How To Prepare For A Tummy Tuck

The more prepared you are before your tummy tuck the better and easier your outcome will be.

Here are a few recommendations:

● Hydration

○ Going into surgery hydrated will help when you may have difficulty drinking the recommended amount of fluids after surgery. A great rule of thumb is half of your body weight in ounces or 100 ounces per day. Another recommendation is to look at your urine! If it is light or clear, your body is hydrated! There are lots of ways to hydrate yourself besides water. Many fruits have a high water content and these are great to incorporate in your diet before and after surgery.

● Grocery Shop

○ Purchase foods that will have little prep and lower sodium. Also look for foods that are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and Zinc. This will help with wound healing. And of course don’t forget about FIBER!! Being constipated is not fun at any time, but especially after an abdominal surgery.

● Work on your core and overall body strength

○ The stronger you go into surgery the easier your recovery will be. Even though the surgeon may be tightening your muscles and skin, having an overall strong body will help you recover from anesthesia and help you move more easily after surgery. Start your core strengthening with a great foundation and build strength from there.

Check out my YouTube video, Core Foundation Exercises, on what exercises to start with.

● Have your compression garments ready

○ Depending on your surgeon, you may receive compression garments from their office. If not, you will want to discuss this with your surgeon’s office PRIOR to surgery! A well fitting compression garment is a HUGE component of recovery and helps promote the best possible cosmetic outcome. As with any surgery, a tummy tuck can have its complications.

Going into surgery prepared will help with stress and will help you get the most out of your investment in yourself!