How to prepare for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery
Tue 27th Aug 2024
If you’re planning on having Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery, it’s helpful to be well-informed and prepared before your procedure. Good preparation can support a more manageable recovery. This article outlines key steps to help you prepare for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery, so you feel organised on the day of your procedure and throughout the recovery period.
Before preparing for surgery, let’s begin with the essential first step: selecting an appropriately qualified plastic surgeon. Consider the following when researching your options:
- Check credentials: Choose a surgeon with appropriate training in Abdominoplasty and Body Contouring procedures. You can visit the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website to confirm whether a surgeon is registered. Dr Dona is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Dr Dona is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Experience: It can be helpful to ask about the surgeon’s years of experience as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Other sources of information may include online resources such as professional websites, social media platforms and word-of-mouth feedback.
Remember, choosing an appropriately qualified surgeon, such as Dr Dona, supports a well-planned procedure and a structured recovery process.
Assess Your Health & Medical History
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery requires a clear understanding of your general health. Before considering surgery, it is vital to ensure that you have maintained a stable weight, are fit and healthy and have lifestyle habits that support healing. Factors such as nicotine use or other behaviours that may affect recovery will be discussed during your consultation.
Achieve & Maintain A Stable Weight
Reaching your ideal weight and maintaining it for several months before your procedure is vital for several reasons:
- Consistency of results: A stable weight helps support results that remain more predictable over time.
- Procedure planning: Weight fluctuations can affect surgical planning and may influence risks during and after surgery.
- Recovery considerations: Maintaining a stable weight can support a more straightforward recovery.
People manage their weight in different ways, including lifestyle changes or medication prescribed by their healthcare provider. Whatever approach is used, maintaining a stable weight over time is essential, as significant fluctuations can affect the timing and planning of surgery as well as the recovery process.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments Before Surgery
Preparing for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery involves more than planning for the day of the procedure. Making lifestyle adjustments in the weeks or months before surgery can support your overall health and help prepare your body for surgery and recovery. The following changes are commonly recommended:
Supporting your nutrition
Paying attention to your nutrition before surgery can support your overall health and recovery. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources, can help meet your body’s nutritional needs. Many people also find it helpful to limit highly processed foods and those high in added sugar.
Along with reviewing lifestyle factors, it is also essential to prepare your home environment to support your recovery.
Other factors such as medications, smoking and alcohol use will be discussed during your consultation with Dr Dona. If you have underlying health conditions that require specific medications, Dr Dona may liaise with your overseeing specialist to help determine an appropriate surgical care plan.
Arrange for post-surgery assistance
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a procedure that requires a period of rest and reduced activity afterwards. You will need support in the early days following surgery, as some everyday tasks may be difficult. Assistance with activities such as getting in and out of bed, preparing meals, light household tasks and transportation can be helpful while your mobility is limited.
If you don’t have someone at home who can assist you, it is important to arrange support in advance. This may be a family member, a friend, or a professional care service such as nursing transport or in-home care. Planning can help ensure you have the help you need during your initial recovery phase.
Consider the following:
- Prepare for home recovery: We recommend you prepare your home for surgery to maximise your chances of a smooth, comfortable recovery.
- Designate a recovery area: Choose a comfortable spot in your home where you can relax, ideally with back and leg support. A recliner can be particularly beneficial as it helps you maintain a slight bend at the hips.
- Extra pillows: Keep extra pillows handy. You’ll need them to prop up various parts of your body to minimise swelling and maintain a comfortable position.
- Keep essentials within reach: Prepare a bedside stash of essentials such as water, medications, a phone charger, snacks and other personal items. This will limit the need to get up frequently, helping your recovery.
- Walking path: Clear walkways to prevent any trips or falls. A smooth path is essential for the short, frequent walks you’ll need to take to promote circulation.
- Easy-to-wear clothing: Have clean, loose, and comfortable clothing easily accessible. Clothing that zips or snaps at the front can help avoid discomfort and difficulty dressing.
What To Wear On Surgery Day
Plan to wear freshly washed, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that’s easy to put on and take off on your surgery day. Thank elastic waistbands, roomy shirts that don’t require lifting your arms over your head and soft, comfortable fabrics.
Choose a top that opens at the front; a zip-up or button-down top is a perfect choice. Slip-on shoes are a must, as you won’t want to struggle with laces after abdominal surgery.
Don’t forget to leave jewellery and other valuables at home as you’ll need to remove these before your procedure. Comfort is key, and your clothing should be the least of your worries on surgery day.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
You’ll need to prepare a hospital bag that is packed with essentials. We recommend you do this at least a couple of weeks before your procedure to avoid any last-minute stress.
Items to include in your hospital bag:
- Comfortable sleepwear: If you’re staying in a hospital, you’ll need to change into loose, comfortable sleepwear.
- Personal care items: Pack lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, unscented lotion, deodorant and anything else you may need.
- Essential documents: This includes photo ID, Medicare cards, Private Health Insurance cards and hospital paperwork.
- Entertainment: Bring books, magazines or a tablet/mobile phone (and charger) to pass the time during recovery.
Familiarise Yourself With The Surgical Procedure
By understanding what’s involved in your surgical procedure, you’ll be best prepared. Remember, knowledge is power, and the more you know about your body and the surgery, the better off you’ll be.
Read up on the procedure, contact the clinic nurses if you have any questions, and try to watch a video example or two of Dr Dona’s Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedures on his YouTube channel. While these videos may be graphic, they demonstrate the key surgical steps involved and highlight the extent of the surgery.
Understand the Post-op Care & Recovery Timeline
A thorough understanding of post-operative care and recovery timeline helps ensure a smooth healing process. Immediately after surgery, it’s critical to follow Dr Dona’s instructions, which typically include rest and limited movement to help with the healing of your abdominal muscles and wounds.
Here’s a quick snapshot of your Tummy Tuck recovery timeline:
First two weeks: Most crucial for healing. Avoid strenuous activity and focus on rest.
Two to six weeks: Gradually return to normal activities. No heavy lifting.
Six weeks to three months: Swelling diminishes, scars begin to fade. Resume more activities.
Three to six months: Full results are visible. Engage in regular exercise.
Remember, maintaining a stable weight with a healthy diet is paramount during your recovery. Any significant weight gain could affect the procedure’s longevity. By adhering to the suggested recovery guidelines, you give yourself the best chance to optimise your healing.
Set Realistic Expectations For Your Surgical Outcome
It’s vital that you have clear, realistic expectations for your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) results. Although there are various types of Abdominoplasty procedures, broadly speaking, they are designed to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.
However, a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is not a one-size-fits-all solution for weight gain, or a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. It will not create a six-pack and is not a weight reduction procedure. Results vary, based on individual factors such as body type, skin elasticity and overall health.
After surgery, your body needs time to heal, so the full benefits may not be immediately evident. Also, you must maintain a stable weight before and after your surgery to ensure lasting results. Keep in mind that substantial weight fluctuations can alter the outcome.
Finally, you must understand that scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure. Dr Dona will strive to minimise scarring and place incisions where they are least noticeable, but you must expect to see scars afterwards.
Maintain Open Communication With Your Surgeon
Clear, open communication with Dr Dona and his team at Bella Plastic Surgery is pivotal to the success of your surgical procedure. Make sure that you have thoroughly discussed your expectations and concerns with Dr Dona before your surgery date.
Keep Dr Dona informed about your health history and any changes in your weight. And don’t hesitate to ask him about the intricacies of the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure, necessary preparations and recovery details.
If you have any doubts about the risks associated with abdominal surgery or queries about ways to minimise complications, once again, talk to Dr Dona. He is very approachable and will be happy to ensure that you’re fully informed. Remember, maintaining transparent communication with your doctor and his team helps set the stage for a successful and safe procedure.
