How Should I Prepare For Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The time leading up to a cosmetic procedure can certainly be exhilarating. Picturing your new and improved look, imagining the different styles of clothing you’ll finally be able to wear, and making plans for the future can be exciting, to say the least! However, it is also important to use this time to begin preparing for your surgery and postoperative period to ensure the best possible chance for a successful outcome and a speedy, comfortable recovery. The caring team at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA, led by board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino, is committed to helping patients achieve their ultimate aesthetic goals through a variety of exciting procedures and treatments, taking great care to adequately prepare patients, both physically and mentally, for their surgeries.

What is a tummy tuck, and how can it help me?

One of the most in-demand procedures across the country, year after year, is the tummy tuck. Formally known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a complex cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the appearance of the midsection and recontour the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, as well as tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have been left with stretched out, loose skin on the abdomen are wonderful candidates for a tummy tuck. The procedure is also highly beneficial for women who have loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, and other cosmetic issues associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

The benefits of a tummy tuck are staggering, with the procedure being able to truly transform a patient’s figure. Some of the most enjoyed tummy tuck benefits include:

Flatter abdomen
Tighter abdominal skin
Sleeker abdominal contour
Removal of excess, loose skin
Correction of diastasis recti, which often causes an abdominal pooch
Boosted self-confidence

During your initial consultation at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, Dr. Tamburrino will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your concerns and goals at length, explain all of your surgical and nonsurgical options in detail, and recommend a course of treatment that best fits your specific needs.

What can I do to get ready for a tummy tuck?

Once you’ve made the decision to undergo tummy tuck surgery, it is important to make sure you are prepared for the procedure and recovery period. When preparing for a tummy tuck, some of the most essential and advantageous things you can do include:

Select a qualified surgeon

Before committing to any procedure, it is crucial that you do your research and select a highly qualified and experienced tummy tuck surgeon. Make sure to ask questions about the doctor’s training and experience, and find out whether he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is also helpful to read reviews on the surgeon’s website, as well as third-party websites, and to browse the surgeon’s before-and-after photo galleries.

Time your procedure appropriately

As with any cosmetic surgery, maintaining and prolonging your results is always a goal. When it comes to a tummy tuck, it is important to be sure that you are done having children and are prepared to maintain a healthy, stable weight before making the decision to have surgery. Future weight gain and future pregnancies can significantly compromise your tummy tuck results and lead to the need for a second surgery, which may be complicated by previous scar tissue.

Control your weight

Because a tummy tuck is not designed as a weight-loss tool, it is important for patients to be at a healthy, stable weight before undergoing the procedure. This is also crucial for an ideal outcome, as weight fluctuations after abdominoplasty can severely impact your results.

Eat a healthy diet

It is always a good idea to eat a healthy and balanced diet, which includes staying adequately hydrated, but this becomes even more important when you are preparing for surgery. The body needs plenty of nourishment to be able to heal properly, completely, and efficiently after surgery.

Stop smoking

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck, or any surgical procedure, should be nonsmokers. Patients who do smoke will be advised on the required amount of time prior to the procedure during which they need to stop smoking. Failure to stop smoking during this period can lead to the cancellation of your procedure.

Stop taking certain medications

Your doctor may advise you to temporarily pause some of your medications before surgery, provided it is safe to do so.

Know what to expect during recovery

Understanding what is involved in tummy tuck recovery prior to having the procedure performed is imperative in setting yourself up for the most comfortable and easy recovery possible. Patients should expect to have some level of discomfort, swelling, and bruising following the procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe medications and recommend other methods to help relieve your symptoms, which are usually well-tolerated and resolve within a few weeks. Most patients are able to return to work after about 3 – 4 weeks, depending on the physical demands of their job, but it is important to obtain clearance from your doctor before resuming certain activities.

During your consultation and preoperative appointments, Dr. Tamburrino and the knowledgeable patient care coordinators at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa will discuss all of the aspects of tummy tuck recovery with you in detail.

Plan to have help

Because your mobility will be fairly limited in the first several days and weeks after a tummy tuck, it is essential to have help lined up for this portion of your recovery. This is particularly important for patients with toddlers or young children. Before your procedure, make sure you have a plan for who will drive you to and from the surgery, who will stay with you for the first week, and who will help with your children and other household responsibilities throughout your recovery.

Have realistic expectations

While it is often overlooked, having realistic expectations about your surgery, recovery, and results is an important step in preparing for tummy tuck surgery and will help you avoid unnecessary stress, anxiety, or disappointment.

How do I find the best tummy tuck surgeon in Doylestown, PA?

Without a doubt, choosing a qualified, certified, and highly experienced plastic surgeon is one of the most essential parts of undergoing a successful tummy tuck and achieving a beautiful result. Call Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, conveniently located in Doylestown, PA, to schedule your tummy tuck consultation with board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino today, and find out how getting the gorgeous, striking, incredible figure you’ve always wanted may be easier than you think!