It is normal as a patient to have a lot of questions and it is important that you seek out the answers to any questions you might have. This will help you to know if a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you, as well as to help you feel more at ease with your ultimate decision on whether or not to have a tummy tuck done.

What should I do to prepare for tummy tuck surgery?

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with materials and instructions on exactly what you should do to prepare for your surgery. However, one of the biggest things you should do is to stop smoking at least a month prior to your surgery date. This will help your body to heal much quicker and lessen the possibility of complications.

In addition, you should make arrangements for someone to help take care of you and your home in the week or two following your procedure.

How will I look and feel after tummy tuck surgery?

Once your abdominoplasty is completed, you will be taken to an area where you can recover from the effects of anesthesia under careful monitoring for any complications. From there you will either be placed in a hospital room overnight or asked to stay at the surgery center's recovery facility until the next day.

A normal part of a tummy tuck is the insertion of small drain tubes into the surgical area. You will notice them after your surgery and should know that they are there to prevent fluid from accumulating in your surgical area. In addition, you will be bandaged around your mid-section and should expect to need pain relief medications.

Just after your tummy tuck surgery you will likely be unable to stand up straight, however you will be led out of bed and expected to move around as this will help with blood circulation and healing. You will be instructed to walk around and keep the blood flowing in your body.

Within the first week after your surgery you will have the surgical drain tubes and stitches removed. At this time you will also have recovered through the worst part of the pain and swelling. As time passes your surgeon will instruct you on what activities can be safely performed and what level of activity you should have.

What results should I expect?

As the months pass after your surgery, and your body heals, you should expect a firmer and flatter abdominal area. While you will always have a scar from the surgery, over time it will fade and you can expect long-lasting results.

If you maintain your weight, you can expect a firm and flat tummy for many years to come following tummy tuck surgery.

How long do I need to continue to see my plastic surgeon?

Once you have healed from surgery, you will need to see your plastic surgeon once to check for proper healing and then possibly a few times after that just to make sure that you're healing well and getting the most from your surgery. It is very important that you keep these appointments and allow your plastic surgeon to evaluate your healing for any problems which may occur.