Tummy tuck surgery can refine and reshape the abdomen of men and women. Whether you’ve had one pregnancy or many, undergone a past abdominal surgery, or just want to make improvements after weight gain and aging, an abdominoplasty can give you a second chance at the contour you’ve always wanted to achieve.
However, tummy tuck surgery is considered a major procedure and as such, you’ll need to dedicate yourself to a successful and complete recovery. As your body adjusts to these dramatic changes, rest and relaxation are key. To have your best recovery, you’ll need to know what to do and especially what not to do during this important time.
Rest Is Definitely Best
First and foremost, plan ahead to give yourself as much rest as possible during the early days of your tummy tuck recovery. Run your errands and take care of your regular household chores before your surgery date, so you won’t be tempted to wash the dishes or head to the grocery store. You won’t be able to anyway, so it’s essential that you are totally prepared to spend plenty of time in bed or on the couch. Avoid any unnecessary trips around the house and try to set up your recovery space as close to the kitchen and bathroom as possible to minimize how much you’ll need to walk. If you can, ask a friend or family member to stay with you and help out for the first few days. Let them answer the door, pick up the ringing telephone, and run out for any forgotten items.
Stay Off the Court
Even when you’re feeling a little better, your plastic surgeon will advise you against strenuous activities. Many surgeons recommend at least three weeks before you resume your regular workouts. Don’t even think about performing any abdominal exercises before this time, either; those crunches could deeply injure a healthy oblique muscle or loosen your internal stitches. Follow your plastic surgeon’s guidelines very closely for specific activities like running, hiking, and even pilates. Talk about your typical routine and ask questions to clarify your restrictions. It’s always better to be safe, than sorry.
Know What to Eat
Believe it or not, the foods you choose to eat can help or hinder your recovery process after tummy tuck surgery. Some foods can actually add to your swelling by bloating your belly, even leading to intense gas pains that will compound the discomfort you’ll already be feeling from your tummy tuck surgery. Watch out for these foods as you recover:
- Sugary foods, especially those that contain high-fructose corn syrup
- High sodium foods
- Processed foods
- Soda and carbonated drinks
- Broccoli, cabbage, and other rough greens
- Beans
- Limit dairy, especially cheese
By eating healthy foods that promote healthy body functions, including healing, you’ll keep your recovery on track and avert dangerous complications or delays. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the right foods to include in your quick recovery after tummy tuck surgery.
Plan Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
To be prepared for a successful tummy tuck surgery and recovery, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to get the information you need. Contact the office of Dr. Douglas S. Steinbrech, a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, to book your consultation today. He will be happy to walk you through what you should expect from a tummy tuck procedure or any other surgery that might address your areas of concern. A specialist in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics, he incorporates this philosophy into all of his surgical and nonsurgical procedures, aiming to get you the best results possible. Dr. Steinbrech has been selected by the Consumers’ Research Council of America as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. Contact his office, located at 60 East 56th Street, Suite 3A, in New York City, by calling (212) 750-0070.
