A tummy tuck is not a joke or a frivolous procedure because it involves cutting open an essential part of your body to remove excess fat from that area. As a result, it is critical that before deciding to undergo this surgery, you are fully aware of all potential risks. In addition, although tummy tuck results are theoretically permanent, gaining significant weight after surgery can severely affect long-term outcomes. Therefore, patients must maintain a healthy weight and remain in shape after tummy tuck surgery.
It has a slightly higher risk of complications compared to other procedures. However, these complications can be prevented with caution and a well-planned tummy tuck recovery period. So, if you want to know how to recover safely from a tummy tuck procedure, follow these recovery tips and diet after tummy tuck surgery.
What Exactly Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, is a widely known cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen. The process, which also stiffens your abdominal muscles, is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The procedure results in a flat, firm, and toned midsection. If you’ve worked out and eaten well but still can’t get rid of those last few lbs. in your tummy, talk to a cosmetic surgeon to see if you’re a good fit for tummy tuck plastic surgery.
A Suitable person for the procedure should have some extra skin and fat that bothers you. Your plastic surgeon can give you an ideal body and a flat stomach if you’re in good overall health, don’t smoke, and have realistic goals. This procedure is tailored to your specific requirements and body type.
What Happens In Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Many patients’ abdominal muscles become distanced or stretched during pregnancy or due to obesity. This causes excess sagging skin around the tummy.
A tummy tuck addresses these issues:
The surgeon will create an incision along your lower abdomen during a tummy tuck.
The surgeon can manipulate the muscles and skin of the abdominal region through this incision by reinforcing or toughening the forces that have detached by pulling them close together and correcting them in place.
The saggy skin will be removed, and the remaining skin will be stretched over the abdomen to smooth it out and provide structural strength to the low back and abdominal organs.
The surgeon then sutured closed the incision, and your body begins the recovery process.
Because this surgery is invasive, the body undergoes internal and external injuries, stretched muscles, and the incision through which the procedure is carried out. Therefore, your body must first cure before you can return to normal function and activities.
5 Amazing Tips For Staying Fit After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tucks are most performed after significant weight loss or pregnancy to remove excess skin and repair stretched abdominal muscles. While everyone’s healing from a tummy tuck will be different, some things help expedite the process and ensure a successful outcome from your abdominoplasty. Here are some pointers to help you heal faster before and after tummy tuck surgery.
Consume a Healthy Diet that Includes Healing Foods
What you eat while recovering directly impacts your body’s ability to heal. Protein-rich foods like salmon and chicken can help your body heal by keeping your energy levels high.
Including healthy fats in your diet will provide your skin with the nutrients it requires to recover and heal properly. In addition, you should include leafy green vegetables, pineapple, and other fruits high in Vitamin C. While trying to heal from your tummy tuck, avoid any foods that can cause gas or bloating.
Time and Assistance Are Key
One of the most critical pieces of post-operative advice is not overdoing it. In order to heal completely, your body requires rest. In addition, being able to see results much faster, you will also have less visible scarring in the long run. Here are some steps to take in your healing process:
- Take Time Off
- Make Sure Help is Lined Up
- Create a Comfort Zone
- Walk Your Way to Recovery
While a rigorous gym routine is not recommended for at least three months after any surgery, you could always start with walking. First, walk as much as possible, starting at a slow to medium pace and gradually increasing to a brisk pace as you gain confidence.
This exercise puts a little strain on your abdomen and melts any blood clots that may be present. Aside from the physical advantages, walking will help you stay positive and hopeful about your recovery. In addition, an hour of brisk walking in the woods relieves stress and provides an emotional high.
Keep The Wounds Clean and Dry
The first step in ensuring a healthy recovery from a tummy tuck is to keep the wounds clean and dry. Keep the bruise dry for at least a week, as getting it wet can soften it and cause it to open. After a week, you will have a physical exam with your surgeon to see if you can get it wet.
It is also critical to keep the wound clean. Typically, you will be asked how to clean the skin around the wound with a soft cloth doused in a solution of water and very mild soap. Depending on the extent of the procedure, your surgeon will provide more information.
Take Your Pain Medication as Prescribed
You will be given pain medication for at least the first 48 hours. Taking this medication as directed and not when you are in excruciating pain can help your body heal faster overall.
You are letting your body heal more quickly by keeping distress at bay and taking pain medication before it becomes unbearable. Pain has been shown to impair the body’s ability to heal following surgery.
It would be best to take your antibiotics as prescribed and until they are finished, in addition to your pain medication. Tummy tuck procedures have a higher infection risk than other cosmetic surgeries, and an infection can severely impede and prolong your recovery.
In addition to these suggestions, avoid showering for a few days to protect the stitches. To relieve swelling and discomfort, put on the abdominal support garment provided. Finally, prevent the intake of alcohol and smoking for at least 3-4 months after surgery because they can impair healing.
What Affects Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Before you get a tummy tuck, remember that each procedure is unique. Your doctor will select the best surgical technique to help you achieve your objectives. Some of the factors that influence abdominoplasty recovery include:
- Age and overall health
- Quality of the surgery
- Tummy tuck surgery procedure
- Post-surgery care
- The extent of the incisions.
- Tips To Improve Your Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Some simple tummy tuck recovery tips are as follows:
- Use the prescribed pain medication as directed
- Consume vitamin A and C supplements
- Maintain a healthy diet. Incorporate fruits and veggies as part of a low-sodium diet
- Avoid excessive physical activity
- Maintaining a clean and dry wound will help you avoid infections
- To promote healing, wear a compression garment
- Use ice packs to lower pain and swelling
- Avoid making sudden movements
- To improve blood circulation, begin walking as soon as possible
- Be patient as you recover
- Change your wound dressing every day
- Eschew stays in the same position for an extended period.
Both men and women can have tummy tuck surgery in Hyderabad if their weight is stable and they are in good health. This procedure is preferable for those who must try to weaken connective tissues, poor skin elasticity, and abdominal fat, such as:
- Women who have had several pregnancies need to tighten their abdominal muscles and loose skin.
- Obese men and women with substantial fat deposits or loose skin around the lower stomach.
When you decide to have an abdominoplasty, you should seek tummy tuck surgery in Hyderabad and get a consultation. The surgeon will analyze and explain the reason for the surgery, your expectations, and your medical records and perform a physical examination with you.
Final Words
Abdominoplasty can assist you in dealing with body issues and boost your self-esteem. These 5 pointers can help you recover quickly after a tummy tuck procedure! If you are unsure about anything, always contact your surgeon.