A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin to give your abdomen a more firm, smooth look. After the procedure, your body will go through many changes, which are temporary and will subside over time. A tummy tuck is not a method of permanent weight loss, and in order to maintain the best results, you will need to make lifestyle changes and create healthy habits.

Consult with your surgeon about the steps you should take for a speedy recovery and to avoid severe complications.

Avoid Smoking

If you are a smoker, you will be advised to quit smoking at least 2 weeks before and after your tummy tuck procedure. Smoking can damage the skin, which can prolong the healing process. Smoking reduces the blood flow necessary to carry nutrients to the incision site. As smoking is bad not only for your skin but for your lungs and overall health, it is best to stay smoke-free for long lasting results.

Diet and Exercise

Having a healthy diet and exercise routine before surgery will help you recover faster. Refrain from any strenuous physical exercise until at least 2 weeks after the surgery. Once your incisions have healed, you can start to slowly adopt new exercises into your routine to focus on toning your abdomen and lower body.

You should maintain a healthy diet and eat more fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating high calorie junk food, including cookies, ice cream, chocolate, cheese and chips. You should learn to change your eating habits, as a tummy tuck does not serve as a permanent weight loss technique. It gets rid of the excess fat, but it is up to you to maintain a healthy weight.

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, which will keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Also, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as this has an overall dehydrating effect, which can extend your recovery time.

Rest

You will not be able to drive for at least 2 weeks, so use this time for rest. The more time you give your body to rest and heal, the better your results and the less chance of any complications.

Infection

As with any surgical procedure, there is a chance of infection. You will be prescribed an oral antibiotic medicine after your surgery to help prevent infection. Monitor your temperature to check for possible fever, and if you reach over 100.5 degrees, contact your doctor immediately.

Being dedicated to your lifestyle after your tummy tuck procedure can ensure a normal and speedy recovery. Your tummy tuck will leave you feeling more confident and again, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to achieve maximum results. Consult with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have after your surgery.