7 Important Things that You Should Know Before Tummy Tuck Surgery

"Tummy tuck surgery flattens the stomach by removing stubborn fat in the belly and tightening sagging to give you a nicely sculpted waistline!"

·       Two weeks before tummy tuck: Stop taking aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, or anti-inflammatory medications, as they increase bleeding.

·       You should notify your plastic surgeon if you contract a cold, flu, fever, or sore throat before your surgery to get rescheduled as instructed.

·       Stop smoking, chewing tobacco, or nicotine patches at least two weeks before to avoid surgery-related risks.

·       One week before tummy tuck surgery: Fill all your prescriptions and pain medications.

·       Be sure your support person knows your surgery time, medication instructions, and other details, including pre-and-post op care.

Excess skin, tissue, and fat can develop in the abdomen due to weight changes, pregnancy, and age. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, can help with these concerns. In addition, all plastic surgery procedures require a board-certified plastic surgeon evaluation, so schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your body goals.

Dr. Karishma Kagodu, MS, M CH., Managing Director of Dr. Karishma Aesthetics, Indiranagar, Bangalore, also contributing her services to Kinder women's hospital, Whitefield, has stated that one of the best things you should do to prepare for abdominoplasty is to be at a stable weight. Thus, fuelling your body with low-fat and high-protein is essential, especially in the weeks before tummy tuck surgery. The board-certified surgeon, Dr. Karishma, also stressed the importance of having someone with you during the initial weeks of the recovery process, as you will not be able to care for yourself for the first week or so following your surgery.

What to consider before a tummy tuck?

1. Who is your plastic surgeon?

A board-certified plastic surgeon should only perform tummy tuck surgery to meet the best results possible with no complications. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and candidacy for a tummy tuck. Explore the plastic surgeon's before-and-after photos to see their work.

2. Get medically cleared for surgery.

Before plastic surgery, you should be medically cleared by your primary care provider. Also, your weight should be stable for three months before your tummy tuck.

3. Adjust your current medications.

Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs before surgery. Some herbal vitamins and supplements can also affect bleeding, so check with your primary care provider and plastic surgeon before surgery.

4. Stop smoking before and after surgery.

Quit smoking three months before any plastic surgery procedure, and do not smoke after your procedure. Smoking can delay wound healing and may affect blood flow to the incision.

5. Be sure to arrange for someone who can help you.

Daily activities after a tummy tuck may be difficult for the first 10-14 days. Make sure to have a friend, family member, or nurse to help you take care of yourself. Also, avoid making important decisions while taking pain medication.

6. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your Tummy tuck surgery.

You are instructed not to eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight the day before tummy tuck surgery. This is because having food or liquid in your stomach can increase your chances of developing anesthesia complications like pneumonia.

7. Instructions on the day of your tummy tuck surgery.

Typically, you will be instructed to take a shower with anti-bacterial soap and wear loose and comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. The loose-fitting cloth helps allow ease of dressing after surgery. In addition, make sure you bring pain medication and muscle relaxers with you to your procedure appointment.

If you want to know more about tummy tuck surgery/ abdominoplasty in Bangalore, please contact Dr. Karishma Kagodu, a board-certified plastic surgeon, at +91 8042036382, +91 9108969006, and +91 7624809006 to schedule your one-on-one consultation today.