5 Steps to Planning For A Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck, is a surgical procedure that can help you achieve your body contouring goals. Deciding to have a Tummy Tuck requires thoughtful planning. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and Tummy Tuck expert, I’ve developed a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process.
1. Research & Inquiry
From the time you start thinking about a Tummy Tuck, I recommend giving yourself six months to prepare. Your journey should begin with researching your options and finding a reputable practice and qualified plastic surgeon.
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), to ensure they meet high standards of safety, ethics, and results. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience with tummy tucks, view before-and-after photos, and read patient reviews. A trusted, experienced surgeon will guide you through the entire process with expertise and care.
2. Prepping Your Body
While a tummy tuck is designed for body contouring, it is not a weight-loss procedure. Being at or near your target weight will maximize your results and get you closer to achieving your ideal body contour.
Four to six months prior to surgery, focus on getting your body in the best possible condition. Try to focus on eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and staying active.
If you smoke, this is the time to start the process of quitting. I typically recommend my patients quit smoking six weeks before and six weeks after your tummy tuck procedure. You’ll also want to limit your alcohol intake if you drink. Smoking and heavy drinking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
3. Consulting With Your Surgeon
A consultation is a time dedicated to you and your surgeon to discuss your concerns, goals and determine if a tummy tuck, or any surgical procedure, is the best treatment. This stage should occur about four months prior to your ideal surgery date.
Here at CAPS, we take a unique approach to surgical consultations. You will have a dedicated 45-minutes to sit down with me and my team to discuss what treatment plan is best for you. I will spend the majority of time listening to your unique goals to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you and your anatomy. Then, we will craft a personalized treatment plan together to help you achieve those goals.
During your consultation, one of my main priorities is ensuring you feel comfortable, safe and well-educated. I’ll walk you through the procedure details and treatment options, offer tips and resources for preparing for surgery, set realistic expectations for your results, and walk you through the recovery process.
I encourage you to have open and honest communication with your surgeon to ensure you have all the information needed to feel confident in your decision.
4. Making Arrangements
Once you’ve completed the consultation process, you should feel confident in your choice of a plastic surgeon and book your surgery date. About three months prior to surgery, it’s time to start making arrangements. Planning ahead will make your surgery and recovery much more manageable.
You should schedule leave from work, plan for child and pet care, arrange for someone to take you to and from surgery, and plan for a family member, close friend, or caretaker to stay with you the first 48 hours post-surgery.
5. Setting Expectations for Recovery
The last few weeks before your surgery should be dedicated to understanding and preparing for the recovery process. During the initial stages of recovery, your main goal should be staying as comfortable as possible.
Here at CAPS, we aim to make your recovery as smooth as possible. We will provide you with extensive pre and post op instructions so you feel prepared leading up to surgery. You can prepare your home with recovery items like extra pillows, loose and easy to remove clothing and easy to make meals.
On the day of surgery, dress comfortably and make sure you’ve followed the pre-surgery checklist. We will have time to talk before the operation begins, so if you have any remaining questions, be sure to bring those as well.
If you’re interested in a tummy tuck and would like to learn more about the procedure and discuss your options, I would love to sit down with you and help you achieve the flat, toned abdomen you desire. Schedule a consultation with me to begin your journey!