Preparing For Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure and as such requires preparation and precautions to firstly ensure safety of the patient and secondly, to help the comfort level of patients recovering from this surgery.

Prepare Ahead Of Surgery

Since this surgery is centered on the abdominal muscles, moving or lifting anything for the first few weeks is painful. Make arrangements ahead of time for post operative help with tasks like grocery shopping, driving, handling household chores like laundry and cleaning. Ideally patients undergoing a tummy tuck will have help for at least 2 full weeks following your Los Angeles tummy tuck. If there are small children in the household, try to arrange help for a longer period of time.

Pre Op Testing & Preparation

Ensure the required blood and urine tests are done 10 days before surgery. In patients older than 45, an EKG will need to be done.

Purchase the recommended compression garment or garments and check the fit before surgery. Bring these garments to the surgical center on the day of surgery. It is helpful to have a change of garment for hygiene reasons.

You can maintain your regular prescription schedule while you are recovering at the surgical center. Patients should anticipate any medication needs and have them readily available during the first stages of recovery. Driving is often painful for a few weeks, so bring in supplies of food, medication and anything else that is required before surgery.

Take care of your usual tasks before surgery such as house cleaning, vet visits, hair appointments and grocery shopping. Also, set up your bed in an area that won’t require the use of stairs if at all possible. Have extra pillows readily available to prop up your knees or put behind your back. Tummy tuck recovery requires that patients walk frequently, but patients will be hunched over for a few weeks. Tightening up internal muscles will require patients to give those muscles a rest for the first few weeks.

Simple movements will be painful so take care to not exert yourself unnecessarily for the first few weeks.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Disclose any of the following conditions at the preoperative consultation:

We will require this information to take precautions to ensure your safety.

Medications To Avoid

Medications such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve and Aspirin must be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and can increase bleeding and bruising.

Immediately Before Surgery

Take any medication with a very small sip of water. If you are on insulin, follow the instructions you have been given by our office on how much to take the morning of surgery.

On the morning of your surgery, take one of the prescribed nausea pills, Compazine, with a small sip of water.

Remove all jewelry, including watches, rings, body rings and studs before you arrive for surgery. Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes such as sweat pants, front-opening shirts and slip-on shoes. Please do not wear perfume or makeup.

Following Surgery

Following surgery, patients are not allowed to drive home or take a taxi to ensure there are no auto accidents caused by the anesthesia. A responsible adult will need to accompany you home and assist you for at least 48 hours following your procedure. Inform us in advance if you don’t have an adult who can assist your for 24 hours and we will make arrangements for you to recover in an after-care facility.

We are here to assist you to properly prepare for surgery to ensure your safety and comfort. Call our office to clarify any point or to ask any questions related to surgery preparation.