TrustMed Clinic : Your Step-by-Step Abdominoplasty Preparation Checklist

Why Preparation Matters Before a Tummy Tuck

Undergoing abdominoplasty is a major decision—and preparation is key to achieving safe, smooth, and satisfying results. Whether you’re traveling for surgery or staying local, preparing both physically and mentally will:

• Lower the risk of complications
• Enhance recovery
• Improve surgical outcomes
• Reduce stress before and after surgery

If you’re having your tummy tuck at Trustmed Clinic in Istanbul, you’ll receive detailed pre-op guidance from your coordinator. But this comprehensive checklist gives you a head start on what to do before surgery day.

Step 1: Schedule a Virtual Consultation

Before anything else, arrange an online consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. At Trustmed Clinic, this service is free and includes:

• Medical history evaluation
• Discussion of aesthetic goals
• Procedure explanation and 3D simulation
• Treatment plan and quote review

What to prepare:

• Photos of your abdomen from different angles
• A list of medications or supplements you currently use
• Questions about risks, outcomes, and recovery

Step 2: Undergo Medical Evaluations

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that requires good overall health. You may be asked to complete:

• Blood tests
• ECG (if over 40 or with risk factors)
• Imaging (for patients with prior abdominal surgery)

You’ll also need to stop or adjust certain medications, such as:

• Blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Herbal supplements (ginseng, garlic, St. John’s wort)
• Hormonal therapies, if advised by your doctor

Trustmed’s team will coordinate these tests and help interpret the results.

Step 3: Stop Smoking and Alcohol

Nicotine restricts blood flow, which increases the risk of:

• Poor wound healing
• Infections
• Surgical complications

Stop smoking at least 3–4 weeks before surgery and continue abstaining until you’re fully healed. Also, avoid alcohol 7–10 days before surgery to reduce bruising and bleeding risks.

Step 4: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Support your body’s healing ability by:

• Eating nutrient-dense foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins
• Staying hydrated with at least 2 liters of water per day
• Getting regular sleep
• Maintaining a stable weight—do not plan drastic dieting or weight loss before surgery

Physical health and nutrition play a direct role in recovery speed and surgical outcomes.

Step 5: Arrange Time Off and Help at Home

Recovery requires time and support, especially during the first 7–14 days. Be sure to:

• Take at least 2 weeks off work

• Arrange for someone to help you with tasks like cooking, shopping, or childcare

• Prepare your home with:

  • Clean sheets and comfortable pillows

  • Pre-cooked meals or groceries

  • Medications and wound care supplies (Trustmed provides a recovery kit)

Step 6: Prepare for Your Travel (International Patients)

If you’re flying to Turkey for your tummy tuck:

• Finalize your flight tickets based on the scheduled surgery date
• Choose direct flights when possible to reduce fatigue
• Pack essentials (see below)
• Share travel details with your Trustmed coordinator for VIP airport pickup

Step 7: Pack Your Surgery Recovery Bag

Here’s a packing checklist for international patients preparing for tummy tuck surgery in Turkey:

Essentials:

• Passport + printed documents (surgery plan, hotel reservation, insurance)
• Loose, button-up clothing
• Compression garment (provided by the clinic)
• Medical paperwork and prescriptions
• Comfortable underwear and slippers

Optional (but useful):

• Travel pillow or wedge pillow
• Gentle cleansing wipes
• Lip balm and moisturizer (air travel can dry skin)
• Power bank or chargers
• Reusable water bottle

Step 8: Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions

In the 24–48 hours before your surgery, you’ll be advised to:

• Fast for at least 8 hours before the operation (no food or drink)
• Shower using antibacterial soap
• Avoid lotions, perfumes, or deodorants on surgery day
• Remove nail polish and jewelry
• Wear loose clothing that opens from the front

At Trustmed Clinic, your surgical team will guide you step-by-step during this time to ensure you’re fully ready.

Step 9: Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Surgery brings emotional stress, especially for first-time patients. Support yourself by:

• Reading positive testimonials and watching recovery stories
• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided meditation
• Staying off forums that focus on complications or fear
• Trusting your doctor and the process—results take time

Remember: swelling, bruising, and fatigue are temporary. You’re investing in long-term transformation.

Step 10: Confirm Logistics With Your Clinic

Three days before your flight:

• Confirm flight arrival with your patient coordinator
• Verify your accommodation address and pickup time
• Double-check what’s included in your package (surgery, hotel, transfers, etc.)
• Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone

At Trustmed, your travel and medical experience is managed from A to Z, including insurance, transfers, and nurse-monitored hotel care.