How should I prepare for a tummy tuck?

1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

What should you avoid before a tummy tuck?

Two Weeks Prior to Tummy Tuck Surgery

• Stop taking aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil or similar anti-inflammatory medications, as they increase bleeding. ...
• Stop ALL herbal medications, supplements, teas and diet pills, as they may increase bleeding.

How painful is a tummy tuck recovery?

If you are planning to have a tummy tuck, you should be prepared for one to two months of recovery, and you may experience pain throughout this time. In general, pain is mild to moderate after a tummy tuck. Rarely, pain or sensory abnormalities can persist for months or even years after the procedure.

How long does it take to prepare for tummy tuck?

Ideally, you'll have several months in advance to prepare for your tummy tuck surgery. I recommend most individuals give themselves a full six months to prepare, giving them time to find the right surgeon, achieve or maintain their ideal weight and get a plan for aftercare in place.

What happens at pre op appointment for tummy tuck?

Your pre-op appointment will take place with the nurse. She will review your consents, medical history, medications that you are currently taking, provide you with prescriptions for medications needed, review labs, take photos, and answer any questions.

How To Prepare For Your Tummy Tuck

What should I pack for a tummy tuck?

Below are some of the key supplies needed after tummy tuck procedure:

• Recliner.
• Body pillow.
• Toilet seat riser.
• Healthy, nutritious food items.
• Stool softeners.
• Alcohol wipes.
• Lanyard (for drains)
• Compression socks.

Do you shave before abdominoplasty?

Since the incision from a tummy tuck will end up very close to the pubic hair, you may want to shave the area before surgery.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

3 Tips For A Speedy Tummy Tuck Recovery

1. Eat Foods High In Protein & Drink Plenty Of Water After A Tummy Tuck. Drink lots of water for Tummy Tuck recovery. ...
2. Listen To Your Body After Tummy Tuck Surgery. Listen to your body during Tummy Tuck recovery. ...
3. Consider Receiving Lymphatic Drainage Massages.

Do you have drains after a tummy tuck?

Drains are usually placed by your plastic surgeon at the end of your tummy tuck surgery. They are left in place anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Most of my patients have their drains removed about 1 week after their operation.

How do you go to the bathroom after a tummy tuck?

Toilet Seat Booster

Generally, toilets are fairly low to the ground and we don't realize this until some part of our legs, pelvis or core is sore. After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend.

When can I walk straight after tummy tuck?

By the end of the week, you should be able to engage in light activity or household chores and walk without assistance. Week Two: By the end of week two, you should be able to walk twice daily for 10 to 15 minutes, a habit you can form now that will help you succeed in staying fit after your tummy tuck.

How soon can you drive after a tummy tuck?

Driving & Returning to Work

In general, you should not drive until you've been off of your prescription pain medication for at least 24 hours and can safely operate a vehicle in traffic. You may be able to drive and return to a desk job as early as two weeks after a tummy tuck.

What they don't tell you about tummy tucks?

One thing people don't realize about a tummy tuck is that after the surgery it can be difficult to sit or stand upright. You'll want to have someone on hand to help you get around your home and help with daily tasks that you might not be up to, such as washing the dishes, getting the mail or doing the laundry.

What should I wear at home after a tummy tuck?

For the first week post-op, you should continue to wear loose-fitting, soft, comfy clothes. Some women prefer to wear a soft, loose dress rather than a baggy shirt and sweatpants. Whether you prefer pants or a dress, we strongly recommend investing in a soft bathrobe.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

There will be some discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst discomfort experienced within the first week. On a scale of 1 – 10, pain is often estimated at around a 6-7 for the the first few days to a week, reducing to around a 3 – 4 in the second week. This would, of course, depend on the individual.

What do you eat after a tummy tuck?

There are no specific restrictions immediately after a tummy tuck. However, you may want to keep your diet light for the next several days. Start with clear liquids, such as water, then move on to a soft diet of raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain cereals, yogurt, soft cheeses, soups, and pudding.

What are complications of a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:

• Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. ...
• Poor wound healing. ...
• Unexpected scarring. ...
• Tissue damage. ...
• Changes in skin sensation.

Is it painful to have a surgical drain removed?

Abstract. Removing surgical drains can be painful. Currently, there is no evidence to predict which patients may experience greater pain than others.

What happens 2 weeks after tummy tuck?

What happens 2 weeks after a tummy tuck? At 2 weeks, there is still swelling in the treatment area, however, the pain, bruising, and feeling of tightness are starting to ease. The patient should continue to wear compression garments.

Can I sit in a chair after tummy tuck?

However, this jackknifed position is critical for the first week, even when attempting to sit or lie down. The knees should be lifted, the feet and the head should maintain an elevated position whether it's with pillows or with a recliner chair. This protects the incision and protects the abdominoplasty results.

Should I shave my pubic hair before surgery?

To reduce the risk of surgical site infection, please follow these important guidelines: 1. Do not shave or wax any area on your body for a week before surgery (legs, bikini, underarms, etc.). Shaving can nick the skin and increase the risk of wound infection.

How do I prepare my body for plastic surgery?

How to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery

1. Start and Maintain a Healthy Diet. Avoid low- and empty-calorie diets as your body will need protein, iron, nutrients, and even carbohydrates and fats for optimal recovery. ...
2. Quit Smoking. ...
3. Exercise. ...
4. Stock Up on Post-Surgery Supplies.

Why do they shave your thigh before surgery?

“Prepping” a patient for surgery usually involves shaving areas where incisions are to be made. Some surgeons believe it is important to remove anything that might obstruct their view. Others see shaving as a way to eliminate bacteria that cling to the hair and can contaminate the surgical site.

How soon after a tummy tuck can I wear jeans?

It can also tighten separated abdominal muscles that loosen during childbirth. The planning stages can be exciting since many people dream of wearing slimmer clothing afterward. However, new jeans and swimsuits may need to wait at least several weeks.