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If you’re considering getting a tummy tuck or have just recently had one, you’ll want to know what you can do to maintain your results and make them last a long time.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
For those insecure with the appearance of their stomach, a tummy tuck can be a great option. Tummy tucks can tighten, tone, and reshape the abdomen remarkably. Many tummy tuck patients are people who, because of pregnancy or other significant weight loss, now have excess skin or stubborn pockets of fat that they can’t get rid of even with proper diet and exercise.
Tips for Maintaining Tummy Tuck Results
After you’ve had your tummy tuck, there are a few key things you can do to help extend the longevity of your results.
Stay at a Healthy Weight
Significant weight fluctuations can affect the tummy tuck results, so it is typically recommended for patients to be close to their goal weight before undergoing this procedure. Gaining up to 10 pounds after a tummy tuck usually won’t affect your results too much, but gaining more than 10 pounds could negatively impact your results. Staying at a healthy weight will help you maintain your optimal tummy tuck results for as long as possible and avoid needing a tummy tuck revision.
Have a Healthy Diet
Since weight gain can dramatically affect your results, sticking to a healthy diet is essential for results to last. A good way of implementing this would be to start healthy eating habits before getting a tummy tuck. That way, you’ve already built up a regular diet that you can maintain after tummy tuck surgery. The earlier you start keeping a healthy diet, the easier it will be to continue those habits and preserve your results.
Exercise Regularly
Like the previous tip, exercise is a great way to maintain a healthy weight—and your tummy tuck results. Getting into a regular exercise routine is good practice for managing a healthy weight. To ensure success with this, create an exercise routine that is both frequent and doable for your lifestyle.
Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
While a tummy tuck will not affect your ability to get pregnant, it is not recommended to plan on getting pregnant after tummy tuck surgery. Pregnancy will likely negatively impact your results and possibly even reverse them altogether since the previously tightened skin will be stretched again to accommodate the baby. We recommend getting a tummy tuck after your final expected pregnancy to avoid undoing your results.
Staying Mindful of the Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
Due to tummy tucks being highly personalized, the recovery process is also unique to the individual and whatever techniques were used during their surgery. Your surgeon will review a customized recovery plan to ensure you get the rest you need to heal. It is also common for tummy tuck patients to wear a compression garment after surgery to help with swelling.
Remember that while exercise is essential for maintaining your results, you’ll need to wait for your body to fully recover before engaging in vigorous activities. Usually, patients can expect to resume normal activities two to three weeks after surgery. For more intense workouts and heavy lifting, you should wait until six to eight weeks after your tummy tuck.
Want to Know More About Tummy Tucks in San Diego, CA?
If you want to get a tummy tuck in San Diego, California, call Coastal Plastic Surgeons at (858) 365-3558 or fill out our online contact form to request a consultation.