There’s nothing worse than stubborn belly fat and loose skin that won’t budge regardless of how well you eat or how many miles you log on the treadmill. Fortunately, the tummy tuck is the perfect solution to this frustrating scenario. Tummy tucks are ideal for people who have experienced pregnancy, weight gain and loss, or are unhappy with how their bodies have changed as a result of age.
One question commonly asked by tummy tuck patients is what they can do to get the most out of their procedure. If you’re wondering the same, here are five of the top tips that will help you get the best results and easiest recovery after your tummy tuck.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
The tummy tuck isn’t a magic bullet procedure. It’s great at dealing with that stubborn belly fat, but it isn’t a weight loss procedure. While patients may drop a few pounds after the procedure — you are getting rid of some tissue, after all — it’s not an alternative to traditional weight loss methods. Patients who have the best long-term results are at or near their ideal weight and have instituted healthy maintenance routines.
2. Listen To Your Body
No one knows your body as well as you do. If something feels off after your procedure, don’t ignore it! Serious complications from tummy tucks are rare but possible. Maintaining an open dialogue with your surgeon can keep you safe, alleviate concerns, and make your recovery less stressful.
3. Eat Right Before And After The Procedure
Being mindful of your diet before the procedure is essential for many reasons. Not only are the cosmetic results better if you go in at a healthy weight, but your body will also be healthier making the recovery process that much easier. What you put into your body can have a huge impact on the speed of your recovery. We encourage you to consult directly with your surgeon for more details about food and drinks to avoid before and after your tummy tuck.
4. Get Plenty Of Rest
There’s no getting around it. You’re going to have to take it easy after your procedure. Immediately after, you’ll be exhausted and a bit loopy from the anesthetic. In the days following, you’ll want to get plenty of bed rest and limit your physical activity. If you have a lot of household responsibilities, make sure you have a friend or family member who can help you out during this first week.
As time goes on, you can slowly start reintroducing activities, but you should wait until you have approval from your surgeon before you do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Within a few weeks, you should be able to return to your normal routine without much issue.
5. Listen To Your Surgeon
All of these tips will help you make the most of your procedure, but there is one piece of advice that stands above all the rest: always listen to your plastic surgeon. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know about your tummy tuck and guide you through your recovery.
We love being a part of the life-changing experience patients have with tummy tuck surgery. If you’re ready to reclaim your body, we’d love to help. Contact us today for more information.
