How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

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Dr. Simon Moradian

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3/28/2025

Feeling self-conscious about loose skin, stubborn fat, or a stretched-out stomach can be frustrating — especially when your efforts with diet and exercise don't make a difference. For patients hoping to restore a firmer and more contoured midsection, tummy tuck surgery is a popular option. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, plastic surgeon Dr. Simon Moradian is proud to offer customized abdominoplasty in Chicago, IL.

While tummy tuck preparation doesn't have to be extensive, there are a few important things you can do to set yourself up for success — like having a plan for household help and getting your health on track. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for tummy tuck surgery and get set for a more comfortable experience and smoother recovery.

Am I a candidate for tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck may be right for you if you're dealing with physical changes that often follow major life events, like pregnancy or weight loss. Some of the most popular reasons to get a tummy tuck include:

  • Loose abdominal skin
  • Stubborn fat
  • Weakened or separated muscles
  • Changes related to aging or genetics

Patients considering tummy tuck surgery should be near their ideal weight, in overall good health, and committed to maintaining a stable lifestyle going forward. If you're unsure whether you qualify, Dr. Moradian can help you explore your options during a private consultation.

What to do before a tummy tuck

Preparing for tummy tuck surgery doesn't have to be overwhelming, but simple steps and healthy habits can help set you up for a better overall experience, from surgery through to recovery and beyond. Some helpful tips for tummy tuck preparation include:

  • Stay at a steady weight
  • Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and vaping
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Get your home ready for recovery
  • Secure help with daily tasks, including childcare and driving
  • Follow your personalized preoperative plan

These easy steps can help reduce your risk of tummy tuck complications and set the stage for a smoother recovery.

What should I eat before tummy tuck surgery?

Giving your body the fuel it needs to heal can make a noticeable difference in your recovery. In the weeks leading up to tummy tuck surgery, aim to include the following in your diet (if possible, based on your nutritional needs and dietary restrictions or guidelines from your doctor):

  • Lean protein
  • Healthy fats
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Plenty of water and herbal teas

Additionally, patients are encouraged to avoid processed foods, salty snacks, and sugary items, which can increase bloating, inflammation, and swelling after tummy tuck surgery.

How long is recovery after tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tuck healing timelines can vary based on the extent of your surgery and your body's natural healing response, but most patients can expect their tummy tuck recovery to follow a timeline similar to this:

  • 1 – 2 weeks off work
  • 4 – 6 weeks before exercise
  • Several months for residual swelling to resolve

Sticking closely to Dr. Moradian's postoperative tummy tuck instructions and attending follow-up visits will help ensure the best possible outcome and a safe, smooth recovery so you can enjoy your slim, sexy new figure sooner — and for longer.

Preparation is the key to success with tummy tuck surgery in Chicago, IL

Taking the time to prepare for your tummy tuck can help minimize stress, support healing, and leave you feeling more confident throughout the process. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, plastic surgeon Dr. Simon Moradian is proud to offer patient-focused tummy tuck surgery in Chicago, IL, with pre and postoperative guidance each step of the way. Call our friendly team today to schedule your private consultation and take the first step toward achieving the firmer, flatter contours you've been dreaming of.

When my daughter broke her nose in a high school sports accident, she was referred to a local ENT for surgery immediately. I wanted to make sure a plastic surgeon performed the surgery and spent hours trying to find a surgeon who would treat her. I knew that this was a very time sensitive injury that needed to be treated ASAP. Barb on Dr. Moradian’s team scheduled a consult with him very quickly and patiently answered all of the (many) questions I had. I was absolutely amazed that Dr. Moradian was able to schedule surgery the day following our consult. My daughter’s prom was one week after her surgery and Dr. Moradian was determined that she would be able to go and look like herself. No one could tell, one week later, than she had surgery, and she had a wonderful time!Dr. Moradian and everyone on his team were friendly, caring and empathic. They made us feel confident and comfortable with the procedure. I was also impressed with the follow-up check-ins and responsiveness when we’ve had questions after the procedure. He’s been very responsive and helpful. I feel like we hit the jackpot and couldn’t have found a better surgeon! Thank you, Dr. Moradian, for everything!

K.J. Google

Dr. Fine, his team, and all the staff at NSPS are just the best! Having to go thru a crap situation (mastectomy) I trust his process and feel at ease at every appointment/procedure. I am so thankful to be going through this with them and highly recommend. I will actually miss going to NSPS when the reconstruction process is fully complete.

M.H. Google

I went to Dr. Schierle to address my gynecomastia - which had been a lifelong issue that suddenly gone from being a purely cosmetic flaw to a much bigger overall health issue for me over the course of a year or so. The first green flag for me was this office was the first plastic surgery practice that was willing to listen to my concerns and try billing my insurance for the surgery (coverage for the procedure was approved).Dr. Schierle himself made the entire process as positive as possible. I felt that he truly listened to me, asked thoughtful questions about my goals for the surgery, was frank and open about every aspect of my procedure and what I could realistically expect, and never once made me feel judged or uncomfortable.The team and office staff have been incredible to work with. I’ve always been able to reach someone if I had a question or concern during recovery. I never have a problem getting into the office when I’ve needed to.I knew that I had made the best decision in choosing a surgeon during my second post-surgery checkup, when Dr. Schierle recommended I hold off on any scar revision treatments for at least a year. To me, this just demonstrated further that he is actually invested in his patients’ success and not just out to milk people for as much money as he can.I’m really grateful to Dr. Schierle and his team for making what was an incredibly stressful and scary ordeal into a much more manageable process. Can’t recommend them enough.

N.H. Google

Dr Fine was realistic when discussing cosmetic results. He was straightforward and provided several options. He also was honest with what he thought was the best way to proceed and very clear on what not to expect.

J.M. Google

I will continually recommend and refer my friends and family to Northwestern Plastics. I underwent a breast augmentation yesterday and feel great! My pre-operative experience was nothing but detailed, understood, and all my concerns and questions were answered by Dr. Moradian and his amazing PA, Monika. I will speak highly of the faculty because you are always warmly greeted by the front desk and Kendall makes your logistical arrangements seamless!During the day of my procedure, I felt ZERO anxiety and the experience was very pleasant and passionate from all the nurses and the anesthesiologist. Prior to going into the OR, Dr. Moradian came into the room to greet me and mark me up - this was indicative of how passionate he was because he asked me if I had any last minute questions and concerns. Another small but impactful statement he said was “I’ve studied your aesthetic wants/inspirational pictures of what you would want and know exactly what to do”. This shows me compassion, the drive to make me feel heard, to how much thought and detail he has put into this artistry.Overall, I am extremely happy and when I am healed - I will update my pictures! I am excited for my recovery journey. They are perfect already.

S.T. Google

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