Prior to Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

BEFORE SURGERY

• Avoid sunbathing for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• Quit smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery as nicotine can impair and delay healing. If you need help in quitting, Joseph T Cruise, MD can prescribe medication that works quite well. This needs to be started at least 8 weeks prior to surgery.
• Stop all aspirin containing products, medications that contains blood thinners (Motrin, Advil etc.) vitamin E and herbal supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery. You can take 1 multivitamin a day.
• Let the doctor know of all medications taken daily.
• Make sure all requested labs, and doctors clearance are delivered to Joseph T Cruise, MD's office on time.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, as well as to stay with you postoperatively to help with activities and daily living, i.e. walking, going to the bathroom. The first night you will most likely stay overnight at either the surgery center or recovery retreat.
• Shave the entire top part of the pubic area one week before surgery.
• Arrange for someone to help take care of your younger children for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Arrange for someone to do house work for first 4-6 weeks.
• Prepare your bed. Ideally, you should try to sleep on the ground level of your home to avoid using the stairs.. Get a step stool if your bed is high. Have extra pillows available so that you can sleep at 45 degree angle first 3-4 days.
• Shower chair. Purchase or rent from Cruise Plastic Surgery a shower chair to help with your first few showers.

THINGS TO PURCHASE BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

• Medications.
• Garment. You will be provided with a compression garment. In addition to that you will need to purchase a girdle/waist shaping garment. You may either purchase one through our site or go to Macy's, Target, etc. and purchase something similar. The girdle should be snug fitting. Don't buy it too tight because after surgery you'll be swollen.
• ScarLess®. ScarLess® is a prescription strength cream with vitamin E, silicone and Hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scars. You can purchase ScarLess® at our office.
• Silicone Sheets. Silicone sheets minimize scarring and are a must postoperatively. Go to www.makemeheal.com and purchase 1 set of silicone sheets.
• Gauze. Make sure to have a box of 4x4 gauze. You can purchase this at drug store.
• Purchase Nutrisystem or equivalent diet plan for first 8 weeks after surgery. Weight gain will happen during this period if you do not watch your diet.

Optional

• Arnica - www.alpinepharm.com - may decrease bruising, or help it to go away faster. Patients with high blood pressure should not take this herb.
• You may consider buying an elevated toilet seat and arrange for a step stool to help you get in and out of the bed.

*Our office does have recovery kits available for purchase*

THE DAY OF SURGERY

• Do not eat anything for 8 hrs or drink for 6 hrs before surgery.
• You may shower and shampoo your hair the night before or morning of your surgery.
• Shower and clean the surgical area thoroughly especially the belly button.
• You may brush and rinse your teeth, but do not eat or drink anything.
• Do not wear makeup or moisturizers on your face or eyes.
• Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you on the day of surgery.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, preferably button up or zipped up top.
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes.
• Remove contact lenses, dentures and nipple rings.
• Someone must drive you home and stay with you the first night. If you are going to a Recovery Retreat, transportation is taken care of after the surgery.The Recovery Retreat will take you to Joseph T Cruise, MD's office the next day for your first follow up visit. Someone will need to pick you up from our office to take you home.
• Take 2 pills of Zofran and 2 pills of Celebrex at 1-2 hours before surgery.
• Arrive 1-1.5 hours before surgery as instructed during your pre-op appointment.