Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Tummy Tuck
Posted December 21, 2023 in Tummy Tuck
As you look towards the new year, are you ready to take the leap into increasing your confidence and undergoing a tummy tuck? Tummy tuck surgery is the third most popular plastic surgery in the United States, and the number of people choosing this procedure continues to increase.
A tummy tuck is an investment in several ways. Yes, there is the financial aspect and required recovery time, but it also means committing to maintaining your newly slender shape. It may seem like a challenging task, but if you follow a few tried-and-true suggestions, you should be able to maintain your tummy tuck results for a long time.
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Operative Instructions
Once you’ve scheduled your tummy tuck, Dr. Careaga or Dr. Durand will give you pre-operative and post-operative care instructions. One of the best ways to maintain the results of your tummy tuck is to follow their instructions to the letter.
Dr. Careaga and Dr. Durand’s considerable experience performing tummy tucks has allowed them to craft specific instructions to ensure that your tummy tuck heals beautifully and leaves you with stunning results.
2. Maintain a Stable Weight
As you know, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss tool. While you will lose a couple of pounds and inches from the procedure due to removing excess skin, the primary goal is to contour and shape your abdominal area.
After your surgery, you’ll need to maintain a healthy, stable weight to help your tummy tuck results last as long as possible. There’s no need to stress about 5-10 pounds weight fluctuations, but more extensive gains and losses can adversely affect your results.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
One way to prevent unwanted weight gain after a tummy tuck is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid processed foods high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fats. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and stick to whole grains. High-fiber foods also help stave off hunger by keeping you feeling full for longer.
However, remember to live your life. Enjoying foods you love in moderation is fine if you balance splurges with primarily healthy choices.
4. Exercise Regularly
Developing a consistent exercise routine is another essential aspect of maintaining your tummy tuck results. The best time to start is right after your tummy tuck surgery. While you cannot do strenuous exercise for at least six weeks after your surgery, it is important to start walking as soon as possible. Gentle movement during your recovery helps avoid the formation of blood clots, so it is recommended that you take short, slow walks around your house as you recover.
As you start to feel stronger, you can gradually increase the time and distance of your walks. Once your surgeon clears you for regular exercise, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate movement daily. A combination of cardio and weight training activities will offer the best results, so find something you enjoy and keep at it.
5. Plan Around Your Pregnancy
One of the things you’ll discuss in your tummy tuck consultation is if you plan on becoming pregnant. As you might imagine, pregnancy can cause significant changes to your tummy tuck results, leaving you with stretched-out skin and excess fat–the same things you had removed in your initial surgery. To ensure your tummy tuck results last, plan your tummy tuck after you’re done having children.
Once you’ve had your last baby, you should wait at least six months before getting a tummy tuck. This gives your body time to heal after carrying and birthing a child and allows you time to lose extra baby weight.
Learn More About Tummy Tucks in Miami and Coral Gables
If you are frustrated and self-conscious about the excess skin on your stomach due to weight loss or pregnancy, you may be the ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. At Careaga Plastic Surgery, Dr. Careaga and Dr. Durand can help you achieve your desired sleek, contoured look. Call our office today at (305) 574-9262 to schedule a consultation or complete the online contact form.