Patients who opt to undergo a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) cosmetic surgical procedure should be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a regular exercise routine and a sensible, well-balanced diet. In fact, Dr. Paul Pin believes that a tummy tuck procedure should not be considered a quick weight loss method, but rather a means to properly contour the body by removing excess skin following weight loss.
After patients undergo the tummy tuck procedure, they must maintain that healthy lifestyle for long-lasting, successful results. Dr. Pin recommends that these patients start a regular exercise program and consume a healthy diet before they undergo the procedure. In addition to achieving a healthy body, Dr. Pin will provide patients with a list of instructions to follow before the procedure so they can be properly prepared for surgical treatment.
Two Weeks Prior to Surgery
If they have not already being doing so, this is an excellent time for patients to start taking a multivitamin that meets 100 percent of their daily needs for all vitamins and minerals, including iron. This will continue for at least a month following surgery.
Stop taking any herbal supplements or aspirin painkillers, because they may interfere with proper blood clotting, blood pressure, or anesthesia. Patients should also stop taking any diet pills at this time. It is important for patients to tell Dr. Pin about any prescription, herbal, or diet medications they may be taking so he can determine if they are safe for use before and after surgery.
Patients should also stop smoking or drinking alcohol. Just as with certain herbal supplements, smoking and alcohol can interfere with proper blood clotting and actually increase the amount of bleeding. Although Dr. Pin strongly recommends patients quit for good, smoking and alcohol can be resumed a month after the procedure.
One Week Prior to Surgery
Patients should start using antibiotic soap all over the body at this time. It should be liquid soap, not in bar form. Use of washcloths is discouraged because it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Arrange for a friend or family member to provide transportation to and from surgery, and then stay with the patient for 24 hours in case of any complications following surgery.
Night before Surgery
Take a shower using the antibiotic soap. Be sure to wash the abdomen thoroughly. This will help further reduce any risk of infection.
Do not have anything to eat or drink beginning midnight before the surgery. Necessary prescription medications may be taken with a small sip of water, but discuss this with Dr. Pin beforehand.
Day of Surgery
Remove any watches and jewelry, particularly earrings or other piercing jewelry. Also remove contact lenses and bring glasses instead.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing, particularly in the waistband area, such as yoga pants. Wear a button-down shirt to avoid having to lift up the arms to put the shirt on following surgery, which may stretch the sutures and increase the risk of bleeding.
The pre-surgical tummy tuck instructions are designed to increase patient comfort and reduce the risk of infection following the procedure. To schedule your tummy tuck consultation, contact Dr. Paul Pin today.