How to physically prepare your body for a Tummy tuck?

Strengthening your core and really concentrating on toning your abs is the best thing you could do in preparation for a tummy tuck.  A big part of a tummy tuck is the muscle tightening.  Most patients, particularly mothers, need this done.  If your abdominal muscles are in good shape however you may be able to avoid this part of the procedure and your recovery process will be quicker and easier for sure.  Best of luck!Thomas Taylor, MDPasadena, CA

Thank you for your question. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. We will ask you to stop some medications, supplements and certain vitamins. A complete list will be provided.

Our doctors perform abdominoplasty as an outpatient procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two. When abdominoplasty is performed in conjunction with medically necessary procedures such as hysterectomy or hernia repair, a short hospitalization may be required. Best of Luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago 

Being healthy, physically fit and adhering to good nutrition always helps with any surgical procedure.  However in our practice we don't tell patients to specifically change their routine in the short term since we don't see a difference in recovery or results and you don't want your body to go through an abrupt change just prior to surgery.   With respect to weight loss, any body contouring procedures should be performed when you are at your stable target weight since you may see exaggerated changes if you lose weight post operatively.