Any Advice on How I Should Prepare Myself for a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am so ecstatic about getting my tummy tuck done next week after having waited for a very long time.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

The key element in preparing for an abdominoplasty is to eat a healthy, high protein diet for at least 2-4 weeks pre-op and make sure you’re not constipated. Avoid any type of crash or unusual diet and you will do well.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
First of all, in the preparing process for an abdominoplasty requires a healthy, high protein diet for at least 2-4 weeks pre-op and make sure you’re not constipated. 
  
The other important thing in the preparing process is being mentally prepared. For to achieve that, you should share your concerns with your surgeon in your consultation, if you have one. 
  
Your abdominoplasty may be performed in a hospital, an independent surgical facility, or an office-based surgical suite. 
  
In my practice, once you’re prepared for surgery, my medical team and I will follow the surgical plan you agreed on. Often a general anesthesia is used so you will be asleep during the procedure. Surgery typically takes between two to four hours depending on your size...

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. When preparing for any surgery being mentally prepared is very important. Its normal to be concerned when having any surgery. Heres some tips to ease your mind and help you prepare. -Get lab testing or medical evaluation-If you smoke, quit smoking to avoid any potential risks-You may be asked to adjust any current medications-Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding-Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very importantDhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrook Chicago

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Congratulations on making the choice to have a tummy tuck. You must be so excited! Here are some things that I generally advise my patients to do before their surgery:Eat and lead a healthy lifestyle.Stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery.Stop taking blood thinners 2 weeks before surgery.Take a multivitamin (without extra vitamin E) two weeks before surgery.Relax! Best of luck!

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

For my patients, I have them stop all herbal meds, stop asprin or motrin products and essentially stop any blood thinner. If you're doubting a certain med, google it. Prepare by filling your prescriptions prior to surgery. Look at your preop photos and discuss what to expect with your doctor, try seeing someone with your same physique. Stay regular on your bowel regimen so that in case you get constipated after surgery from the anesthetic and the meds you can tolerate it for a while until you're much more mobile. Prepare yourself mentally to get out of bed despite the discomfort with a bend at your waist, maybe even practice it a few times prior to the surgery. Arrange your home so that getting things and caring for yourself is made simple. Good luck, you'll do great

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Avoid all medications on your pills to avoid list,  do not smoke, avoid alcohol 2 weeks prior to the surgery and just relax.  If you are uncertain about any thing, call the surgeons office.

Guy D. Sterne, MD · Answer

A little preparation can make all the difference. Smoking is an absolute no-no and no reputable surgeon would contemplate doing a tummy tuck on a patient who is still smoking. I also advise patients to try to be within the normal weight range for their height. This is for 2 reasons – the best possible cosmetic outcome is achieved, and the risks of complications are minimised. Furthermore, the fitter a patient is, the easier they find the recovery period, so it is a good idea to improve cardio-vascular fitness at the same time as optimising weight.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

I give my patients lots of written materials and show them videos that give them all the information they need to help prepare them for surgery.  Three very important points are:

	1. If you smoke, quit smoking for at least 6 weeks before and after a tummy tuck.

	2. Avoid rapid weight loss, crash diets, or weight loss medications before your surgery. This can hurt your recovery.

	3. Remember that you may have lots of swelling after surgery so you may be bigger than you are now ... don't get discouraged! The swelling will go away. So you need to keep all your follow up appointments with your PS and stay in communication with him/her about any issues you may be having.

	 

	I hope this helps and wish you all the best! 

	 

	JK

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You will receive a list of things to do (and not to do)  in preparation for your tummy tuck surgery, from your surgeon.

I do however have a word of advice for you that you may not receive from your surgeon.

Patients who are about to undergo tummy tuck surgery spend a lot of time thinking about the physical preparation for the procedure (for example weight loss issues) but do not spend a lot of time thinking about the emotional aspects.
	It is not uncommon for patients who undergo the procedure to experience severe “mood swings”. These emotions may range from depression ( “why did I do this to myself”) to elation  (which may lead to over activity). I think it is helpful to be aware that these emotional swings do occur postoperatively. 
	Suggestions I have for patients undergoing this procedure: 1. Make sure you have a strong support system in place who have time/patience to take care of you. 2. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. 3. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies. 4. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work too early and let others take care of you (for a change). 5. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience. 6. Keep in mind the end result!

Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should probably follow the instructions of your surgeon. I usually have my patients avoid blood thinning meds two weeks prior and take vitamin C or a single MVI. Other than that, I would not do anythign differently or start a new exercise regimen.

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