Maintaining the Results from a Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure (abdominoplasty) is meant to remove excess loose skin from the abdominal area following dramatic weight loss. Patients who come to see the surgeons at Jefferson Plastic Surgery about a tummy tuck procedure are often already committed to a healthy lifestyle due to their efforts to lose weight. Such patients already may have a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet plan that helped them shed extra pounds. The tummy tuck procedure is often the finishing touch for all the hard work put into becoming healthier.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

In a tummy tuck procedure for just the lower abdomen, a horizontal incision is made in the pelvic region from one hip bone across to the other. The skin and underlying tissue and muscle are then gently lifted up, tightened, and sutured back into place. Any excess is then removed. For a full tummy tuck, which also tightens the upper abdominal region, a second, vertical incision is made from just below the breast bone down to the horizontal pelvic incision. The tummy tuck procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with a liposuction procedure to remove excess fat in the abdominal area.

Recovery from a Tummy Tuck Procedure

Recovery times may vary, but it will generally take four to six weeks for the initial healing and for any surgical drains to be removed. Patients are strongly encouraged to move around starting the day after the procedure to keep circulation moving and speed the healing process. Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can be started by about the first month after the procedure, and patients should be able to return to their regular exercise routine by the fourth to sixth week following the procedure.

Maintaining Results

Our surgeons recommend patients return to their pre-surgery exercise routine four to six weeks after surgery. This will strengthen the tightened abdominal muscles, thereby allowing the entire abdominal region to maintain its flatter contour. Core strengthening exercises, such as crunches, sit ups, and push ups, are particularly good for strengthening the entire trunk of the body, including the abdominal muscles. Yoga or Pilates will help the body regain both strength and flexibility following surgery.

We also recommend a diet that is high in protein, which will help heal and rebuild muscles. Lean chicken, eggs, beans, and fish are all good sources of protein. Patients may also want to add protein shakes to their diet. It is also important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain fiber, as these will maintain a healthy digestive system. Apples, oranges, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts, are all high in fiber and will prevent constipation as the abdominal region is healing following a tummy tuck.

Patients who have worked hard to lose weight have already shown that they are dedicated to their health and well-being. It is vital that they maintain their dedication following a tummy tuck procedure to maintain the results toward which they have worked so hard to achieve.