How to Prepare for
a Tummy Tuck

Before performing your tummy tuck, we will need to review your medical history. You should be ready to talk to your doctor about any medications you take and the reasons why you want a tummy tuck.

According to Mayo Clinic, some things you might need to do before a tummy tuck include:

• Come in for an initial exam: Before we perform your tummy tuck, we will want to examine your abdomen. We might take photos or add notes to your medical file.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process after a tummy tuck. It slows down blood flow and can present the risk of tissue damage. We recommend you stop smoking before surgery and throughout your recovery period.
• Stop taking certain medications: We usually advise our tummy tuck patients to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements. This is because these medications can contribute to heavy bleeding.

• Remain at a stable weight: Avoid gaining or losing a significant amount of weight for at least a year before your tummy tuck. Your doctor may give you a goal weight to maintain before surgery.

• Coordinate with a post-operation caretaker: You should have a friend or family member pick you up after surgery. It’s usually a good idea to have them stay with you for a day or two after surgery in case you need help with everyday tasks.

Set up an appointment with our practice when you call us at (561) 499-0660.

What You Can Expect
After a Tummy Tuck

After your tummy tuck, we may place small tubes near your incisions to ensure blood or fluids drain properly. These might be left in place for a few days after surgery, and we may prescribe an antibiotic to ensure you remain infection-free.

Your doctors might encourage you to try walking in the first few days after surgery so that you are not at risk of forming blood clots. After the procedure, you can also expect:

• To wear a supportive abdominal binder for six weeks
• Your doctor to instruct you not to make any harsh movements that could harm your incisions
• To attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure you are healing properly

How Long After Surgery Is the Tumm Tuck Recovery Period?

How long your recovery after surgery will take depends on a few factors, such as your age and overall health. Depending on how your body reacts to the procedure, it could take a few weeks to a few months. In any case, you should be prepared to:

• Take some time away from work
• Hire child caretakers or ask friends and family to help if you have children
• Wear loose clothing
• Avoid your usual workouts or hobbies until your doctor approves you to return to these activities

Allow us to put our 40+ experience behind your health when you call us at (561) 499-0660.

Who Is a Strong
Candidate for a
Tummy Tuck?

After your tummy tuck, we may place small tubes near your incisions to ensure blood or fluids drain properly. These might be left in place for a few days after surgery, and we may prescribe an antibiotic to ensure you remain infection-free.

Typically, some factors we consider before approving a patient for a tummy tuck include:

• Whether they are a heavy smoker
• If they plan to become pregnant in the future
• Their weight loss goals
• Whether they have had any prior surgeries
• If they have any health conditions that could interfere with their recovery