Planning your tummy tuck can be an exciting (albeit a bit overwhelming) time. To help ease any anxiousness that you might be feeling leading up to the big day, keep these five tips in mind as you get ready for your tummy tuck.
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Discuss Your Goals with an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Preparing for stress-free tummy tuck can start as early as your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. First, make sure that you’re working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has ample experience performing body contouring procedures.
Once you’ve done some research to choose the right plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck, try to outline your goals as clearly as you can so you can easily discuss them during your consultation. While body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty and liposuction can offer excellent results in the right candidates, they aren’t weight loss tools and can’t resolve underlying psychological issues related to body image.
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Reach a Stable Target Weight
Although individual results vary, better tummy tuck results are typically seen in those candidates who reach and maintain a stable target weight prior to their procedure. What you don’t want to do is yo-yo diet leading up to or after your tummy tuck, as significant fluctuations in weight can negatively affect your results.
Establish a healthy diet and exercise routine well before your tummy tuck, and try to stick with these great habits long-term.
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Arrange for Help
During the first two weeks after your tummy tuck, you should plan to have time off of work and get help with childcare, household chores and your own needs. While it might be tempting to jump back into your regular routine, it’s important that you give your body enough time to rest, relax and recover. Don’t hesitate to let others help you while you heal.
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Expect Swelling
There’s no doubting that you’ll be excited to see your results as soon as possible after your tummy tuck. However, the reality is that it can take several weeks and months for swelling to diminish and your final results to take shape. Because of this, don’t be discouraged if your body doesn’t exactly look like you’d hoped as soon as you get home. Your plastic surgeon may recommend that you wear a special compression garment during your tummy tuck recovery to help reduce swelling and fluid retention.
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Don’t Rush
Part of planning your tummy tuck is understanding that your results are going to take some time to fully develop, so there’s no need to rush your recovery. With the right meal planning, assistance from another trusted adult and enough time scheduled off of work, your tummy tuck recovery can be a relatively stress-free process.
On the other hand, pushing your body to do too much too soon may lead to complications during recovery and could hinder the quality of your final outcome. Because of this, it’s a good idea to check in with your plastic surgeon before heading back to work or reintroducing a new level of physical activity to your regular routine.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
