Being prepared, both mentally and physically before undergoing a major surgery is very important. Your preparedness could end up sparing you a lot of inconvenience, discomfort, and difficulties. Depending on your personal habits you could be preparing for your tummy tuck up to three weeks before the actual procedure.
Safety trumps everything! Your Honolulu plastic surgeon wants you to have a safe and successful tummy tuck procedure so you will need to take all necessary precautions to make sure you are in the best possible health before your procedure. If you smoke, your Honolulu plastic surgeon will require that you quit smoking at least three weeks prior to your tummy tuck, and maybe even sooner. Smoking greatly increases the risk of complications during and after your tummy tuck, and also significantly slows the healing process. If you are taking any supplements let your Honolulu surgeon know. They may recommend that you refrain from taking certain vitamins or supplements just before your surgery, or an alternative for them. Maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle before and after your tummy tuck is best for optimal results.
An exciting life event like a tummy tuck procedure seems to sneak up on people faster than they expected. Do not let that be you! Go to the store and get everything you will need during your healing process and down time. Necessities include Q-tips, comfortably loose clothing, a removable shower head, and a shower chair. Honolulu plastic surgeons also recommend that you stock up on healthy, easy access foods, your favorite movies, books, and anything else that you will enjoy while you are healing.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and to stay with you for three nights post-operatively for your safety. Prepare to be very limited for about two to three weeks and be sure to clear your calendar and any prior obligations that involve any strenuous activity.
When you schedule your tummy tuck consultation with S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS in Honolulu you can ask any and all remaining questions you may have about the tummy tuck procedure.
