It’s exciting for a person to know that they’re finally going to have a tummy tuck, whether as part of a mommy makeover in Denver, to help post-weight loss, or just to help them feel better about their appearance. That apron of unwanted skin and fat around their midsection is going away for good, and they will be left with a more slender and youthful figure. Yet, there is much to do before the operation itself. Here is how to prepare for a tummy tuck:
Weeks Before
The patient will have had a consultation with their doctor to make sure they’re a good candidate for the plastic surgery. The doctor will have told them to give up smoking, alcohol and some blood thinning drugs or supplements in the weeks before the surgery. These substances can complicate healing. Ideally, the patient should quit smoking at least two months before their tummy tuck.
After the first consultation, the patient should have a meeting with the surgical team, including the surgeon, the OR nurses and the anesthesiologist. They should write down any questions they have and take them to the meeting so that they won’t forget them. In some cases, the patient can attend a class telling them what to expect before, during and after their surgery.
The patient should also arrange for someone to at least drive them home from the hospital or clinic after the surgery is completed. They should also have an adult companion for the first days after the surgery to help them with tasks and to simply keep an eye on them as they recover. If the patient has young children, they’ll want to arrange for their care if the other parent is not available. Some patients may want to arrange for a visiting nurse.
An exercise regimen is a good idea for someone who is going to undergo a tummy tuck. The better shape the patient is in, the better their body and mind will be able to handle the stresses of their operation.
Days Before
In the days before the operation, the patient should prepare their home for their convalescence. It helps to buy grabbers to reach items on high shelves. They should arrange their bedside table to hold reading material, drinking water, tissues, medications and other necessities.
Now is also the time to make sure that the fridge, freezer and pantry are well stocked. Some people make meals ahead and put them in the freezer so they can be easily warmed up in the oven or the microwave. The patient shouldn’t hesitate to recruit family and friends if they are too busy to do this themselves.
The Night Before
In preparation for tummy tuck surgery, patients typically receive instructions from a cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Sanders, to fast the night before the procedure. This precaution is taken to minimize the risk of vomiting while the patient is under anesthesia or in the process of waking up from it. Anesthesia can suppress the body’s natural reflexes that prevent choking or inhaling stomach contents into the lungs. Therefore, ensuring that the patient’s stomach is empty is essential to reduce potential complications.
The Day of the Surgery
The patient should wear loose fitting clothing on the day of their surgery and not wear too much jewelry or makeup. They should also bring a loved one with them to the hospital.
Preparing for a tummy tuck is a multifaceted process that extends beyond the surgery itself, ensuring a smooth and successful transformation. The weeks leading up to the procedure lay the groundwork for optimal outcomes. Lifestyle adjustments, like refraining from smoking and alcohol, as well as heeding medical advice on medications, set the stage for seamless healing. The importance of open communication with the surgical team cannot be overstated, as meetings and classes provide insights into the procedure and recovery, allaying any concerns and uncertainties.
