Tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty surgery, removes excess fat and tightens loose skin around the abdomen caused by weight loss (including post-pregnancy). Preparing for tummy tuck surgery is similar to getting ready for most elective or scheduled procedures.

Just as it is important to determine if you’re a good candidate for this surgery, planning for post-surgery care is as well.

Tummy Tuck Preparation Leading Up to Surgery

Dr. Rochlin meets with every patient before surgery to review the patient’s medical record, diagram where skin will be removed, and explain the basic surgical process.

Patients will receive special instructions to help with preparing for a tummy tuck. They may need to start following some of them several weeks before surgery. They might include:

  • No smoking

Substances in nicotine cause the small vessels in the skin to constrict slowing the blood flow to the incision and cause healing to be delayed or disrupted.

  • Stop taking certain medications

Dr. Rochlin will advise you which medications should be stopped and at what point prior to surgery, particularly herbal and homeopathic medications.

  • Fill Dr. Rochlin’s prescriptions before surgery

Dr. Rochlin normally prescribes pain relief medication and antibiotics for patients undergoing abdominoplasties. Make sure they are filled before surgery.

  • Eat healthy meals

You really are what you eat! Eating healthy whole foods is a good idea for everyone, and especially for people facing surgery. You want to build up your immune system as much as possible to aid in post-surgical recovery.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck Means Planning Post-Surgical Care

During the consultation, Dr. Rochlin will also explain instructions to follow after surgery. 

Most of the time, procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, but patients who need extensive work may have an overnight hospital stay for additional monitoring.

Patients who go home the same day as surgery will need someone to drive them home and remain with them, at least during the first night following surgery. In addition, patients should plan ahead of time to get help around the house for tasks they won’t be able to do on their own for a few days such as caring for children (driving, bathing) and walking pets. 

Patients can also prepare by:

  • Collecting loose fitting clothes to wear, including at work
  • Making sure there are plenty of ice packs to ease tenderness around the surgical site
  • Preparing and freezing meals for at least several days

Conceptual liposculpture with surgical body contouring lines

Drainage Tubes

Patients can expect to wear two drainage tubes on each side of the abdomen after surgery; they will be removed during an office visit.

Who’s a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

  • Men and women who have lost significant amounts of weight

They should consider tummy tuck surgery if they are bothered by loose abdominal skin left behind. 

  • Women who have given birth 

The more children a woman has carried, the more likely she has loose skin. The procedure can restore much of her former shape. 

Obviously, anyone considering this surgery should wait until they have reached their weight loss goals and/or are not planning on having children.

Are you thinking about tummy tuck surgery? Contact one of our offices today to schedule a consultation.Â