Tummy Tuck

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to start feeling better about yourself, a tummy tuck just may do the trick. In a tummy tuck (or “abdominoplasty”) procedure, excess fat and skin is removed from the abdomen and midsection. It can help people who have lost a lot of weight (but are stuck with excess fat and skin) as well as women who are finding it hard to lose that poochy tummy after having a baby. However, a tummy tuck is a medical procedure, and there are some things you should know about how to prepare for it.

Do what your doctor tells you to do

Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but here are some things to keep in mind: stop smoking, as this can weaken your immune system, slow down the healing process, and increase the risk of complications. You should also stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) a couple of weeks before the procedure. And, if you are taking any herbal supplements, you should ask your doctor if it’s all right to continue taking them in the weeks leading up to your tummy tuck.

Stay healthy

Yes, your tummy tuck will help to flatten your stomach. However, you shouldn’t stop taking care of yourself just because you have a tummy tuck scheduled. Eat healthy, high protein, low fat foods and get regular exercise before your procedure so that your body is up for the procedure and the recovery.

Prepare

Make sure you have someone to drive you home after the procedure and to stay with you at least overnight. A few days before your tummy tuck, make some meals ahead of time so you don’t have to spend time cooking. Also, make sure you have a comfy spot prepared, and make sure that you have bottles of water, puzzles and books, and the remote within reach and ready to go.

If you have any questions about your upcoming tummy tuck or you would like to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck, contact 22 Plastic Surgery in Cottonwood Heights or Salt Lake City, Utah. Call (801) 937-9650 today!