How to prepare my skin for a Tummy tuck?

Question

Hello, I am 3 weeks pre TT and have been exfoliating my stomach a few times a week, using bio oil twice a day and a homemade mask consisting of red Moroccan clay, black tea, coffee and witch hazel extract to help tighten the skin once a day. I planned on stopping all three when I am 2 weeks pre op. Is this safe or am I potentially making the skin worse and/or weaker? I have read tons of advice on how to treat the skin post but not pre. Thank you in advance for your opinion.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

I don't recommend any topical skin treatment before any type of cosmetic procedures. My only recommendations is to stop taking blood thinning agents and no smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us.The use of oils or creams before surgery dont affect the results of the procedure, but in my practice i just made a preoperative preparation. The day before and the day after surgery I recommend to take a bath with an antibacterial soap with special attention to your navel. Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't typically have my patients do anything to their skin prior to surgery. However, I don't believe what you're doing will negatively effect your surgical results. Check with your board certified plastic surgeon to see if she wants you to discontinue sooner than you plan.Thank you for your question and good luck!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

Eric A. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

Prepping the skin prior to tummy tuck is not necessary. I have my patients shower the night before and the day of, with an antibacterial soap. If pubic hair is present, I have the patient clip it close to the skin the morning of surgery. Other than that, nothing is needed. If you smoke or use any nicotine product it should be stopped a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of poor healing and infection.Eric Weiss MD

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

If you really want to prepare before your tummy tuck surgery,  what is really important is to do  abdominal exercises to strengthen the muscles for the plication ( tightening sutures) to be make by your plastic surgeon.Also as you already know you need to have normal  to high hemoglobin level, avoid smoking and second hand smoking for at least 1 month before surgery, avoid aspirin and blood thinners 2 weeks before and birth control pills or injections from 6 to 4 weeks before.And avoid the use of topical creams containing steroids.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I do not routinely recommend my patients to pre-treat their abdominal skin prior to a tummy tuck. At this point the only pertinent advise would be to maintain a well balanced diet and stay away from aspirin products or other products such as vitamin E that can increase your risk of bleeding from surgery.Having said that, each surgeon has their own style in the pre and post operative management of the patient. I would therefore recommend you discuss this with your plastic surgeon. This will also allow you and your surgeon the chance to further review any other concerns you may have and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing.I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Other than a balanced diet with protein , being a non smoker, and avoiding aspirin containing products at least two weeks prior, I don't advise any topical ointments or lotions.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually tell my patients to eat a balanced diet of food and avoid anything that can cause bleeding. I am not a fan of topical ointments or salves.Always best to ask you surgeon his preferences.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to have a tummy tuck! The best thing you can do right now is continue a good, balanced diet rich in protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lower on carbs. Keep your skin clean and use a moisturizer rich in oil. No other products should be needed. You can actually damage the skin cells needed for recovery if you strip them too much or treat them too harshly.  Best of luck to you!

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

You should not be doing anything special except showering daily and applying a moisturizing lotion.  Alos you can eat a high protein diet which will help with your wound healing after surgery.

How to prepare my skin for a Tummy tuck?

Answers (12)

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