A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most transformative body contouring procedures available today. For men and women in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it can create a flatter, smoother abdomen when diet, exercise, and time alone aren’t enough. Dr. Ember Ewings, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs tummy tuck surgery at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire to help patients achieve a more refined abdominal contour and renewed confidence.
Whether you’re considering this surgical procedure to enhance your midsection after pregnancy, weight changes, or the natural effects of aging, preparation plays a vital role in your safety, comfort, and results.
Getting Ready for Your Tummy Tuck: What to Know
- Preparing your body helps ensure a smoother recovery and lasting results.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and plan ahead for your surgery day.
- Quit smoking and maintain a healthy diet to support healing.
- Build a strong support system and prepare your home before the procedure.
- Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Ewings makes all the difference in safety and results.
Understanding the Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) tightens weakened abdominal muscles, removes excess skin and fat, and sculpts the waist and stomach—often with the addition of liposuction for precise shaping. The procedure can also reposition the belly button for a natural appearance and smoother abdominal contour.
Dr. Ewings performs several types of tummy tuck surgery, including:
- Mini tummy tuck: Targets mild skin laxity and limited fat below the belly button.
- Full tummy tuck: Addresses loose skin and muscles above and below the belly button, often improving stretch marks and overall abdominal tone.
- Belt lipectomy: An extensive surgical procedure that reshapes the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs after major weight loss.
- Panniculectomy: Removes an apron-like fold of heavy excess skin that may cause irritation or restrict movement.
Each tummy tuck procedure is customized for the patient’s unique anatomy and goals. During consultation, Dr. Ewings reviews the options, discusses incision placement, and creates a surgical plan that best suits your needs.
Why Preparing Your Body Matters
Preparation helps your body heal efficiently and ensures a smoother recovery. Abdominoplasty patients who maintain a healthy diet, stable weight, and active lifestyle before surgery tend to experience faster healing and longer-lasting results.
A few weeks before your tummy tuck surgery:
- Focus on balanced meals rich in lean protein, fruits, and vegetables to support tissue repair.
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake.
- Avoid crash diets or significant weight fluctuations.
- Get adequate rest and light exercise to improve circulation.
Taking these steps supports the abdominal wall and improves your overall readiness for surgery.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Tummy Tuck
Selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps in preparing for tummy tuck surgery. A qualified doctor ensures your safety, tailors the procedure to your goals, and helps you understand what to expect at every stage.
Dr. Ember Ewings is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over a decade of experience performing abdominoplasty and body contouring procedures. Her extensive training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery allows her to deliver precise, natural results that enhance each patient’s body shape and confidence.
Mommy Makeover Before and After Photos
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* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Discussing Goals and Expectations with Your Doctor
A thorough consultation is essential. During your private appointment in Eau Claire, Dr. Ewings listens to your concerns, evaluates your abdomen, and determines whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.
Ideal candidates are men or women who:
- Have loose or hanging belly skin and poor muscle tone.
- Are at or near their ideal weight.
- Have realistic expectations for improvement.
- Do not plan future pregnancies.
Dr. Ewings will also explain differences between tummy tuck and liposuction procedures, helping you understand which approach—or combination—best fits your body and goals.
Quit Smoking and Alcohol Before Surgery
Smoking reduces blood flow, slows healing, and increases the risk of surgical complications. For best results, stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery. Avoid nicotine in all forms, including vaping.
Alcohol can interfere with medications and anesthesia, so it’s best to limit or eliminate it as you prepare. If you need help quitting, your doctor can provide resources to support you.
Plan a Strong Support System
Having help at home is one of the most important parts of tummy tuck prep. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24–48 hours. Preparing your space in advance will make recovery more comfortable.
Tips for home preparation:
- Set up a recovery area with pillows, medications, and easy access to water.
- Prepare nutritious meals ahead of time (simple meal prep goes a long way).
- Keep essential items within reach to avoid unnecessary movement.
Your support system ensures you can rest, manage discomfort, and follow your after-care instructions exactly as your surgeon recommends.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive in Eau Claire for your procedure with Dr. Ewings. The tummy tuck is performed in a surgical setting designed for comfort and safety. Most tummy tuck surgeries are performed under general anesthesia as outpatient procedures, meaning you can return home the same day.
Incision placement depends on the type of surgery:
- A mini tummy tuck requires a small incision above the pubic area.
- A full tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision between the hips, with another around the belly button.
- A belt lipectomy extends around the waistline to address the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Dr. Ewings uses advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring and carefully close incisions with sutures, adhesives, or surgical tape. The procedure typically lasts between one and five hours, depending on your surgical plan.
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Your Recovery and Healing Process
Recovery from a tummy tuck varies depending on the procedure, but most patients start to feel better within a week. Dr. Ewings provides detailed postoperative instructions, prescription medications, and incision care guidelines before you leave the office.
Typical recovery milestones:
- 1 week: Most patients feel significantly better.
- 2 weeks: Many can return to work and light activities.
- 6 weeks: Continue wearing a compression garment to support healing, minimize swelling, and protect your abdominal contour.
It’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon. Attend all follow-up visits so Dr. Ewings can monitor your healing and ensure optimal results.
Medical and Aesthetic Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Beyond aesthetic improvements, abdominoplasty can have functional benefits that enhance comfort and quality of life. Patients often report:
- Reduced back pain due to stronger abdominal muscles.
- Improved posture and spinal support.
- Decreased stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.
- Relief from rashes or irritation caused by excess skin folds.
These benefits, combined with a flatter, firmer abdomen, contribute to renewed confidence and better body alignment.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ember Ewings
For more than a decade, Dr. Ember Ewings has provided excellence in plastic surgical care to patients across Wisconsin and the upper Midwest.
- Board Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison, M.D.
- Residency: Saint Louis University (Plastic Surgery)
- Fellowship: University of Tennessee–Memphis and Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Paris, France
Dr. Ewings performs both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and is known for her meticulous technique, compassion, and patient-focused care.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Tummy Tuck in Eau Claire, WI
Preparing for tummy tuck surgery is about more than scheduling a procedure—it’s about investing in your health, confidence, and long-term results. With guidance from Dr. Ember Ewings and her experienced team, you can feel fully informed and ready for a safe, rewarding transformation.
Schedule your private consultation today by calling 800-456-8222 or contacting the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire online to learn how abdominoplasty can help you achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen.
