Tummy Tuck Preparation Checklist

A tummy tuck – also known as abdominoplasty – is a cosmetic surgery that is designed to contour the abdominal area. Plastic surgeons remove excess skin and fat, as well as strengthen separated abdominal muscles to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more desirable abdominal profile. This procedure may be performed on both men and women. If you have considered undergoing a tummy tuck in Baton Rouge LA to suit aesthetic or functional goals, this tummy tuck prep list will help you get ready for a successful procedure outcome. 

Two Weeks Before the Surgery 

Now that you’ve already held discussions with a surgeon and decided you want to move on with the procedure, here’s how to get ready at least two weeks before the date of the surgery.

• Start by adopting and sticking to a healthy diet. Eating healthy leads to a healthy body system. A healthy body system is able to withstand and fight against all sorts of infections and ailments, as well as recover within the shortest time possible after surgery.
• Undergo a general body checkup. This helps identify and correct any flaws within the body which otherwise might cause complications during or after the surgery dangerous.
• Maintain a stable weight. Most plastic surgeons will require that you have a stable weight before attempting any surgical procedure. If you are obese, you may be asked to drive down your weight or undergo bariatric surgery first before you can start considering a tummy tuck. 
• Stop using any herbal medications, diet pills, or supplements such as ginger, and garlic. They are harmful because they can lead to excessive bleeding, or cause other kinds of surgical complications.
• Avoid smoking and using different kinds of drugs such as tobacco and marijuana. These substances will put you at a high risk of surgical complications such as heart attack, stroke, shock, and even death. The nicotine in cigarettes thins blood vessels preventing sufficient blood flow, which in turn prolongs the healing duration. Substance abuse also weakens your immune system and puts you at a higher risk for infections. 
• Cut off any usage of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and aspirin. They weaken the blood’s ability to form clots which can, in turn, cause excessive bleeding.
• Start taking laxative/stool softener medication. After surgery, there is a high possibility you’ll experience constipation. It may be time to get used to stool softeners. 
• Look for an assistant. You will find it difficult to take care of basic household chores or care for kids or pets after a tummy tuck. Find an assistant to help you around particularly over the first few days after surgery.  

One Week Prior to Surgery

One week less means your surgery time is approaching. Further preparations include:

• Go for another checkup. This would help you identify any sticking issues that may need to be evaluated before the date of the surgery. 
• Go shopping for some entertaining items such as movies, magazines, and novels. These will keep you occupied for the first few weeks post-surgery while you stay home.
• Buy an extra set of loose clothing such as pajamas, and robes. These will keep you comfortable while you recover.
• Build your own paradise within your house where you would spend most of your time. It should be within a comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free atmosphere. Remember that you will spend most of your day here.
• As early as now, go around your house and do some general cleaning. This will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in order and clean, just the way you would want it to be.
• Arrange with your selected helper for transport to and from the hospital. You want to get everything sorted out so you can remain focused on the surgery itself, and the subsequent recovery. 

A Day Before the Surgery

This is your last chance to get everything in order before the due date.

• Keep yourself calm and relaxed while you perform last-minute house chores. This helps to organize some small details that would have been left pending.
• Pack a few comfortable clothes you should wear post-surgery. Remember they should be loose and not come into contact with the wound.
• Consume fluids rich in electrolytes such as smart water during the day, and a meal rich in protein and low in fat in the evening.
• Finally, make sure you have a goodnight’s sleep. This will help relax your mind as you wait for the next day.

On the Day of the Surgery

You’ve come a long way and done a lot to prepare for your abdominoplasty. You’ll now need to stay relaxed and trust your body to be able to handle the strategy. 

• Avoid eating or drinking anything. This prevents food from regurgitating while the surgery is ongoing.
• Have a nice shower with an antibacterial soap such as Safeguard. Note that it would be a while before you have another shower to prevent wetting the bandages.
• Get dressed in loose, comfortable clothing that button or zip up from the front.
• Be punctual on the time of arrival at the hospital as requested by the surgeon.

By following the steps on this page, and everything else your surgeon tells you to do, you should have done your best to get ready for your abdominoplasty. It’s time to let your surgeon do what they do best and hope for the best-possible procedure outcome.