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How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck: for Optimal Results
Embarking on the journey towards a tummy tuck is an exciting decision that can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
However, achieving the best possible outcome requires thorough preparation. It involves:
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle before Surgery.
- Acquiring essential post-operative items.
- Planning for a smooth recovery.
This blog will explain how to prepare your body and home for a successful tummy tuck.
Powerful lifestyle practices to prepare for Surgery.
1. Balanced Diet
Understanding the importance of a balanced diet is crucial for your body's healing ability. Focus on:
- High Protein Foods: Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and legumes help repair tissues and speed recovery.
- Fruits and Vegetables: These provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that support your immune system.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread provide sustained energy and fiber to prevent Constipation.
- Hydration is key. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and support overall health.
2. Preventing Constipation
- Constipation is a common issue after Surgery due to anesthesia and reduced physical activity. Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable after abdominal Surgery. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and even nausea. Straining after Surgery can also cause stitches to become loose and incisions to open. If you feel constipated, call your doctor 3 or 4 days before Surgery. He/she can recommend something to help with proper elimination before your procedure.
3. Stress Management
Reducing stress is vital for your overall well-being. Consider:
- Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle stretching can promote relaxation.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Regular Exercise: Walking, yoga, or swimming can help alleviate stress.
- Only embark on big projects after Surgery.
4. Avoid Smoking and Drinking
- Do not smoke: Smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications. Quit smoking at least six weeks before Surgery.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate your body and interfere with medications. Avoid alcohol at least three weeks before Surgery.
Complete Shopping List to Successfully recover after Tummy Tuck.
Preparing with the necessary items will ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here are the must-haves:
1. Compression Garments (Fajas)
- Stage 1 Fajas: These full-body compression garments should be fitted before Surgery for maximum patient comfort, preparation, and education. The compression garment plays an essential role after a tummy tuck, and patient comfort will increase compliance with wearing it. The garments help support abdominal muscles and reduce swelling, speeding healing and maximizing results.
- Stage 2 Fajas: These are needed for continued support as you recover approximately 2-3 weeks after Surgery.
2. Lipo Foams
Lipo-foams are placed under compression garments to provide uniform pressure, reduce swelling, and improve contouring.https://amzn.to/3xUpwAL.
3. Female or male Urinal. It is used to prevent wetting the garment while urinating. https://amzn.to/4cyYez0, https://amzn.to/3zA8ecR
4. Wedge Pillows
These pillows elevate your upper body and legs, reducing tension in your abdominal area and enhancing comfort.https://amzn.to/3S34BCp, https://amzn.to/3zDbwvS.
5. Power Lift Recliner chair
A power lift recliner makes transitioning from seated to standing more accessible without straining your abdominal muscles. These chairs can be bought or rented at the local medical supply store. They can be found in San Francisco at Allure Mobility on Vanness Avenue. They deliver and pick up the chair after you are done using it.
6. Objects Grabber
A grabber tool helps you pick up items without bending or stretching, minimizing strain on your abdomen.https://amzn.to/3xUhoAj
7. Arnica and Vitamin K Cream
Arnica helps reduce bruising, while Vitamin K cream prevents scar darkening and promotes healing. Do not apply it on the incision until completely closed and healed; ask your doctor's permission.
8. Silicone Tape
Silicone tape is used later post-op to minimize scar formation and improve scar appearance. Ask your doctor when to apply.
9. Loose, comfortable clothing. Robes with internal packets where you can place the drains are easy to get on and off. You should also wear button shirts or dresses since you don't have to reach or bend to pull them down or up. Zippered shirts and hoodies are also a good choice.
10. Toilet raiser: it will make it easier to sit down and get up after using the toilet.
11. Drain holder: you can pin your drains around your neck to prevent them from hanging while in the shower. https://amzn.to/3RYY5MQ
12. Disposable chucks to prevent wetting or staining furniture or bed.
12. Book Manual Lymphatic Drainage sessions. Plan lymphatic massages after surgery to reduce swelling, accelerate the healing process, and minimize scarring.
13. Female Peri-Pads , gauze and bandages to apply to liposuction sites to prevent wetting the compression garments.
Post-Surgery Nutrition
- Clear liquids like coconut water and herbal teas are highly recommended for consumption after Surgery. Easy-to-digest food like light soups and broths homemade with low salt also prevents extra swelling.
- Avoid dairy to prevent bloating.
- A healthy, high-protein diet is crucial after Surgery to support wound healing.
- Include Lean Proteins: chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, eggs, and legumes. Fruits and Vegetables Provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are excellent sources of antioxidants. Whole Grains Offer sustained energy and fiber.
- If you feel like eating something other than solid food, make smoothies with frozen berries and your favorite fruits. Add non-dairy milk like almonds or oats. You can also add almond or peanut butter or your favorite protein powder.
- Teas: Ginger, chamomile, arnica, pineapple help lower inflammation.
Setting Up Your Recovery Space
Your recovery environment plays a significant role in your healing process. Here's how to prepare it:
1. Clean and Organize
Ensure your recovery area is clean and free of clutter. Have your house or apartment cleaned 1 or 2 days before Surgery. Freshly laundered, clean sheets and towels are a must for preventing infection. A space free of clutter will facilitate mobility and decrease the risk for falls.
2. Avoid Stairs
To prevent strain on your abdomen, limit your use of stairs to as little as possible for the first five days after Surgery. It is important to do short walks around the house after tummy tuck to prevent blood clots, make sure that someone else is present during your walks for at least the first two days after surgery.
3. Comfort and Accessibility
Set up a comfortable resting area with all essentials within easy reach, including your phone, medications, water, and snacks.
4. Pet and Childcare
Arrange for someone to care for pets and children to ensure you get uninterrupted rest for at least the first two nights after Surgery. Do not allow pets to sleep with you, lick your wounds, or sit where you will be sitting. Animals natural flora can cause infections in humans. If you touch your pet, make sure to wash your hands immediately.
Preparing for a tummy tuck involves more than just the Surgery itself. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, acquiring essential post-operative items, and creating a comfortable recovery space, you can significantly enhance your healing process and achieve the best possible results. Remember to follow your surgeon's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and need support during your recovery, contact Zen Concierge Nursing. We will gladly assist you from the preparation before your procedure until the end of your recovery. At our San Francisco location, we carry post-surgical undergarments and offer free fitting appointments. We also offer post-surgical rehabilitation therapies and overnight nursing care at our post-surgical recovery suites.
Lidys Lopez Registered Nurse/ MLD- C
Founder of Zen Concierge Nursing
415-990-3800
