How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck

Having a tummy tuck is a big and often life-changing decision! Once you and your surgeon have decided that you’re a good candidate, your procedure date will be set. You might feel anxious, nervous, or excited during this time, but no matter what, you should also feel well-prepared! Keep reading to learn how you can better prepare for your tummy tuck procedure.

Prepare your body

When undergoing any surgical procedure, you want to make sure your body is as healthy as possible to ensure successful healing and avoid complications. The most important thing you should do leading up to your procedure is to quit smoking! Smoking six weeks prior to your procedure can increase your risk of complication and excess bleeding, prolonging your healing process. You should also avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication or substances closer to your procedure day. These include aspirin and certain herbal medications that thin the blood.

In the weeks and days leading up to your procedure, make sure you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily and eating foods like fruits and leafy greens that are high in antioxidants to keep your body strong. You don’t necessarily need to lose weight before your procedure, but you should be practicing a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise. You’ll need to maintain this lifestyle after your procedure if you want to have long-lasting results!

Prepare your home

When you get home from your procedure, you’ll want to focus on resting and healing for at least a week. In the days before your procedure, make sure your home is prepped with everything you need and all necessary arrangements are made. You’ll want to stock up on easy-to-make healthy meals, ice packs, magazines, movies, and anything else to keep you relaxed and comfortable. If you have pets or small children, make arrangements for someone to care for them. You might also want them to care for you too in the first few days! Set up a nice comfy spot in bed or on the couch with plenty of pillows so you can rest without disturbance.

Once you have everything you need, you’ll be ready for a smooth surgery and comfortable recovery from your tummy tuck! If you have any questions about your tummy tuck procedure and how you can better prepare, contact Dr. Berman’s office today.