Pre Surgery Instructions: Abdominoplasty

The following instructions are essential to a safe experience and good outcome for your tummy tuck surgery.

Use this as a checklist as you approach your surgery date. This is essential to your health and safety. There may be several weeks between your decision to have surgery and your actual surgical date. During this time there are several important considerations.

Practice Proper Fitness

You need not engage in an aggressive or new fitness routine; however practicing good fitness habits is an important factor in your overall health and well-being. Stretching exercises and low-weight strength training now, can help to enhance your posture and your strength in the weeks following surgery.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

In the weeks prior to surgery maintain the best of health and hygiene. A lingering cold, virus or other illness can result in your surgery being rescheduled. Make certain to address any illness immediately, and advise our office of any serious illness or change in your health.

Good Nutrition

Eat well during the weeks prior to surgery. Crash dieting, over-eating or high alcohol intake can greatly affect your overall health and well-being. A healthy, balanced diet is essential.

Stop Smoking

Smoking can greatly impair your ability to heal. You must be nicotine and smoke-free for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. You must also be free of any nicotine patch or nicotine-based products for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Prepare and Plan

Schedule any time off of work, and any support you will need at home in the days following surgery, including housework, childcare, shopping and driving. Make certain a responsible adult is enlisted and confirmed to drive you to and from surgery, and that someone is confirmed available to stay with you around the clock for at 24 hours, following surgery.

Pre-Surgical Testing

Make certain to schedule ALL of the pre-surgical testing and clearance you have been given.

Relax and Enjoy Lift

Stress and anxiety over life’s daily events, and even your planned surgery can affect you. While some anxiety is common, any serious stress, or distress over the thought of surgery is something you must discuss with our office. We are here to support you and answer all of your questions. We want your decision to be one made with confidence. Call our office with any unusual anxiety or concerns. Get plenty of rest. If you have trouble sleeping, call our office.

Fill Your Prescriptions

Your prescription medications for use AFTER surgery will be sent to your pharmacy BEFORE surgery. Please arrange to pick these up prior to your surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you a pain medication and an antibiotic.

STOP Taking the Following for the Duration Before Your Surgery.

Taking any of the following can increase your risk of bleeding and other complications:

Aspirin and medications containing aspirin
Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory agents
Vitamin E
St. John’s Wort
Garlic Supplements
Green Tea or green tea extracts
Estrogen supplements
Oral contraceptives / birth control