So you’re contemplating a tummy tuck and want to achieve the best results possible. There are many ways to maximize the results from this procedure and it’s important to do your research prior to going into the operating room. Whether you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and are now challenged with sagging, excess skin, or you’ve had a baby and your abdominal area could use a little tightening, the surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery Center in Long Island, NY, can create the tighter, smoother tummy you desire. They’ve performed countless tummy tuck procedures on both men and women, and have a few very important suggestions when it comes to getting the most out of your procedure.
Prior to surgery
You can start to focus on results at home, prior to ever stepping foot inside our surgery center. Preoperative care is just as important as postoperative care when it comes to a tummy tuck procedure. Prior to your procedure, it’s a good idea to take a step back and evaluate how this tummy tuck will affect your life and what you’ll need to do after the surgery to ensure your results will last long-term.
Diet
Prior to surgery, it’s best to assess your lifestyle and start with your eating habits. A tummy tuck is not a solution for weight loss so it’s important to have the mindset that you can’t eat whatever you want just because you’re going to have excess fat and skin removed. If you start clean eating prior to the procedure, you’re more likely to continue it afterward. A tummy tuck can do wonders to your body and appearance, but in order to keep the results you really want, you need to implement some important changes in your diet ahead of surgery.
Exercise
Exercising can benefit you in multiple ways. You’ll start to feel better about yourself as the weight comes off, and you’ll be happy to know that you’re getting your body in the best shape possible. It’s a great idea to focus on exercises that target your abs. While exercise won’t help with the loose skin, it will help with shedding the excess pounds. Another added benefit is that people just feel better when they work out. It’s a nice self-esteem boost to be able to look in the mirror or step on a scale and see results. Combine exercise with the results from your tummy tuck procedure and you’ll be incredibly pleased with your newly fit and toned body.>
Quit Smoking
If you’re serious about making a drastic life change like a tummy tuck, then it’s also time to put down the cigarettes. Smoking affects the way the body responds to surgery and how it recovers. It decreases the blood flow which makes it harder for your incision to heal and can also lower your immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Some surgeons will not operate on patients that refuse to quit smoking because of these potential complications.
Avoid certain medications
Certain medications can have potentially dangerous side effects when mixed with the ones used during or after surgery. It’s incredibly important to mention your current prescriptions and any allergies to certain medications you may have to your surgeon. This information will be discussed in greater detail during your consultation.
Think about future pregnancies
In a perfect world, it would be wise to wait until you’re done having babies before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. However, this isn’t always realistic and many women do get pregnant after having a tummy tuck. It is advised to wait at least six months after the procedure before getting pregnant. Since a lot of excess fat was removed during the tummy tuck your skin may not stretch as easily and your chances of stretch marks may increase, along with changes in your tummy tuck scar as the baby grows.
Now that I’ve had a tummy tuck, what’s next?
Relax and slow down
Once you’ve had your tummy tuck you need to make sure you’re staying on top of recovery. It’s best to wear loose fitting clothing so you can be comfortable and so your incision area can heal properly. You’ve just had a major surgery so now’s not the time to be in a hurry. Slow things down and remember that it takes time for your body to recover. You’ll be sent home with an abdominal binder (or compression garment) to help reduce swelling and support your abdomen and it’s recommended you wear the binder for the six weeks following your surgery. It’s important to ease into walking and standing slowly, especially in the first few hours after the surgery. We also recommend you allow extra time to get to where you’re going and if possible, have friends or family assist you in those first few days post-surgery. You can expect to resume normal activities a few weeks after the surgery, and you should be cleared to work out around eight weeks post-surgery.
Avoid sun exposure
If you’re going outside and will be in the sun for extended periods it’s advised to wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing--especially when you are in the early phases of wound care. Sun exposure can cause inflammation and swelling in the incision area and cause the incision scar to darken. It’s always a good idea to reapply sunscreen often, and try to keep your incision covered while outdoors.
Maintain your weight
Gaining weight will stretch out the skin that was previously tightened during your procedure. Continue to maintain a healthy diet and exercise often (while focusing on those abs!) so the results of the tummy tuck will be optimized.
Maximize your efforts
It’s important to view your tummy tuck as an investment. Not just a financial investment, but an investment in your appearance and overall well-being. If you follow these simple tips you’re sure to get the most out of your tummy tuck procedure for years to come.
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, we invite you to call our Long Island cosmetic surgery practice to schedule your consultation today and learn more. Tummy tucks can offer men and women the opportunity to have the tighter, smoother, more toned abdomen they dream about.
