Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Before your tummy tuck
Two weeks before surgery
- Review your medications and herbal and dietary supplements with your physician.
- The following may increase the risk of post-operative bleeding: aspirin, ibuprofen, glucosamine chondroitin, flax seed, vitamin E, fish oil, Echinacea, Gingko biloba, CoQ10, green tea, chia seeds, primrose oil, and garlic.
One week before surgery
- Fill any prescriptions, and purchase necessary ointments and compression garments.
- Arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility.
- Prepare foods that are easily reheated for the first few days after your procedure.
- You will need 20 percent more protein after surgery, to speed your recovery.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Get a good night’s sleep before your procedure.
Day of surgery
- Arrive ten minutes prior to your appointment time to avoid traffic and parking issues.
- Bring compression garments.
- Bring any medications.
After your tummy tuck
When recovering from surgery it is important to be aware of the following:
- You have received an anesthetic and may be mildly groggy and dizzy.
- You may use ice packs as needed for pain.
- You may use Tylenol or the prescribed pain medication. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing medications.
- Rest in bed for 24 hours. You may get up only to use the bathroom.
- You should keep pillows under the knees and sleep in a semi-sitting position for about one week. Elevate your upper body with pillows.
- If there are drains, empty and renew the suction every eight hours.
- Record the amount of drainage.
- The nurses in the recovery room will show you how to operate the drains before you leave.
- If directed by your doctor, remove the compression garment and gauzes on the second day.
- Once you have removed the compression garment and gauzes, you may shower with soap and water, avoiding a direct spray of water on the incision.
- After showering, cover the incision with bandages or dressings, then put on the compression garment.
- No vigorous activity or exercise until directed by your doctor.
Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you develop any unusual symptoms, such as:
- shaking chills and/or fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- excessive bleeding (more than slight oozing of blood)
- excessive pain
- excessive swelling