Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

CONSULTATION

The consultation process is extremely important toward ensuring a successful tummy tuck. Patients should be prepared to discuss their complete medical history, sharing information on the medications they take and any medical conditions they may have. During the consultation with your surgeon, the price for a tummy tuck will also be discussed.

PREPARING FOR TUMMY TUCK:

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY

Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco chew, and pipes should all be avoided from this period onward. Nicotine use interferes with circulation and puts patients at higher risk of experiencing complications during tummy tuck recovery or while receiving anaesthesia.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY

Any of the pre-operative tests that Dr. Edelstein has scheduled (usually EKG and/or laboratory testing) should be taken. The results of these tests must be sent to Edelstein Cosmetic at least one full week before surgery. If these tests reveal the patient may be pregnant, the tummy tuck must be cancelled.

During this period of time patients should reduce their salt intake. Since it leads to swelling and bloating, consuming too much salt can lead to unnecessary post-operative swelling. Water consumption should be increased at this time as well. Drinking more water flushes out toxins, helping prepare the body to heal and ward off illness during the recovery period.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY

All alcohol (even a single drink) must be avoided from this point onward as well. Alcohol decreases the strength of the immune system and increases the risk of post-operative infection. It can also increase the risk of bleeding.

Aspirin and ibuprofen products also cannot be taken starting two weeks prior to the tummy tuck. Because these medications are blood thinners they can lead to surgical complications like excess bleeding and recovery problems such as incision wounds healing too slowly due to blood that cannot clot. Tylenol has a different formulation and may be taken safely.

Vitamins should be taken to help encourage healing processes. Multi-vitamins containing iron, minerals and vitamin C/E are advised. It’s important not to take “extra” vitamin E.

ONE WEEK BEFORE SURGERY

Patients should continue to refrain from nicotine, alcohol and ibuprofen products. All laboratory test results and blood work must be sent to Edelstein Cosmetic by this point as well.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY

Fasting is required in order to guarantee a safe surgery and effective anaesthesia. Patients must not eat or drink (including water or gum) after midnight. If regular medication must be taken it can be swallowed with a small sip of water on the morning of the appointment.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

Patients may shower and shampoo their hair on the morning of surgery, but must not wear make-up or use hair sprays/gels or nail polish. Acrylic nails can stay on while other jewelry should not be worn or brought to the appointment. Tampons cannot be worn (a feminine napkin can be used instead) and patients should dress in loose-fitting clothes.

By the day of surgery all post-operative arrangements (planning a ride home, scheduling for help around the house for the first 24 hours, and grocery shopping) should be made and confirmed.

Follow these steps if you want to know how to prepare for a tummy tuck.