How should I prepare for abdominoplasty surgery?

Abdominoplasty is a fairly safe procedure if it is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. However, some amount of advanced preparation can help to make the surgery even safer and reduce recovery time. It is advisable to follow the instructions of the operating surgeon with regard to the preparation for abdominoplasty.

Here are a few important points to consider as part of your preparation for this surgery.

Maintain a balanced diet
A healthy patient with a reasonably strong immune system is an ideal candidate for this surgery. Maintaining a good diet ensures that the body has no serious deficiencies, and has sufficient strength to sustain the surgery. Chances of complications during and after the surgery are reduced in healthy patients.

Regular physical exercise
Regular exercise helps improve the metabolism of the body and tones up the muscles. Patients who are obese or have excessive amounts of weight are not good candidates for abdominoplasty. The aim of this surgery is to reduce the fat from around the tummy region. Therefore, a person with a better level of fitness with the sole need of taking out belly fat makes an ideal candidate for this surgery.

Quit smoking
As a part of your preparation for abdominoplasty surgery, you should give up smoking at least two weeks before the surgery. Smoking tends to reduce the oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to slower healing after the surgery.

Discuss medical history and current ailments with the surgeon
Evaluating the past and present medical conditions of the patient is an important part of the pre-op preparations for abdominoplasty. The patient should not be suffering from any infection or temporary illnesses such as a cold or flu at the time of the surgery. It is critically important for their own safety that the patients do not hide any medical facts from the operating surgeon.

Follow the surgeon’s instructions for medication
The surgeon will advise the patient to avoid Aspirin for a period of 30 days before the surgery, and Ibuprofen for one week before the surgery. If the patient has been taking any other medication, health supplements, or even herbal medications, the surgeon must be informed of it. In the case of any essential medication, the plastic surgeon may consult with the patient’s physician and plan the surgery accordingly.

These are some of the basic pre-op preparatory measures that will help to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated abdominoplasty surgery.

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