Tummy Tuck Preparation Steps

If stubborn lower belly fat and loose skin are giving you a hard time, a tummy tuck may be the answer you are looking for. This procedure aims to remove excess fat and skin as well as restore weakened muscles to give patients a firmer, smoother, abdominal contour. Planning ahead for your tummy tuck can go a long way to make sure that everything turns out smoothly during and after surgery. This article offers a few preparation steps to get you ready.

Before the Surgery

There are certain things that need to be done before the surgery to pave way for a seamless surgery and recovery phase.

Choose a Great Surgeon

There are a few top Phoenix tummy tuck surgeons available. Not all of them are the same. Finding a highly qualified and experienced surgeon can help make sure that you attain a satisfactory outcome from this treatment. Start by creating a shortlist of top surgeons in your area who seem to have lots of experience and who have received top reviews from other clients. Then make calls and schedule a one-on-one consultation before you make the final decisions. It’s very important that you ask to be shown before and after photos of past clients to get an impression of what can be achieved with abdominoplasty, as well as the surgeon’s skill level.

Choose your Procedure

Every abdominoplasty is different depending on the needs and desires of the patient. Surgeons may perform a plus size tummy tuck to address extensive changes in the abdominal area or a mini tummy tuck for lighter cosmetic adjustment. During your initial consultation with Dr. LaBarbera, he will examine your belly and ask questions to understand your concerns and expectations. Dr. LaBarbera will then create an individualized treatment plan to achieve your desired outcome. Make sure to air your feedback during this consultation phase so that you can end up having a procedure that is done to your preferences.

Arrange for Help

Abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure. Most patients are allowed to get back home on the same day as the surgery. Since you will be unable to drive, plan ahead to have someone get you home as well as help out with chores and children. This could be a spouse, friend, or family member. Keep in mind that right after surgery, you will need to give yourself space to heal. Having a helping hand close by can go a long way.

Make Necessary Adjustments

A few weeks before the procedure, your surgeon will ask that you make certain lifestyle adjustments. He will take stock of all medication or supplements you are taking, and make changes appropriately. You will also be asked to quit smoking in order to avoid complications. Among other things, smoking can increase the risk of poor healing and pose a safety risk. Make sure to adhere to whatever is asked of you to make sure that everything goes according to plan.

After the Surgery

Getting ready for recovery ahead of time will help reduce stress and make sure that everything runs smoothly as you recover.

Carve Out Time for Yourself

You will need to take time off your regular responsibilities so you can focus on recovery. Since you will need to stay away from work for at least 2 weeks, make arrangements ahead of time. Also arrange to have your children picked up and dropped off to school. Take the time to think about what activities and responsibilities make up your day, and plan to get them out of the way. These may include the following:

• Grocery shopping
• Laundry
• Meal preparation
• Gardening
• Dog working
• Child care
• Gardening

Even if you might feel well enough to take care of these responsibilities a few days after surgery, it is crucial that you focus on resting and caring to allow the healing process.

Get Your Supplies Ready

It goes without saying that you will need to take a lot of fluids and eat healthy foods. The best time to plan for this post-surgery phase is right now. So go to the market and get all the healthy fruits and vegetables you can get your hands on. And while you are at it, buy a lot of fiber-rich whole-grain foods and lean protein (chicken or fish). Drinking water works great to keep you hydrated as your body heals, but you can also get diluted fruit juices or other healthy drinks. Stay away from refined sugars, saturated fats, and drinks that are high in sodium.

Other crucial supplies that you need to have include ice packs, a hand-held shower head, petroleum jelly, a special chair for bathing, as well as a lot of loose-fitting clothing.

Prepare Your Resting Area

Set a room aside with a comfortable bed and a lot of pillows. This will help increase your comfort, especially during the first few days after abdominoplasty. Make sure to bring your favorite books, Netflix, DVDs, and magazines along as well. Anything that you can do to pass time and get your pain off the discomfort during the challenging recovery phase will suffice.

By following these tummy tuck preparation instructions, you can ensure that you have a less stressful time during the recovery.

Tummy Tuck Consultation

Phoenix plastic surgeon Dr. LaBarbera is highly qualified and experienced in abdominoplasty and other cosmetic procedures. Dr. LaBarbera is an active member of the American Board of Surgery(ABS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS). During your initial consultation at our clinic, he will examine your abdomen and ask questions to understand your expectations. Dr. LaBarbera will then work to create an individualized treatment plan to achieve your desired outcome.