When planning a surgery such as a tummy tuck, there are several aspects that influence the final outcome of the procedure. And one of them is what we do before getting to the operating room. To better understand, we will explain you how should be the preparation for abdominoplasty y how to optimize your state of health before the surgery.Read on!
The initial consultation with the surgeon
The first thing you should do if you want to have a tummy tuck is to request an initial consultation with the surgeon of your choice. At this appointment the doctor will find out and assess everything about your lifestyle and general health and check if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck.
In addition, they will discuss some important aspects, such as what results to expect after surgery and ask if you have had any previous surgery. He or she will also want to know if you are allergic to any medications, and if you have any medical condition that requires you to take medication on a regular basis.
The surgeon will inquire about your habits, in terms of the use of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes or tobacco. Also in this visit should explain the risks involved in undergoing abdominoplasty.
At this time you will be able to ask the surgeon all your questions regarding the procedure and the postoperative period.
Preparation for abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty in Madrid Spain is an invasive surgery, which seeks to remove excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.
As in any surgery, there are certain prior care required by the patient to obtain better results. Below, we will better explain what you can do to prepare for your abdominoplasty during the previous months.
Six months earlier
Although 6 months seems like a long time, it is considered an adequate time to start with a healthy diet, drink enough water and include physical exercise in your routine, so you can have the right physique and weight. Remember that it is not a weight loss surgery.
Also, it is a good time to find a good, qualified, board-certified surgeon.
Four months earlier
Two months after starting your surgery planning, you should continue with your exercise routine and diet to achieve your goals of a good weight and good health. This allows you to recover better.
Also, if you have not yet chosen a surgeon, it is time to find out about some doctors, their track record and costs.
Three months earlier
Three months before you should have already selected the surgeon with whom you feel most comfortable and confident. And together with the doctor, schedule the surgery. Once you have the date of the procedure, you must also arrange the necessary leave of absence at work.
One month earlier
At this date you should already think about the organization you require at home, so that you can be comfortable and with the necessary supplies. And plan everything related to food and snacks that you need for the time of your recovery.
One week before
It is time to make sure that everything is in order at the clinic, and that the surgeon is prepared for the procedure. Also, that you already have the support of someone to take you to and from the clinic, and to take care of children and pets.
In addition to preparing the clothes you will wear, and that you will need in the postoperative period, as well as the compression garments and medications. Doing all this with calm and time will help you to be more relaxed and calm on the day of surgery.
The day of surgery
If you have complied with this plan, you are now ready for your surgery.
On the day of surgery you should wear comfortable clothing that you can put on after the procedure. This means a comfortable outfit, which does not involve raising your arms or bending over to put it on because this can cause pain or your incisions.
How to optimize your health status before abdominoplasty surgery
If you are thinking of undergoing abdominoplasty surgery, it is important to keep in mind the importance of improving your health prior to the procedure. A good preparation can help reduce the risks and achieve better results with surgery.
Here are some tips to optimize your health before abdominoplasty surgery.
Talk to your doctor
As we mentioned at the beginning, before surgery, it is important that you talk to your doctor about your health status. Notify him/her about any medical problems you have, including chronic diseases, allergies, medications you are taking and any previous surgeries you have had.
The surgeon will be able to help you evaluate your current health and determine if there are any problems that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
Before abdominoplasty you will have to stop taking certain medications that may increase the risk of major bleeding during surgery, such as: aspirin, some anti-inflammatory drugs and natural or herbal medicines. Therefore, it is very important to talk to the doctor honestly about all the medications you are taking at the time of the first evaluation, so that he/she can indicate which ones you should stop taking.
Quit smoking
One of the first pieces of advice you will receive from the surgeon is to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before the surgery. This in order to avoid associated risks during the procedure, and to guarantee a better and faster recovery.
Smoking can have a negative impact on your health and healing after surgery. But if you find it difficult to quit on your own, talk to your doctor about options to help you stop smoking.
Improve your diet
Follow healthy eating habits during the months prior to surgery. Especially foods that can strengthen the immune system, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, low-fat milk, among others.
Your diet also plays an important role in your state of health before surgery. If necessary, consult a nutritionist for specific dietary recommendations.
Drinking enough water a day will keep you well hydrated and will help you eliminate all the toxins from your body. Eating a proper diet and staying hydrated before any surgery, be it abdominoplasty, labiaplasty or any other, will contribute to a better recovery.
Exercise
Regular exercise is an important way to improve your health and prepare for abdominoplasty surgery. Part of your preparation for abdominoplasty begins with an exercise routine about six months before surgery.
This is important because exercise can help you lose weight, increase your stamina and improve your mood, which can be beneficial for surgery and recovery.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight or obese, it is important that you work to achieve a healthy weight before abdominoplasty surgery. Weight loss can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should lose before surgery.
By maintaining a healthy body weight and good health, you can have a stronger immune system, which allows you to recover more quickly and effectively.
In summary, preparation is key to optimizing your health prior to abdominoplasty surgery. Talk to your doctor, exercise, eat right, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. By making these changes, you can improve your overall health and increase your chances of having a successful surgery and recovery.
How to prepare the house for the postoperative period?
Just as you must take care of and prepare your body for abdominoplasty, it is also necessary to leave everything organized at home, so that you have nothing to worry about when you leave the clinic.
- If you have a pet at home, or you have children, you should think in advance who will take care of them, at least during the first few days, when you cannot exert yourself and need rest.
- After abdominoplasty surgery it is not possible to drive, so we recommend that you have someone (friend, partner or family member) to pick you up when you leave the clinic and take you home.
- Organize at home the place where you will be for your recovery. So that you have access to the most necessary things without having to make too much effort.
- Have ice packs available to help relieve pain and swelling while you rest.
- Prepare and organize meals and buy your food ahead of time for the first few days of your recovery, since you will not be able to cook. Also, remember to eat soft foods such as soups, yogurt, gelatin, protein shakes and fruit juices.
Taking some time beforehand to plan adequate preparation for abdominoplasty and how to optimize your health prior to surgery offers the patient a better chance of recovering well faster and in a better way.
