How to Prepare For Your Tummy Tuck Procedure?

How to Prepare For Your Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Plastic surgery procedures are becoming increasingly popular in common society. Whereas plastic surgery used to be less common, now more and more people are accepting it. There are many procedures available to address a wide range of concerns. Non-invasive fat reduction, nonsurgical nose jobs, fat transfers, and more. While many people look to non-surgical procedures to improve certain aspects of their appearance, traditional surgeries are still on the rise in popularity. One of the most popular plastic surgery procedures is the tummy tuck which is also known as an abdominoplasty.

Tummy tucks are still incredibly popular because of what they can do. Tummy tucks, also called abdominoplasty, remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tightening slack muscles. This surgery restores a slim, toned appearance to the abdomen. Dr. Kayastha offers the tummy tuck procedure at his Latham, NY office to Albany and surrounding areas.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Procedure Entail?

It is impossible to tone the loose skin on the abdomen once it’s been stretched a certain amount. No amount of exercise can return sagging skin that lacks elasticity back to what it once was. This is also true for the abdominal muscles. No amount of crunched can fix the split in the muscles caused by pregnancy.  Plus, stubborn pockets of fat can be hard to get rid of as well. The tummy tuck addresses all of these problems within one surgical procedure. During the abdominoplasty procedure, patients will be placed under general anesthesia. An incision will be made across the lower abdomen, along the bikini line. Another incision will be made around the navel. During the surgery, Dr. Kayastha will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles. Then the abdominal muscles will be sutured back to their original position to create a firmer abdomen. Next, the separated skin will be stretched over the newly tightened muscles. Any excess skin will be removed. To make the results appear natural, the navel will be moved to a new position. Then the incisions will be closed, and the abdomen will be bandaged. Any areas of fat deposits not addressed by the skin removal can be liposuctioned to reduce their thickness. In total, this surgery can take anywhere from two to five hours. 

What Steps Should I Take to Prepare?

Since the tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, preparation is required to ensure a smooth, safe surgery and recovery period. Dr. Kayastha will go over all the steps with you to prepare for your tummy tuck procedure and recovery during the initial consultation. There a few different steps to prepare. Certain measures to take to make sure you can safely undergo a tummy tuck are:

  • Get lab testing as required
  • Get a medical evaluation done as required
  • Adjust your current medications if need
  • Stop smoking for a minimum of 6 weeks before and after surgery
  • Avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs as they increase bleeding. 

Along with these steps, there are other preparation measures to take. Such as:

  • Maintain open communication with Dr. Kayastha 
  • Create an area dedicated to your recovery at home 
  • Eat a healthy diet 
  • Create a strong support system around yourself
  • Make sure to have help with childcare, home care, and take off work
  • Arrange for transportation from the hospital 
  • Maintain a healthy weight 

By following these preparation steps, patients will be able to be relaxed for their recovery and ensure that they are safely undergoing the tummy tuck. 

How Do I Know My Surgeon is Qualified?

Picking a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions to make when getting surgery. Especially with an invasive, complex surgery like the tummy tuck. There are a few ways to gather if the chosen plastic surgeon is the right one. Firstly, the surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Being board-certified holds the surgeon to a higher standard than doctors who are not board certified. These surgeons must continue their training and education throughout their careers to stay up to date on the latest techniques, technologies, and surgical practices. This helps them to provide safe, effective care for their patients. Secondly, surgeons need to have had at least six years of training following medical school with three years of plastic surgery residency training. This lets patients know that they are trained and qualified in the procedures that they offer. Thirdly, look at the reviews from previous patients as well as gallery photos of the procedure. A qualified, trustworthy surgeon will have no trouble answering any and all questions plus showcasing their previous work. 

Dr. Kayastha fits this criterion. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in New York. He received his undergraduate education at Cornell University before going to SUNY Buffalo for medical school. After graduating from medical school, he moved to Grand Rapids, MI where he completed his plastic surgery residency through Michigan State University. When he was done with his residency, he completed a fellowship in microsurgery and hand surgery. Patients can trust Dr. Kayastha to take care of them and provide them with effective, safe care. 

What Are the Risks I Need to Know About? 

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with a tummy tuck procedure. These include general risks associated with anesthesia and risks associated with most major surgeries. Patients need to be aware that there will be some scarring after the procedure. During the recovery, patients will experience bruising, swelling, and some discomfort. Dr. Kayastha will go over all the potential risks during the consultation appointment. 

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Kayastha works with each patient individually to create their custom tummy tuck procedure. He will tailor the tummy tuck procedure to suit the individual needs, goals, and concerns of the patient. To schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Kayastha, contact the office by phone at 518-674-9060 or by filling out an online form. Dr. Kayastha treats patients from in and around Albany, NY.  He also has patients who travel from Syracuse, Vermont, and Massachusetts to seek out his expertise.

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Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.