You’ve decided to invest in yourself and your confidence with a tummy tuck. Congratulations! What comes next?
When you schedule a tummy tuck at my Orlando plastic surgery practice, getting ready for the big day is one of the most exciting parts of the process—second only to seeing your gorgeous results for the first time, of course. It’s normal to feel some butterflies before surgery, but knowing how to prepare for a tummy tuck the right way can put your nerves at ease so you can focus on the excitement of meeting a brand new you.
Here are 7 steps you can take to get your body and mind ready for tummy tuck surgery.
Before and After Tummy Tuck in Orlando, FL, by Dr. Armando Soto
Stop Smoking & Avoid Blood Thinning Supplements
Smoking puts you at a higher risk of blood clotting and healing issues—and yes, that includes e-cigarettes and any other nicotine products. You’ll need to quit a month before your surgery to lower these risks and make sure you have a safe surgery with a speedy recovery.
Blood-thinning supplements may also lead to excess bleeding or bruising. Check with your doctor to make sure you’re cleared to make changes to any blood-thinning medications you may be taking.
Eat Well & Keep Up With Your Usual Workout Routine
As soon as your surgery is on the books, it’s a great time to focus on staying active and eating plenty of nutritious foods that will help your body bounce back from surgery as quickly and easily as possible. Do your best to get plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s also a good idea to start taking a probiotic to help ease constipation after surgery.
Learn more about the role a tummy tuck can play in your workout routine in this blog post.
Assemble Your Support Squad
Having someone you trust ready to help you is essential. You’ll need a ride home after surgery and someone to stay with you that first night as you recuperate. You won’t be able to pick up heavy items, including pets or kids, for a couple of weeks after your surgery. Make sure you have help caring for your loved ones and yourself.
Prep Your “Recovery Nest”
Think about where you’ll be resting up. Ideally, this area will include either a recliner or a bed or sofa that you can add pillows to prop you up. Bring everything with you into one place. That includes snacks, entertainment, ice packs, medication, and your phone with your surgeon’s number saved in your contacts.
Make a Supply Run
Make sure you have the following items on hand before your surgery:
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Ice packs
- Extra pillows
- Ready-made meals
- Moisturizing cleansing wipes
- Bendy straws
You can also pick up your prescriptions at the pharmacy ahead of time so you have them ready as soon as you get home.
Schedule Time Off Work or School
Plan for about 3 weeks away from desk work and 4 to 6 weeks away from physically demanding jobs. It’s always better to schedule a bit more time than you may need so you don’t have to stress about heading back to your routine before you’re ready.
Get In a Healthy & Positive Mindset
It’s normal to have some emotional ups and downs before and after a tummy tuck. You may find it helpful to manage stress by journaling, talking with loved ones, and getting plenty of good sleep. Having a positive mental attitude will make all the difference when it comes to your recovery.
And if you need a little positive inspiration, just take a look at my before-and-after photo gallery to see the wonderful results that await you!
Have More Questions?
If you would like to learn more about preparing for your plastic surgery procedure in Orlando, please request a consultation online or give me a call at (407) 218-4550.