Posted October 25, 2023 in Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty can provide some of the most stunning results of any plastic surgery procedure. By removing excess skin and tightening loosened abdominal muscles, patients can restore youthful contours to their midsection in a way that diet and exercise can never achieve.
However, the results of your tummy tuck rely on maintaining and improving the look of abdominal muscles, which will involve healthy choices.
What Can a Tummy Tuck Achieve?
In many cases, a tummy tuck is the best course of action to get you the contours you desire. Patients who seek out plastic surgery for the midsection often are not getting the results they need from diet and exercise alone; others have excess sagging skin due to significant weight loss or pregnancy. In any case, a tummy tuck can provide the following benefits:
- Removal of sagging, excess skin
- Surgical tightening of separated muscles due to pregnancy or obesity (diastasis recti)
- Removal of fat pockets if paired with liposuction
- Restructuring or draping of skin for a smoother contour
Why Diet and Exercise Matter Pre-Surgery
If you are experiencing an excess of skin around the midsection, then you probably know surgery is the only way to tighten or remove this issue. That’s where the tummy tuck comes in.
However, it’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution—in fact, most plastic surgeons will advise tummy tuck patients to be as close to their ideal weight as possible, as the procedure is not designed for losing weight specifically.
A proper diet and exercise regimen is also a great way to prepare your body for surgery; the healthier you are, the more efficient your recovery process will be.
How to Maintain Your Abdominoplasty Results
While it’s essential to start a healthy routine prior to surgery, the only way to ensure the longevity of your procedure is to continue with healthy practices.
Throughout your recovery and beyond, you should eat high protein, healthy fats, plenty of leafy greens, and fruits. These eating habits will aid your recovery immensely. Exercise, however, has to be considered carefully throughout your recovery process.
What to Do Immediately Following Surgery
In the early stages of recovery, you will have limited movement, soreness, and discomfort. As you begin to feel better, you should try to move around your house.
Increasing movement in the first few days of recovery can actually speed up the process as blood circulation improves your healing. Additionally, increased blood flow will reduce the risk of blood clots.
Weeks 1-3 Post-Op
Abdominoplasty is a major procedure, therefore your recovery will take time. Patients will experience varying levels of discomfort, swelling, and bruising for the first three weeks following surgery.
Throughout this period, continue to eat healthy, get rest, and take daily walks. As you progress, increase the length or distance of your walks. This exercise will continue to keep your blood circulation in a healthy range, improve the healing process, and help you strengthen your body.
Weeks 4-6 Post-Op
At this point, many patients are cleared to return to work or school, as well as their daily routine. This will help you restore some strength and you may be able to start exercising again. Avoid any workouts that engage your core—you’re not healed yet!
When a Full Recovery Is Reached
Complete recovery—or when your surgeon clears you to fully work out again—will vary for every patient. It is essential to listen to your body and your surgeon. Once you are cleared to do so, be sure to incorporate exercises that engage your core, obliques, and lower abdomen.
Tummy tuck surgery is a journey that continues even after recovery. If you are diligent about proper exercise and diet, you can enjoy the results of your procedure for years to come!
Interested in Learning More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Phoenix, AZ?
Dr. Jennifer Boll is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and body lift surgery.
To schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Boll, call us today at (480) 833-5200 or fill out our online contact form.