Planning Your Tummy Tuck: The Six-month Countdown
If you have lost a lot of weight and have loose and sagging skin, you’ll probably want to speak with the team at Jefferson Plastic Surgery about your body contouring options. Body sculpting treatment will be tailored to your needs, but it will likely include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove loose skin around the lower abdomen.
When planning for a tummy tuck, preparation is key. Some patients may want to consider a six-month plan when it comes to undergoing tummy tuck surgery. Our Philadelphia, PA plastic surgeons cover the basics of this six-month plan and why it may be ideal for you.
Why Prepare for Tummy Tuck Six Months Ahead?
A tummy tuck is a major surgery. To get the best results, it’s important to do your research about the procedure, locate surgeons in your area who perform body contouring surgeries, and get your body in the best possible shape for recovery.
A six-month plan allows you to prepare for various aspects of the surgery with less stress leading into the procedure itself. You’re giving yourself time to get ready for the process, and make gradual, lasting adjustments to your wellness that will enhance the outcome of the surgery.
What to Do Six Months before Surgery
Once you’ve decided that a tummy tuck is right for you, you should consider how to get as healthy as possible. Eating a nutrient-rich and balanced diet can help you lose additional weight and develop habits that will keep that weight off. Exercise is also crucial for weight management. While it won’t shrink the sagging skin, it will be invaluable to your overall appearance and wellness in the long run.
If you are a smoker or regularly consume alcoholic beverages, it’s time to break with those bad habits. Quit smoking and the use of tobacco products, and greatly limit your intake of alcohol each week. Both tobacco products and alcoholic beverages can negatively impact your ability to heal.
Finally, start doing your research on surgeons and surgical facilities that offer tummy tuck and other body contouring procedures. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons who have good patient reviews and testimonials online.
What to Do Four Months before Surgery
About four months before surgery, your fitness level should be in good enough to ensure good weight maintenance and overall health. This will help with the surgical recovery process.
You’ll want to start contacting qualified plastic surgeons about a tummy tuck. Consultations with these surgeons will help determine who is the ideal person to perform your surgery. Discuss your goals and their treatment philosophy, and never be hesitant to ask questions. Once you’ve picked a surgeon, you can pick a date for the surgery.
What to Do Three Months before Surgery
Three months before tummy tuck, you can start addressing professional and personal obligations that will be affected by the surgery. Speak with your employer about taking time off from work so you can fully recover. Child care and pet care needs can be addressed during this time as well.
As the surgery date nears, you and you surgeon will discuss more granular details regarding pre-op instructions and other things you can do to prepare for the tummy tuck.
What to Do the Month before Surgery
In the final month before your tummy tuck, you can focus on gathering the supplies necessary for a comfortable recovery. Be sure to fill prescriptions, purchase groceries, clean around the home, and have a family member or loved one present as you are recovering.
Since you’ve been planning for the last six months, you’ll be relatively relaxed and won’t be overwhelmed by the pre-op process.
Learn More about Abdominoplasty
If you would like more information about tummy tuck surgery and your other body contouring options, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic surgeons. The Jefferson Plastic Surgery team is here to address your concerns and help you look your very best.