia Rice, you know you’ll be in good hands. Remember, you’ve got this!
Contact our practice today to schedule your personal consultation appointment with Dr. Rice. We look forward to hearing from you!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/your-guide-to-a-tummy-tuck-before-during-and-after