Tummy tuck is a major plastic surgery procedure requiring carefully planning and preparation. Adequate preparation will go a long way in ensuring a successful outcome and high patient satisfaction levels. Preparation should also cover the steps that the patient will be required to take during post-operative recovery.
Board certified plastic surgeons at MBody provide tummy tuck surgery to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredricksburg, and surrounding locations.
Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet is an important part of the preparation for tummy tuck plastic surgery. Firstly, strong nutrition will bolster the body’s immune system and mitigate the risk of infections and other complications. The diet should be rich in lean proteins because proteins will support healing after the surgery. Patient should eat more of fish, chicken, eggs, light cheese, and yogurt to increase protein intake.
While most vitamins will boost the patient’s health, high doses of vitamin E must be avoided before and after tummy tuck surgery because it can increase the risk of complications. Following a balanced diet will have another long-term benefit for the patient. It will instill the habit of healthy eating, and help to maintain the results of tummy tuck surgery for many years to come.
Patients who maintain a good diet well before the surgery will usually have moderate and stable body weight, which is ideal for tummy tuck. However, crash diets and other extreme measures to lose weight should be avoided.
Fitness and Exercise
In the weeks preceding the tummy tuck surgery, the patient should follow a regular exercise regimen. It will help to achieve a faster metabolism and enhance the muscle mass. Such patients will typically have an easier and quicker recovery. Secondly, fitness and exercise will help to attain a leaner and more efficiently functioning body.
Such patients will be able to avoid natural weight gain in the weeks following the surgery when the patient is required to avoid vigorous activities. As with good diet, a regular exercise routine also established healthy habits, which will contribute to the long-term maintenance of tummy tuck results.
Leading plastic surgeons at MBody receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredricksburg, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
Smoking and Medications
Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow in the body. Therefore, smokers have a slower recovery and a higher risk of complications during tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon will require the patient to quit smoking at least two to four weeks prior to tummy tuck.
Certain medications, nutrition supplements and vitamins can increase the risk of clotting and other complications. During the consultation, the patient should inform the surgeon about all medications that they may be taking or were taking in the recent past.
For the post-operative recovery period, the patient can prepare in advance by arranging for a ride home from their surgery, assembling supplies at home, and having someone to help for the first 48 hours after surgery.
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
