There’s no more effective treatment for a loose, sagging belly than a tummy tuck. Also known as abdominoplasty, the procedure tightens and tones the midsection by removing excess skin and fatty tissue. A tummy tuck can also correct a separated abdominal wall, known as diastasis recti. Given the benefits, it’s no wonder the procedure is a go-to for anyone considering a mommy makeover, rejuvenating their figure after weight loss or simply looking to regain a taut, youthful pre-pregnancy belly. But regardless of the factors that led you to consider getting a tummy tuck to begin with, the best time for a tummy tuck is always after you’ve taken the necessary steps to prepare.
When you’re ready to start planning your tummy tuck, keep these 17 tummy tuck prep tips handy:
[pullquote]Deciding on clear cosmetic goals will help you develop realistic, measurable expectations for your final tummy tuck results.[/pullquote]Too many people simply want to look and feel better without gaining a concrete sense of the changes they’re seeking. Rather than telling yourself you’d like to be “less flabby” or “sexier”, take a long, hard look at your midsection and be honest with yourself about your ideal outcome. Are you hoping to lose a hanging gut so you can finally wear your old pants again or buy some new ones? Are your abdominal halves separated and making your midsection look too thick? Is your tummy distended, giving you a swayed back? Do you have too much stomach skin and persistent fat deposits? These are all concerns you can bring up to your tummy tuck surgeon.
Finding a surgery center you like is an important initial step in preparing for a tummy tuck. A good surgery center should be held to the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation and professionalism. Certain environmental elements can lead to a higher risk of contamination during surgical procedures simply due to the accumulation of bacteria. Carpeted floors, windows with vertical blinds, operating room sinks and baseboards can all serve as breeding grounds for bacteria. You should also make sure your plastic surgery center is accredited, which means it is routinely inspected for the highest industry standards, including not only sanitation levels, but also record keeping and patient care.
Your plastic surgery center should also make you feel welcome, relaxed and excited about your procedure. In fact, the value of a good surgery center is one reason why it can be risky to go overseas for plastic surgery — you don’t know what you’re getting until you arrive.
Your surgery center can most likely connect you with experienced plastic surgeons who perform tummy tuck surgery, but you may also wish to focus on finding a surgeon first and worrying about the surgery center after. Research tummy tuck surgeons in your area, but don’t be afraid to travel within state or to another state for the right surgeon. In the end, your plastic surgeon plays the biggest role in your final results, so it’s important to think this decision over carefully.
During your initial tummy tuck consultation, you’ll have a chance to ask any questions you have about the procedure, risks and the results you can realistically expect. Don’t forget to check out real patient before-and-after photos so you can have an idea of your surgeon’s abilities. Finally, you’ll want to find a plastic surgeon who you can maintain a long-term relationship with as you prep for your procedure and recover. Look for someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident about your decision.
[pullquote] Remember that any additional weight you lose after getting your tummy tuck could result in more excess skin, so it’s best to get as close as possible to your weight loss goal before your procedure. [/pullquote]While a tummy tuck can help you achieve a slimmer stomach, the procedure is not intended for weight loss purposes. Weight loss surgery and cosmetic surgery are two different specializations, and any forms of body contouring after pregnancy or weight loss are meant only to fine-tune the shape of your body.
That’s why it’s essential that you reach your ideal weight before scheduling your tummy tuck. If you’ve just had a baby, give yourself at least 6 months after either giving birth or nursing before getting a tummy tuck so you have plenty of time to lose some baby fat.
Getting a tummy tuck is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ matter. A skilled tummy tuck surgeon should customize each procedure to the individual’s needs. In general, there are three common types of tummy tucks for people with a range of needs:
One of the most popular add-ons for tummy tuck surgery is liposuction. The procedures can go hand-in-hand for the right candidates, most of whom have both excess stomach skin and excess fat around the belly or love handles. Adding lipo to your tummy tuck means your procedure will take a comprehensive approach to your aesthetic concerns by tackling both issues at once.
Liposuction can also be applied to the waist, flanks or buttocks to help streamline your new figure. Since a traditional tummy tuck only addresses the front of the midsection, adding liposuction gives you a wider range of cosmetic concerns you can tackle. Ask your plastic surgeon if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.
If you’ve achieved your target weight range, you should feel proud of yourself! However, the work isn’t finished when you reach your perfect weight, but when you prove to yourself that you can maintain it. Most tummy tuck surgeons recommend that men and women maintain a stable and healthy weight for at least 6 months before having abdominoplasty. That’s important because tummy tucks don’t prevent future weight gain, even when combined with liposuction, so if you aren’t certain that you can maintain a stable weight, you could end up reversing some of the results.
Cementing healthy eating habits takes time, and you don’t want to crash diet before your tummy tuck. Here are a few tips for keeping a healthy, low-calorie diet:
[pullquote] Staying well hydrated can aid with weight loss and make sure your body gets the most out of the nutrients you consume.[/pullquote]Drinking enough water to replenish the fluids your body naturally loses each day is an essential part of having a healthy, balanced diet. Most people, however, don’t drink enough water. If you’re urine isn’t clear or a very light yellow, chances are, you’re dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include chapped lips, dry mouth and oily skin.
You should be drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. If you exercise or live in a particularly warm climate, you should drink even more.
People with poor sleeping habits tend to exercise less, have less energy, overeat more and eat more junk food in general. In fact, not getting enough sleep can even lead to premature aging. If you’re committed to living a healthy lifestyle, that includes making sure you get enough sleep each night. Some people need more sleep than others, but the general rule of thumb for adults is to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. You’ll most likely know the right amount for you once you settle into a reliable routine.
Develop healthy sleeping habits with these pointers:
It should go without saying, but binge eating is unhealthy and can reverse your weight loss achievements. One of the best ways to avoid binge eating is to avoid “trigger foods” altogether. Trigger foods are foods that you find difficult to eat just one of, such as popcorn, candy or salty chips. For many people, sugar is a big trigger, especially refined sugar like in candy bars and cakes. Whatever your triggers are, prioritize your health and your weight loss by removing them from your diet. You can avoid sugar altogether and replace it with healthier, natural sweeteners like agave. Snacks to munch on during movies like chips or popcorn can be replaced with healthier alternatives, like edamame, pistachios, grapes or celery sticks.
[pullquote]The majority of Americans consume too much sodium, which can contribute to a number of serious health concerns. [/pullquote]
Cutting back on sodium can lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Much of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods, like prepackaged frozen meals or processed meats, or from restaurant food. Both fast food restaurants and high-end sit-down restaurants tend to serve meals with enough sodium content for the entire day.
Here are some tips for cutting down your sodium consumption:
Maintaining a low-sodium diet can also help speed up your tummy tuck recovery, so it’s best to break in these habits sooner rather than later. Being in optimal health when you have your procedure will make your recovery that much easier.
In addition to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, part of your tummy tuck preparation is to exercise regularly if you don’t already. Regular physical activity is essential for good health because it strengthens your heart, lowers your cholesterol and decreases your risk of a number of health conditions. Regular exercise also boosts endorphins and leads to greater day-to-day happiness and lower stress levels. Exercise can also increase bone density, extend life span and be a major catalyst in weight loss and managing diabetes.
Make a commitment to exercise for at least half an hour, 5 days a week. In addition to routine exercise, try working more physical activity into your day-to-day routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or bike to work one day a week instead of driving. If you work a desk job, get up for a quick walk around the building or even just the office at least a couple of times each day.
Don’t make exercise a drag. It’s a good idea to have a few go-to activities like running or cycling, but you should also challenge yourself to try out new physical activities. Join a rock climbing gym, rent a mountain bike or try kayaking for an afternoon. Exploring new activities not only makes exercise a more adventurous aspect of your life, but also tones new and different parts of your body. Doing the same repetitive activities day after day may help you lose weight and stay in shape, but you’ll also be neglecting entire other muscle groups by not expanding your reach.
Smoking is the most preventable cause of a large number of health problems, some of which can lead to premature death. If you picked up a smoking habit earlier on in life and still haven’t kicked it to the curb, let your tummy tuck be the motivating factor in giving up the cigarettes once and for all. Smokers tend to heal much slower after surgery than non-smokers and may face a higher risk of complication. Smoking also drastically limits your heart and lung capacity, which makes exercise and strenuous activity far less enjoyable. Do yourself a favor by quitting smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery, and never starting again.
[pullquote] Ask your surgeon what he or she recommends for your appearance goals. [/pullquote]Once you’ve reached and maintained your goal weight, established a healthy diet and committed exercise regimen, it’s time to give yourself a hard look in the mirror again. What’s changed since you started on this journey? You may be surprised at some of the changes you see. If you originally consulted with your tummy tuck surgeon prior to losing weight and getting into shape, schedule a second consultation after you’ve reached your goals so you can reassess your needs.
Your surgeon may even have additional recommendations to help you get the best results. Women getting a mommy makeover may wish to include other body contouring procedures like a thigh lift or buttock enhancement. Anyone who has achieved dramatic weight loss can get a lower body lift, which combined a tummy tuck with a thigh and buttock lift to tighten and tone the entire lower body. For those not interested in liposuction, CoolSculpting® offers a nonsurgical alternative for fat reduction using a process called cryolipolysis, which freezes fat cells and causes them to dissolve.
As your tummy tuck appointment approaches, take some time to prepare for your recovery. Stock up on ice packs or bags of frozen veggies, as these can be used to minimize swelling and discomfort during the first few days after surgery. Get any household chores out of the way before your tummy tuck, as you’ll want to rest as much as possible after getting surgery. Prepare meals ahead of time or enlist the help of a friend or family member to prepare food for you. Have a ready supply of your favorite books, magazines, movies or games so you can enjoy your recovery as best as possible.
Finally, relax! If you’ve done all you can to prepare, you deserve to feel great about yourself. Planning for a major surgery like a tummy tuck can be tiring. Take a bath, go on a long, quiet stroll, visit a spa or just take some time to yourself, doing what you love doing. Knowing how to let yourself relax will go a long way toward helping with a smooth, stress-free recovery.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Daniel is trusted by people who want a meticulous, deeply caring doctor.
