Preparing for a tummy tuck
You’ve decided to undergo a tummy tuck. The date for surgery has been set and you are ready to say goodbye to your excess skin and flabby belly. You have discussed your wishes and expectations at length with the plastic surgeon. You may also know that there are different tummy tucks. Such as a mini tummy tuck, a normal tummy tuck or a tummy tuck using fleur de lis. Depending on your body, and the expectation and desire on the other hand, it was decided to use one of the above techniques, possibly combined with liposuction. In short, you are ready for surgery. Right?
Because it is quite exciting to have a tummy tuck, our plastic surgeons prepare you as best they can. Drs. John Sawor is happy to give you some additional tips on how to properly prepare for your tummy tuck. Because for any surgery, but especially this one, the better you prepare the better the recovery will be. Schedule your first consultation here.
Start with a healthy lifestyle
Being in good shape, both mentally and physically, before surgery can help with a better recovery. There are always risks of complications but we want to minimize them. In addition, the scar in cosmetic surgery is to be as beautiful as possible. Partly it has to do with the surgical technique, of course, but partly it also has to do with how your body heals. It is very important not to smoke because the risk of complications in the form of infection and wound healing problems is much higher in smokers than in people who do not smoke.
Healthy living and healthy eating also generally help recovery after surgery. So the period before surgery, it’s best to eat healthy because around surgery you often eat less. This is because, among other things, you must be sober on the day of surgery.
I often tell my patients, “Surgery is like a marathon, you can’t start that untrained.” Surgery is a drain on your fitness and your body. Fortunately, it is scientifically proven that the attack on your fitness and your body is a lot less when you go into surgery “trained.” That way, you keep energy to recover properly.
Additional nutrients
Around surgery, your body has an extra need for specific nutrients. Make sure you get enough nutrients through a balanced diet. Do you find this difficult? Recover worked with a team of experts to develop two science-based shakes. These shakes contain the extra nutrients you need around surgery.
Arranging time off from work
It is important to schedule a rest period after surgery. After all, if you start too soon, the scars may not be strong enough yet. If too much stretching occurs on the scars at too early a stage of healing (for example, because you started exercising too early), the scars become less attractive. So keep in mind your schedule after surgery. Planning a period off from work of at least 2 to 3 weeks is definitely not a luxury.
Arranging help at home
You shouldn’t do too much in and around the house either. Especially the first few days, you really need to take it easy. For the first few days after surgery, you may also have difficulty getting up, getting dressed, etc. It is nice to have someone around you who can support and care for you.
Arrange transportation
After the tummy tuck, you cannot drive home independently and alone. Make an appointment with someone and have them take you and pick you up. The advice is not to get behind the wheel yourself for 2 weeks after surgery.
Get these goodies in the house
After the surgery, you would rather not leave the house, and in addition, it is convenient to have some products in the house before the surgery. Get the following anyway:
- A belly band
- Paracetamol
Also get enough food in the house and, if necessary, prepare some meals in advance so that you only need to heat them up. Getting special diuretic tea in the house is also among the tips of others who have had the surgery.
Get enough paracetamol to get through the first few days. In consultation with the plastic surgeon, you will receive other painkillers. Also remember that it is better to avoid coughing and sneezing after surgery because of the pressure it puts on your abdomen. Do you have an allergy or are you on medication? Always discuss this with the plastic surgeon.
It can also be nice to sleep with an extra pillow so you don’t lie completely flat. Tips from other people who have had a tummy tuck: get a feeding pillow, too.
In the bath or shower
Personal hygiene goes without saying, of course. After the tummy tuck, you should not bathe for 6 weeks. Also, if you do not have drains, you may not shower until 24h after surgery. Therefore, wash your hair and face well the day before surgery! Or take another bath the day before surgery.
This you take with you
Depending on the tummy tuck, you will be operated on in the hospital or in the operating room at MOOI Clinic. What are you all taking with you?
- Your printwear / belly band
- Loose-fitting and easy clothing
- Bathrobe and slippers that are easy to get into
- A book, phone, chargers (and extension cord can be handy)
- Toiletries and possibly wet washcloths
- Small cushion for in the car (between the seat belt)
- If desired, a book/journal/tablet and/or earbuds
Personal consultation & preparation
Our plastic surgeons prefer to see you well prepared for surgery. During the consultation you will get a lot of information and also have the opportunity to ask all your questions. Have questions? Then contact us!
