A Tummy Tuck—sometimes referred to as an abdominoplasty—is a cosmetic surgical procedure that creates a significantly slimmer, tighter stomach profile. By removing excess skin, fat, and tissue while tightening your abdominal wall muscles, Dr. Sayed can transform your stomach in just a few hours. While patients love this procedure and its impressive results, a tummy tuck requires considerable financial and time commitment.
To see the best results, you’ll need to plan ahead and carefully follow every step of the post-op recovery process. While this might sound daunting, you’re not alone. Dr. Sayed and our entire team are here to help you at every stage of your journey. Dr. Sayed has worked with patients of all ages and genders and has extensive experience performing this nuanced surgery. If you ever have a question, chances are he’s heard it before. There is no detail too small or concern too mundane.
We’ll provide you with all the knowledge and tips to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. Generally, we recommend patients take about six months to plan for their tummy tuck. Below, we’ve broken down each stage of the planning process to give you a full picture of what to expect. That said, every tummy tuck is custom-built to suit your aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and anatomy.
As such, no two surgeries will be identical. In some instances, a patient might need less (or more) than six months to prepare. More information will only help, but please note that the only way to determine what’s best for you is to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Sayed.
Four to Six Months Prior to Surgery
During this initial planning period, it’s up to you to get your body and mind ready for surgery—and life afterward. Though a tummy tuck will transform your body, it’s up to you to maintain results. It’s critical to begin making holistic, healthy lifestyle choices.
These include maintaining a nutritionally rich and balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and stress management. Focus on incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily meals and drinking water throughout the day. These habits will provide your body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to heal as fast as possible and stay trim post-tummy tuck.
If you’re a tobacco smoker, you should also begin the process of quitting. Dr. Sayed recommends limiting how much alcohol you drink from this point on, as well. As both tobacco and alcohol consumption play a significant part in your body’s ability to heal and fight infections, these are incredibly important considerations to keep in mind.
Now is also the time to begin researching and determining prospective doctors. Many top surgeons book three to four months ahead, so getting an early start on scheduling consultations can only help make the process easier for you and your doctor.
It’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with work you’ve seen and trust. During your initial consultation, be sure your doctor provides plenty of before and after pictures to give you a clear idea of what to expect and if they’re the right fit for you.
Four Months Pre-Tummy Tuck
By now, your fitness routine should be locked in, and you should ideally be quite close (or at) your ideal weight. As we’ve mentioned, maintaining a healthy body weight post-tummy tuck is the key to upkeeping lifelong results. And by starting ahead of time, you’ll ensure you have the skills and practice to make this possible.
It’s best to conduct your consultations at this stage and decide which doctor suits your needs best. These meetings are the perfect time to ask any questions you have. Once you’ve determined who’s best, you’ll work together with your board-certified cosmetic surgeon to build a unique treatment plan.
At this point, we provide our clients with a full picture of what to expect throughout the pre and post-op periods to ensure you have ample time to prepare.
Three Months Pre-Tummy Tuck
Once you’ve reached the three-month mark, you should have found a surgeon and chosen your surgery dates. It’s then time to begin setting up your recovery plan; schedule time off work, figure out childcare and pet accommodations, and build your post-op home support network.
Dr. Sayed will provide you with an in-depth list of everything you’ll need to take care of. For tobacco product users, you’ll need to quit altogether at the three-month point. It’s time to get excited about your new tighter tummy!
One Month Pre-Tummy Tuck
During these final weeks before your abdominoplasty, it’s vital to go over your plans for the big day and recovery. Purchase any supplies you’ll need (we’ll make sure you have everything), and start to craft your recovery environment. Staying cozy and comfy is a significant part of making your recovery as easy as possible.
We recommend patients purchase:
- Firm pillows for elevated sleeping
- Gauze pads
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Underwear that’s easy to remove
- OTC pain medication and ice packs
- Prescribed compression garments (if necessary)
Meal prepping at this stage can be a huge help, as well. Taking the stress out of figuring out what to eat during recovery will make everything easier. Plus, by preparing your meals ahead of time, you’ll help to ensure you maintain healthy eating habits as your body heals.
In the last few days before surgery, you should be checking off all your pre-op checklist items. Also be sure to wear comfy clothes on surgery day. Dr. Sayed will meet with you day-of to check-in and make sure all your last-minute questions are answered.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you want to learn more about a tummy tuck with Dr. Sayed, your next step is to scedule a consultation. We are currently offering both in-person and virtual consultations to ensure the safety of our patients. Get in touch with our La Jolla or Newport Beach, CA, offices by giving us a call at 858-247-2933 or contacting us online today.
