TrustMed Clinic : Diet and Exercise Before Your Tummy Tuck

Why Pre-Surgery Preparation Is Important

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a life-changing procedure—but to get the best results and reduce risks, your body must be well-prepared before surgery. This preparation goes beyond lab tests and paperwork—it includes:

• Maintaining a healthy, stable weight
• Supporting your body’s healing ability
• Reducing inflammation and surgical risks
• Ensuring muscle strength and stamina for recovery

At Trustmed Clinic, we provide personalized pre-op guidance, including nutritional and fitness advice tailored to your body type and goals.

Ideal Weight Before Surgery

Surgeons recommend being at or near your ideal body weight (within 10-15%) before undergoing a tummy tuck. Here’s why:

• Fat is not the focus—skin and muscle are
• Better body proportions and outcomes
• Lower risk of post-op complications like wound separation or delayed healing
• Longer-lasting results

If weight loss is part of your journey, aim to reach and maintain it for at least 3–6 months before your scheduled surgery.

Best Pre-Tummy Tuck Diet Tips

✅ Focus on Nutrient-Dense, Healing Foods

Fuel your body with:

• Lean proteins (chicken, eggs, tofu, legumes) to support tissue repair
• Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, berries, bell peppers) to boost collagen
• Iron-rich sources (spinach, red meat, lentils) to optimize red blood cell count
• Zinc and Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, almonds) to speed healing
• Whole grains and fiber to aid digestion before anesthesia

❌ Avoid:

• Crash diets or extreme calorie restrictions
• Processed foods, excessive sugar, or trans fats
• Alcohol, which dehydrates and increases surgical risks
• Supplements or herbs that affect blood clotting (e.g., ginseng, ginkgo biloba)

Hydration Is Key

Start increasing water intake 2–3 weeks before surgery. Proper hydration:

• Improves skin elasticity
• Supports circulation and detoxification
• Aids in anesthesia metabolism and post-op recovery

Aim for 2–3 liters of water daily, and reduce caffeinated beverages that act as diuretics.

Pre-Op Exercise: What to Do (and Avoid)

Exercise helps tone the body, enhance endurance, and improve circulation—all of which are beneficial for surgery and recovery.

Focus On:

• Core strengthening (without overtraining)
• Light cardio (walking, cycling, swimming) for heart health
• Flexibility exercises (yoga, stretching) for mobility
• Strength training to maintain muscle tone

Avoid:

• Starting intense new workout programs close to surgery
• Heavy lifting or high-impact exercises in the week before surgery
• Abdominal-focused workouts within 10 days of your procedure
• Training to fatigue, which may compromise immunity

Note: A strong core aids in healing post-tummy tuck, but excessive training can cause inflammation and muscle strain—balance is key.

Smoking and Alcohol: Cut Them Out Early

Both smoking and alcohol can impair healing and increase surgical risks.

Smoking:

• Reduces blood flow to the skin
• Increases risk of infection, skin necrosis, and poor scar healing
• Must be stopped 4 weeks before and after surgery

Alcohol:

• Thins the blood
• Dehydrates tissues
• Interacts negatively with anesthesia
• Should be avoided for at least 7–10 days pre-op

Supplements and Medications: What to Pause

Inform your Trustmed surgeon of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Common ones to pause before surgery (with medical supervision):

• Aspirin, ibuprofen, or NSAIDs
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil, flaxseed oil
• Herbal supplements (garlic, turmeric, ginseng, ginkgo)

You may be prescribed pre-op vitamins or iron depending on your bloodwork.

Sleep and Stress Management

Good sleep and low stress are critical for surgical readiness:

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night
• Practice breathing exercises or meditation
• Limit screen time and allow mental preparation
• Consider pre-surgery counseling if anxiety is high

Your immune system, circulation, and hormonal balance benefit from reduced stress—improving how your body handles surgery and recovers.

Trustmed’s Personalized Pre-Surgery Support

At Trustmed Clinic, every patient receives:

• A personal treatment coordinator
• Customized pre-op checklist including diet, medication, and lifestyle instructions
• Access to nutrition and recovery experts
• Ongoing guidance via remote consultations

We help you arrive in Istanbul fully prepared, both physically and mentally, so your experience is smooth from surgery to recovery.