If you have recently had abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, or you’re considering having this procedure done, we know you want to keep your flatter, firmer midsection as you move forward and want to avoid jeopardizing the effects of your procedure. To help you, our tummy tuck plastic surgeon in Raleigh is sharing tips on how to maintain results after a tummy tuck.
What a Tummy Tuck Actually Does
For people who want a flatter, firmer mid-section, abdominoplasty is an effective way to achieve that goal. It’s important to note that this procedure doesn’t aid with weight loss. Instead, it tones and firms the area by removing excess skin while repairing and reshaping abdominal muscles. It’s often performed after a patient has lost a significant amount of weight, is finished having children, or has experienced a loss of tone due to age or genetics. Following the procedure, the end result is a firmer, more toned belly.
A “mini tummy tuck” is a similar procedure, only, instead of repairing and reshaping the entire abdomen, it’s focused on the area below the belly button. Whether you got a full or mini procedure, you’ll want to follow the same guidelines to keep your results!
Exercising After Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty tightens and repairs loose abdominal muscles, but if you have a sedentary lifestyle, the muscles may lose that firmness gained from the procedure. After you are cleared to exercise by your tummy tuck plastic surgeon, usually after six weeks, it’s important to commit to regular exercise. In fact, staying fit and in shape is one of the most important things you need to do to maintain your results.
This doesn’t mean you need to solely work on crunches and ab exercises, a well-rounded workout generally is suitable for most patients. In fact, if you’re not used to working out it’s important to start with a simple regimen you can stick with and set a goal to move for about 30 to 60 minutes a day. As exercise becomes a part of your daily life, you can increase the intensity to your comfort level. Of course, your doctor will provide you with more custom instructions and advice during your post-op appointment.
Eating to Maintain Your Tummy Tuck Results
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure or meant to be a “jump start” to a diet. In fact, most people who have this procedure performed do so after weight loss and want to trim and tone their midsection. However, eating a healthy diet following your tummy tuck is essential to maintaining the results. Our tummy tuck plastic surgeon recommends a diet primarily consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken breast, salmon, or beans and lentils, and whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats. It’s important to avoid high-sodium foods, refined sugars, and refined grains like white bread and white rice that offer minimal nutrition and can lead to weight gain that can stretch the midsection and undo the results of your procedure.
In addition to focusing on what you eat, you should also consider how you eat. Watching portion control and not eating to the point of feeling overly full will help prevent stretching of the muscles and skin around the area and help you avoid gaining weight.
Follow Instructions Given by Your Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon
Because every patient is different and experiences different results following abdominoplasty, the best thing you can do after your procedure is follow the instructions you get from your tummy tuck plastic surgeon. They will provide you with information about how to heal properly, wearing compression garments, and how you can gradually begin exercises that help maintain the results of your tummy tuck.
Learn More from Our Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh
If you are ready for a flat, fit midsection, we’re here to help! Dr. Ortiz is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh who has helped countless patients improve how they look and feel and achieve their appearance goals. To learn more about abdominoplasty or to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck, reach out to us today at (919) 532-2270 or complete our online contact form.
