Before you move forward with the surgery your doctor will want a consultation. During this consultation, you will discuss your goals, your health history, and your reasons for wanting a tummy tuck. This isn’t supposed to be a one-sided conversation, and it’s a great opportunity for you to ask questions. Want to know more about the procedure? Just ask. Want to know what kind of anesthesia your doctor uses? Ask. It’s normal to have loads of questions before any surgical procedure, and none of them are stupid or not worth asking. Having these answers will help ease your nerves and mentally prepare you for the procedure.
2. Make Sure You Have Someone To Take Care Of You
Tummy tucks are usually outpatient procedures, but rest assured that you’ll be in no shape to drive afterwards. You’ll also need someone to help you around the house for the first few days so you can rest up and avoid complications. Plan on taking it easy for at least a week, so if you live alone it’s best to ask some family or friends to come by to check on you every day during that period.
3. Wear Your Compression Belt
You’ll probably be given a compression belt after your surgery. This belt will apply steady, mild pressure to your stomach as it heals. This has a number of useful effects including:
- Increasing circulation
- Promoting faster healing
- Reducing pain
- Contouring the stomach
So be sure to keep wearing it until your doctor says otherwise.
4. Follow All Of Your Post-Surgical Instructions
The compression belt won’t be the only thing you’ll get after the surgery, you’ll also get detailed instructions on what to do – and what not to do – during the recovery process. You will be told when it’s okay to return to work, what kind of activities to avoid, and how to take care of the incision site among other things. You need to take these instructions to heart, as they will affect how well the procedure turns out and how quickly you recover. Sure, it’s tempting to want to skip ahead and resume your normal life, but doing so could lead to poor results at best and serious medical complication at worst.
5. Be Aware Of The Limitations
Tummy tucks are a useful procedure and they can achieve great results, but they are not a magic bullet. Once the excess fat and skin are gone there is nothing stopping you from gaining weight and ending up right back where you started. Only have a tummy tuck if you are fully committed to living a healthy lifestyle with exercise and proper diet. Otherwise, you’ll have trouble maintaining your results.
Are you looking for an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your tummy tuck procedure? Dr. DeMercurio has over 9 years of experience in the field and his clients hold him in very high regard. Please, contact us at The Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today to find out more about getting a tummy tuck.