How to prepare for a tummy tuck surgery?

Once you have decided to undergo the tummy tuck procedure, you will probably start to think about the preparation for the surgery. That being said, planning ahead and gathering all the information about safe tummy tuck, will ensure that your convalescence will be short and comfortable and your wound will heal properly.

Medical consultation before tummy tuck

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination before the procedure to exclude the risks of thrombosis or formation of the intravascular blood clots which may be dangerous for you. While clotting is an essential part of the healing process after cutting your skin and the clots tend to dissolve on their own, there are cases when the clots fail to dissolve and may obstruct blood flow causing a stroke or a heart attack. To ensure the proper blood flow, you will be asked to withdraw from taking contraceptives, supplements like fish oil or aspirin at least two weeks before the surgery. Not only will it prevent the formation of clots, but also will help in minimizing the risk of bleeding during surgery. The risk of blood clots development may be increased if you suffered from deep vein thrombosis or if the blood clots developed in your legs in the past. Past cancer or family history of cancer should also be taken into consideration as a cause for veins clotting. Caprini Risk Assessment Model is a test that will help in the assessment of the thrombosis risk. Along with the age, past injuries and surgical procedures, this point-system based test will establish whether it is safe to undergo abdominoplasty or if special measures should be taken into account to perform the surgery.  You may be also asked to undertake some additional medical test before abdominoplasty.

Minimizing tummy tuck risks and enhancing the tummy tuck results

To maximise effects and shorten the recovery after a tummy tuck, you should start by preparing yourself and your body to the procedure weeks in advance. Overall, your good health will reduce the risks of complications and speed up your convalescence time. You should pay special attention to maintaining a stable weight. It is not necessary to be at your ideal weight; however, you ought not to have more than 10 pounds on top of your ideal weight in accordance with BMI. You should also watch carefully your weight after the procedure, as substantial weight loss or gain would distort the effects of a tummy tuck. The main reason is the inability to predict where you will gain the extra fat and how exactly will it affect the appearance of your skin. That is why it is required to maintain your weight for at least half a year before the procedure. An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck should have nutritious and moderate diet combined with a workout routine, which will also allow you recover quickly.

Another big step is quitting smoking before the surgery. Cigarettes are extremely harmful to your recovery, as all the chemicals and contaminants in the cigarette are slowing down the proper distribution of oxygen in your blood. The oxygen helps your wounds to heal and smoking diminish greatly the transportation and metabolism of oxygen at the cellular level, which may increase the chances of necrosis of your healing tissue.

Mental preparation

The most important thing is to be realistic about the outcome of the procedure and your aims in general. Remember that it should be your own decision to undergo a tummy tuck, not a way to please somebody or to pursue an unrealistic body shape you have seen in media. Having in mind that it is a surgery and it will leave a scar, it is a good idea to consider carefully all the pros and cons of a tummy tuck. Keep thinking positively about the outcome, however, consider also how you will feel if the procedure will not go as planned. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How will you handle the possible complications and a less than the optimal outcome?
• How will you feel if the results will be lesser than expected?
• If the results are as expected – will you be satisfied or will you fixate on another problem?
• Is there anyone who will help you after the surgery, as you might feel not like your usual self after such a serious cosmetic surgery?

How to prepare for the tummy tuck

To achieve the best possible results, you should adhere to follow all pre- and postoperative instructions and recommendations given by your surgeon.

Four weeks before the tummy tuck surgery

• Quit smoking
• Make arrangements for autologous blood donation if required
• Start supplementing iron

Two weeks before the tummy tuck surgery

• Stop taking aspirin and medicines containing aspirin along with all herbal supplements, as they may thin your blood
• Have a doctor consultation for you pre-op history and inform your surgeon about all the past procedures, injuries and chronic conditions
• In case of catching a cold or any other illness prior to the surgery, notify the doctor as soon as possible, as you may need to postpone the procedure
• Start taking multi-vitamins with C, E, minerals and iron to help you with the healing process
• Ensure that you have someone to drive you to and pick you up after your surgery and to stay with you for the first 24 hours after the procedure

Two days before the tummy tuck surgery

• Have plenty of light foods stored, such as juice, tea, bread, bagels, jelly, soup etc.
• Buy a mild laxative, i.e. milk of magnesia, as well as a stool softener
• You will need extra pillows and cushions on your bed to help keep your waist flexed and bent
• Drink only clear liquids one day prior to surgery

The evening before the tummy tuck surgery

• Shower thoroughly with an antibacterial shower gel
• Drink only liquids and stop eating or drinking anything after midnight the night prior to surgery
• Take the laxatives early
• Try to have a good night’s rest

Day of the tummy tuck surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything
• Do not smoke
• Shower thoroughly with an antibacterial shower gel and do not use any makeup or deodorant
• Do not wear wigs, hairpins, hairpieces, or jewellery
• Dress comfortably

Have someone drive you to the hospital and make sure that there will be somebody to stay with you for 24 hours after you are discharged from the clinic.

Abdominoplasty abroad, especially in Poland, is more affordable than in UK or Germany. Considering undergoing this procedure, you should think about having a tummy tuck in Poland and our advisers at will be delighted to assist you with arranging your surgery and post-op stay.

Justyna Zastapilo

Justyna is a very open person and likes to talk to people. That’s why she decided to become a patient adviser. She has comprehensive knowledge about medical procedures performed abroad.
+44 748 315 53 08