The Ultimate Checklist Before a Tummy Tuck

The Ultimate Checklist Before a Tummy Tuck

If you decide to get an abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck, you need to plan. After all, this is a significant and personal decision that will require preparation. You may be feeling anxious, not knowing what to expect from a tummy tuck. 

You can get rid of the anxiety by understanding and planning for the procedure. Here is the ultimate checklist before a tummy tuck.  

Understanding the Procedure

The first step in preparing for a tummy tuck is understanding the procedure. Understanding what it entails will help you differentiate between facts and myths. The goal of a tummy tuck is to tighten and reshape the abdominal area. 

It can help eliminate excess fat and skin, but it is not a weight-loss procedure. It is vital to reach your ideal weight before scheduling the tummy tuck. You also need to understand the cost and find out the skills of the surgeon. 

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

The next thing on your checklist should be finding a plastic surgeon. After understanding what a tummy tuck entails, you need to find the best person to do it. Find a board-certified surgeon to perform the procedure. When you work with a skilled and experienced surgeon, you can expect the best possible outcome. 

Patients with the best surgeon experience high satisfaction after the procedure. There are different ways to get the best surgeon, ranging from talking to friends and family to using online resources.

Scheduling a Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with the plastic surgeon will allow you to ask questions and get all the information you need. Visit the clinic beforehand and look at some before-and-after photos. During the consultation, you can get relevant information about any risks associated with the procedure. 

Talk to the surgeon about your expectations and concerns and find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Find out what you can expect during the procedure and recovery. The consultation will help set the stage for the procedure. 

Different Procedure Options

It is vital to understand that a tummy tuck procedure is not the same for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all procedure. Some patients require a simple or relatively small procedure, while others require more intensive work. 

Someone with a bulging lower belly will require a different procedure from one with a barely noticeable bulge. The procedures are a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, and an extended tummy tuck. 

Making Lifestyle Changes

Make some lifestyle changes before the tummy tuck. If you smoke or drink, you need to quit before the procedure. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after the tummy tuck. 

Alcohol can also have harmful consequences as it affects how medication or painkillers work. Get all the supplies that you will need after the surgery. The supplies include a body pillow, recliner, toilet seat raiser, and more. Learning what to expect before and after the procedure will help alleviate your anxiety. 

For more on the ultimate checklist for a tummy tuck, contact Scott Harris, MD, at our office in Plano, Texas. You can call (972) 736-9600 today to schedule an appointment.