Tummy Tuck Tips: 3 Things You Need To Know To Help Your Procedure Go Smoothly
Abdominoplasty, aka tummy tuck, is a very popular procedure for individuals who have excess skin around their abdomen, which is most commonly from having a baby (or two or three!) or losing a significant amount of weight. This skin is unflattering, but a tummy tuck removes that excess skin and fat from the area, tightens the muscles and leaves the skin tighter and flatter. However, if a tummy tuck procedure is something you're considering, here are three things that you need to be aware of to help improve your chances of a smooth, successful procedure and recovery:
1. You Need to Stop Smoking and Avoid Exposure to Secondhand Smoke.
Smoking, as well as secondhand smoke, can drastically reduce your chances of a successful surgery. This is particularly true in terms of wound healing. According to the Department of Surgery at the University of Michigan Health System, smoking or even just exposure to smoke can reduce your skin's ability to properly heal. This can cause an increased risk of infection, unsightly scarring and possibly even the loss of skin, which could then require a skin graft.
2. You Will Want to Eat the Right (Nutritious) Foods Before Your Surgery.
Before you go under the knife, you'll want to make sure that your body and skin are well supplied with adequate nutrition in order to increase your chances of a successful surgery and recovery. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which can help repair soft tissue and collagen. Lean meats and poultry are rich in protein, which can help with the repairing of muscle tissue. Beans contain a lot of iron, which can help encourage the creation of red blood cells. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which may be able to help build scar tissue and heal your wounds. Keep in mind that these are excellent foods to also eat after your surgery to further aid in the healing and recovery process.
3. You Will Need to Get Up and Move Around Afterward.
After your tummy tuck procedure, you may not feel like it, but you'll need to get up and move around as soon as possible. This is to get the blood circulating throughout your body. After roughly six weeks, you should be able to start cardiovascular fitness routines, such as running, speed walking and using a treadmill or elliptical trainer. Unless you are willing to start off slowly and lightly, it is advised to wait on the weight lifting since it can apply unnecessary strain on the sutures. The key here with any exercise – weight lifting or aerobic – is to not over-do it.
If you're tired of the sagging, unflattering skin around your abdomen, you don't have to live with it. Consult with a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks (like those at Renaissance Center For Facial & Body Sculpting) to obtain more information regarding the tummy tuck procedure. Before making any decision, make sure you are fully equipped with all the details, benefits, risks, etc. and that all of your questions have been answered and concerns addressed.
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