How do I prepare for my tummy tuck - abdominoplasty surgery?

Your surgeon will have given you a list of instructions to follow before your surgery. These will include not taking aspirin,
anti-inflammatory medicines or non-prescription medications such as evening primrose oil or ginseng.

They will also include advice about what to eat and drink before your surgery, and what to bring with you on the day.

These can slow down the recovery process which means your wounds will take longer to heal. This equally applies if you are a smoker. It would be better if you gave up altogether but please make sure that you stop at least weeks before surgery, and up to two weeks afterwards. Your surgeon will refuse to perform the procedure if you are still smoking around that time.

You will have to take time off work so arrange this with your employer. Everyone is different when it comes to the recovery process but you are looking at two to three weeks at least, away from work.

It is a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital, and to help you once you are back at home. Either your partner or family member/friend could maybe help here. You will be very tired, sore and swollen for the first few days so ask someone to help you with the normal everyday jobs such as washing, cooking and ironing.

This is covered in more detail in our other sections. Each of them contains a question regarding preparation for a specific cosmetic procedure. This preparation includes a list of what to prepare at home for your recovery.

In regard to abdominoplasty, you should avoid any excessive weight loss and over exposure to the sun (this includes the use of sunbeds), as this affect your ability to heal.

If you develop a cold or some other illness just before your surgery then this will postponed until you have recovered.

The day before, pack a small case with nightwear, dressing gown and slippers, toiletries, medications if necessary and a few of your favourite magazines or books.

Leave any valuables such as jewellery at home.

Tummy Tuck Surgery / Abdominoplasty Surgery Guide Index:

• Abdominoplasty - tummy tuck intro
• Who should consider tummy tuck surgery
• Why I shouldn’t have an abdominoplasty?
• How much does abdominoplasty cost?
• Can I get help towards paying for a tummy tuck?
• Can I have a tummy tuck on the NHS?
• Can I have abdominoplasty abroad?
• I am interested in abdominoplasty what do I do next?
• How do I find an abdominoplasty surgeon?
• What questions should I ask my surgeon?

• I have decided to go ahead so what happens next?
• How do I prepare for my tummy tuck?
• What will happen on the day of my abdominoplasty?
• What is the abdominoplasty procedure?
• What will happen after my abdominoplasty?
• What does recovery from abdominoplasty involve?
• What are the benefits of abdominoplasty?
• What are the risks of abdominoplasty?
• Is there an ‘aftercare’ service for abdominoplasty?
• How long does abdominoplasty last?