A tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the best plastic surgery procedures to produce noticeable, dramatic results. By removing excess skin and tightening weakened or torn abdominal muscles to restore a tight, toned appearance, a tummy tuck can send you on your way to feeling your pre pregnancy vibes.
We can also have your tummy tuck combined with liposuction to remove excess fat for even more dramatic results. While the Tummy Tuck procedure itself yields excellent outcomes, there are a few things patients can do before and after tummy tuck surgery to accelerate healing and improve their results even further.
BE NEAR YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT
Your tummy tuck procedure results will appear even better if you are at or near your ideal stable weight. If you plan on significant weight loss sometime in the future after your cosmetic surgery, your lower abdomen will ultimately look more slender and shapely, but you may have some amount of loose abdominal skin or stretch marks that become more noticeable when the skin is no longer stretched.
While a tummy tuck does not remove stretch marks directly, any that are on the excised skin will be removed during surgery. During your assessment at your consultation, we can help determine if your skin will respond well to radio frequency skin tightening to reduce the appearance of stretch marks if that is a concern.
HAVE MINIMAL “BELLY FAT”
Even if you maintain a healthy weight for your height, excess “belly fat” may prevent you from getting the flat abdomen you want after tummy tuck surgery. “Belly fat,” also called visceral fat, resides deep within the abdomen and surrounds the organs. It often makes your stomach protrude with a bloated, “beer belly” appearance or feeling.
Unlike fat that lies right beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat cannot be removed with liposuction. The good news is that this type of fat reduces quickly with consistent diet and exercise.
ESSENTIAL TUMMY TUCK PREPARATION
Leading up to your surgery date, you should be doing everything that you can to maximalize the best outcomes following your procedure. Remember, you should be sure that you waited until you are finished having children before you undergo a tummy tuck procedure.
If you have made that serious life decision and are now moving forward toward your procedure date, be sure that in the months leading up that you are staying properly hydrated, maintaining a regular exercise program, taking sleep seriously, and that you are reducing the stress in your life.
Healthy eating habits months before surgery are important also as it will be easier to maintain not only this habit, but this will also help to maintain your optimal weight.
BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight and appear to have excess skin, it is better to be sure you can maintain your weight loss for a few months before undergoing surgery.
Consider what you did to lose weight and whether your new habits are realistically maintainable for the long-term.
Typically, tummy tuck patients see their results after their tummy tucks and are motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle whereas not needing further weight loss. This can prolong and even improve the final results that your plastic surgeon achieved via surgery.
RECOVERY FROM TUMMY TUCKS
In preparing for surgery and recovering from surgery, it is also important to avoid smoking. In fact, if you are actively smoking, we will not proceed with surgery. Incisions are significantly more likely to break down and open up.
This, in turn, can require scar revision surgery and a longer recovery time.
Make sure that you have taken the time to properly prepare your recovery area. If you are already set up with easily prepared meals and simple nutritional snacks near by, this will help relieve some of the minor stressors from your post surgery life.
Make sure to have your most comfortable clothing clean and in easy to reach locations.
Questions and Answers
How long does it take to see final results of a tummy tuck?
The usual reason for a temporary lack of flatness in your tummy for many patients during recovery is typically swelling around the abdominal wall.
As the swelling diminishes, the tummy will gradually reveal its new shape, with minimal swelling remaining within three to four months. However, the final outcome may take up to a full year.
How can I improve my tummy tuck?
After the healing process, the most effective approach to attaining well-defined abs following a tummy tuck is through exercise. One advantage of this procedure is that it enhances the enjoyment of exercise.
The elimination of fat and excess skin, which used to be a hindrance, allows patients to feel liberated and unrestricted in their physical activities.
What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
While a full tummy tuck can effectively repair abdominal muscles and deliver substantial skin tightening in both the upper and lower abdomen, it necessitates a lengthier incision.
On the other hand, a mini tummy tuck involves a shorter incision but are better suited for individuals requiring less correction.
What does a normal tummy tuck scar look like?
Initially, a tummy tuck scar typically appears fine and white immediately after surgery, though it may not be visible due to dressings. Over time, it evolves from deep purple to red, then to pink, gradually fading back to a pale purple hue and ultimately turning white over a period of 18 months to 2 years.
Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
For the best results from your tummy tuck, schedule your consultation with double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis. Please call Galanis Plastic Surgery Beverly Hills at (310) 858-8930 today.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
