How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck

September 10th, 2013 | Posted in: Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck | Tags: BHPS inc, Dr. Gabriel Chiu, Tummy Tuck

Even though your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery may be weeks away, it is never too early to begin getting ready for your procedure. When preparing to undergo abdominoplasty, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. To make it easier for you, we have come up with a guide to help ensure that your body is completely ready for the procedure.

The following will enable your body to recover swiftly and effectively:

• Exercise during the days leading up to surgery to boost your immune system and keep your body safe from infection after the tummy tuck is complete. Yoga, swimming, and weightlifting are great ways to get your entire body in shape. Just make sure not to overdo it on the abdominal exercises.

• Be sure to consume a diet that contains an ample amount of protein in order to help the incisions heal in a timely manner. Foods such as chicken, fish, and eggs are great ways to not only prepare your body for abdominoplasty, but also speed up your metabolism in the process.

• Do NOT smoke at least two weeks before your tummy tuck surgery. This is one of the most important guidelines to follow because smoking can cause complications to arise with anesthesia during surgery and delay wound healing afterwards. To ensure a safe and proper recovery, you should also refrain from smoking until the incisions are completely closed and you return to your normal routine.

• You should always avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication for the first few weeks before and after your tummy tuck. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (e.g., Aleve) can increase bleeding during and after surgery. For this reason, it is best to avoid these over-the-counter medications to lower your risk for bleeding.

During your consultation, Dr. Gabriel Chiu will thoroughly discuss these preoperative guidelines as well as instruct you what you need to do postoperatively.

At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, we strive to provide you with the safest and most effective tummy tuck procedure possible. To schedule your abdominoplasty, call (888) 754-8955 or fill out our online consultation form today.