Think Tummy Tuck Is Easy? Learn How You Should Start Preparing for Your Body Contouring Procedure Now
Posted July 27, 2021 in Tummy Tuck
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Tummy tuck surgery can provide life-changing results, as the body contouring procedure will make you look and feel fabulous.
Many men and women are considering tummy tuck surgery this summer, particularly as more people are venturing into a reopening world and wanting to look their best for it.
However, as tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is an invasive procedure, it is essential to be prepared.
Let’s look at some tips and tricks to help you ready yourself for your tummy tuck.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Involve?
A tummy tuck is an invasive technique that manipulates the tissues around the all-important core muscles. This treatment aims to improve the appearance of your abdomen by removing excess fat and skin. Occasionally, the abdominal muscles are tightened to better contour and shape the midsection.
Top 5 Secrets to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck
Preparing yourself will ensure a positive and healthy recovery.
Secret #1: Get to Your Goal Weight
Tummy tuck surgery will get you to your goal weight, right?
Actually, not so much.
While tummy tuck surgery is one of the most effective body contouring plastic surgery procedures available, it cannot serve as a weight-loss tool and is not appropriate for patients looking to lose a significant number of pounds.
Tummy tuck surgery works best for patients who are close to their goal weight.
If this does not sound like you, your plastic surgeon (Dr. Careaga or Dr. Durand) may recommend losing some weight naturally before considering plastic surgery.
Being at a healthy weight helps to ensure a safe surgery and provides more aesthetically pleasing results.
Secret #2: Stop Smoking
If you smoke, you have no doubt been told of the dangers of the habit. While smoking poses many health risks, these risks are heightened before and after surgery.
Smoking inhibits proper blood flow, which can have negative consequences during and after tummy tuck surgery. Proper circulation is essential to safe surgery and healthy recovery. Therefore, it is required that you stop smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.
Secret #3: Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Medications and Herbal Supplements
Much like smoking, anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements like Advil®, ibuprofen, aspirin, and NSAIDs can impact circulation and put you at a higher risk of complications.
It is essential to disclose any medications you are taking to Dr. Careaga or Dr. Durand during your consultation. They will determine if you need to stop and if it is safe for you to stop taking those medications while preparing for surgery.
If it is a prescription medication, please discuss stopping usage with your primary care physician as well.
Secret #4: Make Arrangements for After Your Surgery
You will not be able to return to your usual schedule right after surgery.
While you will have plenty of downtime after your surgery, it is best to prepare ahead as much as possible. Be sure to schedule time away from work and your usual obligations — usually one to two weeks, depending on the extent and strenuousness of your job.
If you have small children, be sure that you have additional help around the house to keep them entertained. If your children are older, arrange for your children’s transportation to school or after-school activities.
Secret #5: Prepare Your Recovery Space
You will also need to prepare your recovery zone. This preparation may include purchasing items that will make you more comfortable, such as a wedge pillow or loose-fitting garments, setting up entertainment options in easy-to-reach locations, and preparing (and freezing) healthy meals and snacks (if you do not have extra help around the house).
You may find that you become constipated after surgery due to the pain killers and other medications. It is a good idea to buy some stool softening medicine beforehand in case you need it during recovery.
Tummy tuck surgery requires rest (although you must get on your feet as much as possible). Even though every person recovers at a different rate, which is impacted by the extent of the surgery, most tummy tuck patients can expect between 10 days and two weeks of downtime before returning to their normal routine.
Contact Careaga Plastic Surgery
If you are interested in body contouring and are looking to create slim abs with a tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to contact Careaga Plastic Surgery at (305) 960-7511 for more information.