Prior to your tummy tuck, you should make some plans for your recovery. It is best to arrange for ten to fourteen days off from work. We will give you prescriptions for pain medicine and this will help you remain comfortable. We suggest that people put aside some books and magazines to read and DVDs so their first few days at home will be relaxing with entertainment easily at hand.

Your surgeon will examine you prior to your procedure. Depending on your age and health status, we will send you for some lab work and possibly to your regular general physician to evaluate you prior to surgery.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen. This also is not the time to go on a strict diet, as good nutrition prior to surgery helps you to heal better. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind please let us know, so we can decide if this will affect your procedure.

You should not take aspirin, or aspirin-like medicines, for two weeks before your tummy tuck. We will give you a detailed list of medicines to avoid before surgery. You usually can take all of your prescription medicines before surgery, but we will review your specific medicines with you in detail and let you know if there are any concerns.