How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Posted on August 22, 2024 | by Donald Conway

If you are considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), congratulations on taking the first step towards achieving a flatter, more toned abdomen! Preparing for your tummy tuck surgery is crucial to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery, so Asheville plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Conway outlines essential steps and considerations to help you get ready for your surgery.

1. Maintain a Stable Weight 

Before scheduling your Asheville tummy tuck, it is important you are at a healthy weight you are comfortable with and can maintain. Ideally, you should be at or within 5-10 pounds of your goal weight and have kept this weight stable for at least six months. In the weeks and months leading up to your surgery, focus on maintaining good health practices. Post tummy tuck surgery, you’ll need to continue a healthy, active lifestyle to safely manage your weight—losing or gaining more than 10-15 pounds can diminish your initial results. 

2. Plan for a Supportive Recovery

A successful tummy tuck recovery requires careful planning and support. Arrange for someone to assist you during the first few days post-surgery, as you will need help with daily activities. Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with essential items within reach. Most patients will need to take at least a week off of work, often two weeks depending on their job requirements to ensure proper healing. It’s also important to note that you will need to stay slightly bent at the waist for about a week to prevent straining your incision too soon in the recovery process so keep this in mind when planning time off.  

If you have small children at home (or pets), you will need to consider childcare arrangements, as your ability to lift weight will be limited for 4-6 weeks. 

“I have known Dr. Conway for over a decade. We met the first time for my desire to have a tummy tuck procedure. He was honest and helpful, made me feel at ease through the entire process and during that time I came to admire not only his skill, but his compassion, professionalism and honesty…”
—5-star Google review 

Gathering Essential Items for Tummy Tuck Recovery

Preparing a recovery kit with all the necessary supplies before your tummy tuck can make your post-surgery experience more comfortable and much less stressful. Here are some essential items to have on hand:

• Medications: Pick up all prescribed medications and have over-the-counter pain relievers ready for when you no longer need narcotic pain meds.
• Compression garments: These are crucial for supporting healing tissues as they settle into your new shape and for reducing swelling.
• Loose clothing: Wearing clothes that are easy to put on and take off, such as button-up shirts and loose pants will make changing easier and limit the risk of straining your incision. 
• Pillows: Use extra pillows to prop yourself up and stay comfortable, especially when sleeping—your caregiver may need to help you find the right configuration once you’re home.  
• Healthy snacks and beverages: Keep easy-to-digest, nutritious foods and plenty of water within reach. Preparing your favorite dishes ahead of time and freezing them is a great way to fuel a speedy recovery and enjoy the convenience of a heat-and-serve meal. 
• Ice packs/heating pads: With Dr. Conway’s approval, you may use ice packs or heating pads to relieve temporary discomfort and swelling. Keep in mind you will need to place these items over your compression garments.
• Hygiene supplies: While most patients can shower about 2-3 days after surgery, it’s helpful to have gentle, fragrance-free body wipes and dry shampoo on hand to help you feel clean before you are healed enough to get your incision wet. 
• Entertainment: Giving your body enough time to recover is key to the best tummy tuck results, so have plenty of books, magazines, or devices to keep yourself occupied during the initial rest period.

3. Follow Pre-Operative Instructions

Dr. Conway will provide specific pre-operative instructions tailored to your needs. This may include: pausing certain medications or supplements; abstaining from smoking (tobacco products can impair healing and increase the risk of complications); and following a nutritious diet and staying well-hydrated. Following all pre-surgery guidelines helps ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible and supports a successful recovery.

4. Understand the Procedure and Scarring

A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles to create a firmer, more contoured appearance. It is important to understand that this procedure will result in a scar, typically a horizontal line along the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone. Dr. Conway will explain where your incision will be and how far it will extend, but tummy tuck incisions are generally made to be easily concealed by underwear or bikini bottoms. 

While a tummy tuck scar will flatten and fade over time, it will never completely disappear. Dr. Conway uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring, and we will provide guidance on proper scar care to help your scar fade as fine and light as possible. Most patients feel their smoother, toned abdomen is well worth a tummy tuck scar that can be covered by just a few inches of fabric. 

5. Set Realistic Expectations

While a tummy tuck can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, it is important to have realistic expectations about the results and recovery process. Although you’ll see an immediate improvement in your midsection, final results may take up to a year or more to fully develop, and it is normal for surgical scars to take up to two years to fade. Understanding these aspects beforehand will help you stay positive and patient throughout your recovery journey. 

6. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Undergoing surgery is a significant decision that requires mental and emotional preparation. Take time to discuss your goals and concerns with Dr. Conway and ask any questions you may have so you feel confident about your procedure plan and what to expect in the days, weeks, and months following surgery. Feeling at ease with your procedure will help contribute to a smoother surgical experience and recovery.

Learn more about a tummy tuck in Asheville

We hope this checklist has helped empower you as you prepare for one of the most transformative body contouring procedures. Asheville plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Conway is here to support you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to your final results. If you have any more questions about preparing for a tummy tuck or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us by calling 828-210-9333 or submitting a contact form online.