Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

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Preparing for Abdominoplasty in Orlando, Florida

How Can I Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tucks are among the top 5 plastic surgery procedures performed in America with over 169,314 procedures performed in 2005, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

In order to facilitate the best outcome patient participation prior to your tummy tuck is highly recommended by Dr. Spence. The following suggestions have been found to be very helpful to his Orlando, Florida abdominoplasty patients:

  • Nutrition: Achieving a balanced diet is very important prior to your tummy tuck. The right balance of carbohydrate, proteins, vitamins, and fat can lead to weight loss prior to surgery and, therefore, maximize your outcome. This weight loss ends up allowing many patients to end up with a much flatter abdomen after surgery. Please note that fad diets are not advised and this can throw your body into a state of starvation and impair its metabolism and its ability to heal. If you are unsure, consult a nutritionist. Dr. Spence’s practice works closely with nutritionists to help you maximize your outcome.
  • Vitamins: Vitamins are very important around the time of your surgery. Patients deficient in essential elements, such as Vitamin C and Zinc to name a few, may have impaired healing.
  • Exercise: Exercise works to increase the capacity of your heart and lungs prior to surgery. This stimulates better delivery of oxygen to your tissue. Oxygen is very important for wound healing. Exercise will also increase your tolerance for surgery as well as stimulate the blood return for your legs, lessening the risk of complications following surgery. Patients are encouraged to embark on an exercise program, which is tolerable for them and fits within their lifestyle so that they can continue this routine when instructed after surgery to enhance their outcome. Sit ups performed before surgery can aid in straightening of the abdominal wall and decrease its laxity.
  • Smoking: Smoking significantly impairs wound healing by several means. When you smoke your red blood cells cannot deliver as much oxygen to your tissue. Smoking also causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to clamp down, failing to deliver blood flow and nutrients necessary for healing. Smoking also increases your risk of a clot forming in your legs. When undergoing a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck, in general, smoking is a bad thing. Dr. Spence will not perform tummy tuck operations on active smokers. Note that this opinion varies from surgeon to surgeon. Nicotine patches and gum also pose a potential risk. It is best that the patient stops smoking at least 3 months prior to undergoing abdominoplasty in Orlando with Dr. Spence. Also note that smoking impairs your lung capacity and increases your risk of complications during general anesthesia. Second hand smoke can do just as much damage.
  • Hydration: Adequate hydration prior to surgery is important. This increases the blood flow back to your heart and tissue and decrease the risk of blood pooling in your legs and forming a clot. Increasing your water consumption 3 days prior to surgery can keep you well hydrated.

Be truthful, forthright, and detailed during your abdominoplasty consultation at Orlando Plastic Surgery. Remember your plastic surgeon is there to get you through your tummy tuck surgery safely. You must notify your plastic surgeon of any and all medical conditions you have and medications you are taking. All medications that may raise your risk of a clot, increase your risk of bleeding, or may interfere with your ability to heal must be stopped.

Remember the more you prepare for an your tummy tuck operation, the better your chances of a good outcome.

To schedule an abdominoplasty consultation at Orlando Plastic Surgery with Dr. Spence, call 407-999-2585 or request an abdominoplasty consultation online. Also, feel free to browse through our Before and After Photo Gallery for Orlando tummy tuck photos.

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