{"id":14349,"date":"2023-04-17T14:01:42","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T13:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/preparing-for-an-abdominoplasty\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T14:26:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T13:26:15","slug":"preparing-for-an-abdominoplasty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/blog\/preparing-for-an-abdominoplasty\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for an abdominoplasty: how to optimise your health before surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you are planning surgery such as an abdominal reduction, there are several aspects that influence the final result of the procedure.&nbsp; And one of them is what we do before we get to the operating room.&nbsp; To make it clearer, we are going to explain what <strong><em>preparing for an abdominoplasty <\/em><\/strong>should look like and <strong><em>how to optimise your health before surgery<\/em><\/strong>. Read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The&nbsp;initial consultation with the surgeon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first thing you should do if you want an abdominal reduction is request an initial consultation with the surgeon of your choice. At this appointment the doctor will find out about and assess everything to do with your lifestyle and your general health, and will check whether you are a <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/quien-es-un-buen-candidato-a-una-abdominoplastia\/\">candidate for an abdominoplasty.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, you will discuss some important aspects, such as what results to expect after surgery, and they will ask whether you have had any surgical procedure before. They will also want to know whether you are allergic to any medication and whether you have any medical condition requiring regular medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surgeon will ask about your habits, in terms of drug, alcohol and cigarette or tobacco use.&nbsp; At this visit they must also explain the risks involved in having an abdominoplasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the moment to put to the surgeon all your questions about the procedure and the recovery period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From this first consultation it is important to be clear that the goal of an abdominoplasty is to shape and narrow the abdominal area, and that although it can include liposuction, it is not weight-loss surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get to know the procedure options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At that first consultation you will be able to decide the type of abdominoplasty you need; some people need a relatively small procedure to correct a bulging lower abdomen, which is a mini abdominoplasty; but others will require a full or classic abdominoplasty, which deals with the area both below and above the navel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"658\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia.jpg\" alt=\"abdominoplasty consultation\" class=\"wp-image-7498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia.jpg 658w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia-600x483.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia-300x242.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia-350x282.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia-370x298.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia-255x205.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cita-previa-abdominiplastia-285x230.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparing for an abdominoplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/abdominoplastia\/\">abdominoplasty in Madrid<\/a> is invasive surgery that aims to remove excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with all surgery, there is certain preparation&nbsp;the patient needs for better results.&nbsp;Below, we explain in more detail what you can do to&nbsp;get ready for your abdominoplasty during the preceding months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Six months before<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although 6 months seems like a long time, it is considered a suitable period for starting a healthy diet, drinking enough water and including physical exercise in your routine, so that you can be at the right weight and level of fitness.&nbsp;Remember that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miguelfernandezcalderon.com\/se-puede-hacer-una-abdominoplastia-en-pacientes-obesos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this is not weight-loss surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also a good time to find a good certified, qualified surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four months before<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two months after starting to plan for surgery, you should carry on with your exercise routine and your diet in order to reach your goals of a good weight and good health.&nbsp; This allows you to recover better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, if you have not yet chosen a surgeon, it is time to look into some doctors, their background and the costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three months before<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three months beforehand you should already have chosen the surgeon you feel most comfortable and most confident with.&nbsp;And schedule the surgery together with them. Once you have the date of the procedure, you should also arrange the leave you need to take at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One month before<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By this point you should be thinking about how you need to organise things at home, so that you can be comfortable and have the supplies you need. And plan everything to do with the food and snacks you will need for your recovery time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this point you should also be clear about what the surgery involves, both the risks and the benefits, and the options you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One week before<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is time to make sure everything is in order at the clinic, and that the surgeon is ready for the procedure. Also, that you already have the support of someone to take you to and from the clinic; remember that with the anaesthetic and pain medication, you will not be able to drive or go home alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will also need to have someone who can take care of children and pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as preparing the clothes you will wear, and that you will need during recovery, along with the compression garments and medication. Doing all this calmly and in good time will help you feel more relaxed and at ease on the day of surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The day of surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have followed this plan, you are ready for your surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the day of surgery you should <strong>wear comfortable clothes<\/strong> that you can put on after the procedure.&nbsp; That means a comfortable outfit that does not involve raising your arms or bending over to put it on, because this can cause pain or disturb your incisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to optimise your health before abdominoplasty surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are thinking about having abdominoplasty surgery it is important to bear in mind how important it is to improve your health before the procedure. Good preparation can help reduce the risks and achieve better results from the surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below, we set out some tips for optimising your health before abdominoplasty surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talk to your doctor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We mentioned this at the start: before surgery it is important that you talk to your doctor about your health. Tell them about any medical problem you have, including chronic conditions, allergies, medication you are taking and any previous surgery you have had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surgeon will be able to help you assess your current health and determine whether there is any problem that needs to be addressed before surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before an abdominoplasty you will need to <strong>stop taking certain medications <\/strong>that can increase the risk of heavier bleeding during surgery, such as aspirin, some anti-inflammatories and natural or herbal remedies. That is why it is very important to talk to your doctor honestly about all the medication you take at the first assessment, so that they can say which you should stop taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop smoking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the first pieces of advice you will get from the surgeon is to <strong>stop smoking<\/strong> at least six weeks before surgery. This is in order to avoid the associated risks during the procedure, and to ensure a better, quicker recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smoking can have a negative impact on your health and on healing after surgery. But if you find it difficult to stop smoking on your own, talk to your doctor about the options available to help you quit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improve your diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow healthy eating habits<\/strong> in the months before surgery.&nbsp;Above all foods that can strengthen the immune system, such as fruit, vegetables, grains, lean protein, low-fat milk and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales.jpg 640w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales-600x399.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales-370x246.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales-255x170.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Alimentacion-saludable-frutas-y-vegetales-285x190.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your diet also plays an important role in your health before surgery. If necessary, consult a nutritionist for specific recommendations about your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Drinking enough water <\/strong>each day will keep you well hydrated and will help you flush all the toxins out of your body. Following an appropriate diet and staying hydrated before any surgery, whether an abdominoplasty, <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/labioplastia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">labiaplasty<\/a> or any other, will contribute to a better recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular exercise is an important way of improving your health and getting ready for abdominoplasty surgery. Part of preparing for an abdominoplasty starts with an exercise routine from about six months before surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This matters because exercise can help you lose weight, increase your stamina and improve your mood, which can be beneficial for surgery and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep to a healthy weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are overweight or obese it is important to work towards reaching a healthy weight before abdominoplasty surgery. Losing weight can improve your general health and reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should lose before surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you keep to <strong>an appropriate body weight<\/strong> and good health you will have a stronger immune system, which means you can recover more quickly and effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short, preparation is key to optimising your health before abdominoplasty surgery. Talk to your doctor, exercise, eat well, stop smoking and keep to a healthy weight. By making these changes, you will be able to improve your general health and increase the chances of successful surgery and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How should you prepare your home for recovery?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as you have to look after and prepare your body for the abdominoplasty, you also need to leave everything organised at home, so that you have nothing to worry about when you leave the clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have pets or children you need to think ahead about who will take care of them, at least for the first few days when you cannot make any effort and need rest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After abdominoplasty surgery it is not possible to drive. That is why we recommend having someone (a friend, partner or relative) collect you when you leave the clinic and take you home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organise the place at home where you will be recovering. So that you have access to the things you need most without having to make too much effort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep ice packs within reach so that you can relieve pain and swelling while you rest. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need pillows and cushions to be more comfortable. Remember that sleeping can be a challenge in the first few days, so prepare as well as you can.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also consider having comfortable, loose clothing to hand, because it will be easier to put on and take off in the first days after surgery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare and organise your meals, and buy your healthy food in advance for the first days of your recovery, since you will not be able to cook. Also, remember that you should eat soft food such as soup, yoghurt, jelly, protein shakes and fruit juice. One of the most important aspects of a better recovery is eating nutritious food.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to expect on the day of surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the day of abdominoplasty surgery, you will probably wake up groggy from the general anaesthetic and may feel nauseous. You may also feel your abdominal muscles tight, painful and swollen. You will be put into a compression garment and will most likely have drains to remove excess fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the discomfort you will feel, if the medical team approves it, you will be told to get up and take a few steps; this is how blood clots are prevented. You should still rest, and it is best to do so in a reclined position to avoid putting pressure on the incisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will be given pain medication, which you must always take according to the surgeon&#8217;s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of the day the decision to have an abdominoplasty is a very personal one; if diet and exercise are not giving you the abdomen you want, then follow these steps for proper preparation and you will have better results and a more comfortable recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that taking the time beforehand to plan proper preparation for an abdominoplasty and to optimise your health before surgery gives you a better chance of recovering well, more quickly and in better shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">References<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>https:\/\/www.cpsdocs.com\/blog\/your-ultimate-tummy-tuck-recovery-guide-2025\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/drlplasticsurgery.com\/blog\/tummy-tuck-pre-op-checklis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.lugoplasticsurgery.com\/tummy-tuck-recovery-what-to-expect\/#:~:text=Your%20doctor%20will%20have%20you,go%20home%20the%20same%20day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you are planning surgery such as an abdominal reduction, there are several aspects that influence the final result of the procedure.&nbsp; And one of them is what we do before we get to the operating room.&nbsp; To make it clearer, we are going to explain what preparing for an abdominoplasty should look like and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7493,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[101],"class_list":["post-14349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categorizar","tag-abdominoplastia"],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14349"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14349\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}