Preparation

Welcome to Your Recovery Hub

The Recovery Hub is designed to support you through every stage of your abdominoplasty journey. From preparation through to your final results, you'll find practical advice, realistic expectations, and reassurance along the way.

Each stage of this guide will help you understand what's normal, what to watch for, and how to optimise your recovery.

Before Your Surgery

Medical Preparation

• Stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure. Smoking significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications, especially with abdominoplasty.
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications as directed by your surgeon. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo.
• Optimise your weight - you should be at or near your goal weight before surgery. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect your results.
• Provide a complete medical history including all medications, supplements, and any previous abdominal surgeries.
• Attend your pre-operative assessment if required, to ensure you're fit for surgery.

Practical Arrangements

• Arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital. You cannot drive or take public transport home after a general anaesthetic.
• Ensure someone can stay with you for at least the first week after surgery. You will need significant help with daily activities.
• Take time off work - plan for 2-4 weeks minimum, depending on your job. Physical jobs may require 6 weeks.
• Arrange childcare if you have young children. You won't be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for several weeks.
• Prepare meals in advance - batch cook and freeze meals that are easy to reheat.

Home Setup

Proper preparation of your recovery space will make the first few weeks significantly easier:

Bedroom Setup

• Recliner chair or adjustable bed - you'll need to sleep at a 45-degree angle with knees bent for the first 1-2 weeks. A recliner is ideal.
• Multiple pillows - if using a bed, arrange pillows to support your upper body and place under your knees.
• Bedside table - keep water, medications, phone charger, and tissues within easy reach.
• Night light - you'll need to get up carefully during the night.

Bathroom Modifications

• Shower chair or stool - sitting while showering will be necessary initially.
• Handheld shower head - makes washing much easier while bent over.
• Non-slip bath mat - essential for safety.
• Toiletries within reach - avoid stretching or reaching overhead.

Recovery Supplies Checklist

Gather these items before your surgery so everything is ready when you return home:

Essential Items

• Compression garment - your surgeon will provide this or advise which to purchase. You'll wear it 24/7 for up to 6 weeks.
• Drain management supplies - safety pins to secure drains, lanyard or drain pouch, measuring cup for drain output.
• Loose, high-waisted clothing - maxi dresses, pyjama bottoms with elastic waist, zip-up hoodies.
• Button-up or zip-up tops - to avoid pulling clothing over your head.
• Slip-on shoes - you won't be able to bend down to tie laces.
• Stool softeners - pain medications can cause constipation. Start taking these from day one.
• Anti-bacterial soap - for gentle wound cleaning as directed.

Comfort Items

• Heating pad - can help with muscle soreness (never place directly on incision).
• Entertainment - books, tablets, streaming subscriptions for the first week of rest.
• Long phone charging cable - so you can use your phone while resting.
• Reusable water bottle with straw - staying hydrated is crucial for healing.
• Dry shampoo - for days when showering is too difficult.

Kitchen Preparation

• Easy-to-prepare meals - soups, protein shakes, pre-cut fruits.
• High-protein foods - essential for wound healing (Greek yogurt, eggs, lean meats).
• Fiber-rich foods - to combat constipation (prunes, bran cereals, vegetables).
• Light items at counter level - avoid reaching into high cabinets or bending for low shelves.

Mental Preparation

Understanding what to expect emotionally is just as important as physical preparation:

• The first two weeks will be challenging. You'll be uncomfortable, unable to stand straight, and dependent on others. This is temporary.
• Swelling will make you look larger initially - this is normal and will gradually resolve over months.
• Your scar will be significant and red initially. It takes 12-18 months to fully mature and fade.
• Final results take 6-12 months to appear as swelling subsides and tissues settle.
• It's normal to have moments of doubt in early recovery. These feelings typically pass as healing progresses.
• Taking weekly photos from the same angles helps track progress when day-to-day changes are imperceptible.

Pre-Surgery Exercises

In the weeks before surgery, focus on core strengthening exercises. Strong abdominal muscles can aid recovery:

• Gentle core exercises (planks, pelvic tilts)
• Walking to build cardiovascular fitness
• Deep breathing exercises - practice these as they'll be important post-surgery