How to Get the Most Out of Your Tummy Tuck
If you’re planning to or have just undergone a tummy tuck procedure, you probably have a particular goal in mind for how you want your results to look. Your recovery can be long and difficult, especially when side effects like swelling are preventing you from seeing your results. Your body will need time to adjust to its new shape and, in the meantime, here are some tips to make sure that you get there and stay there.
Follow Your Post-Operative Steps
The recovery period can be daunting, especially when your body looks nothing like you want it to look yet. But, it’s highly important to follow any instructions your plastic surgeon gives you. This might include managing drains and dressings, as well as taking prescribed drugs. Since the procedure is invasive, you’ll need some downtime to rest and ensure you stay healthy. Make sure that you prepare yourself with everything you might need afterwards and enlist a friend or family member to watch after you for the first few days. Surgical procedures always carry a risk of infection or other complications, so be sure to minimize them by following instructions carefully.
Don’t Smoke
There are many ways that nicotine and smoking negatively affect your body and its healing process, which is highly-important during your recovery time. This will be important both before and after your procedure and can be attributed to many different complications like skin damage, infection, compromised healing process, increased scarring, blood clots, blood vessel damage, and many other life-threatening conditions. Plastic surgeons generally recommend you quit smoking three to six weeks before and after the procedure to ensure you get the best results.
Avoid Weight Gain
Although tummy tuck results are generally long-term, it doesn’t guarantee you won’t put on weight later on. This, and pregnancy can rewind the great results you get with a tummy tuck, so be sure to take steps to maintain your results as best as you can. A healthy diet and active lifestyle are the best way to avoid weight gain, as well as going to regular checkups with your physician to manage any conditions that might make you susceptible to gaining weight.
The results of your tummy tuck can be life-changing, especially if you’ve struggled with excess fat and skin that can only be removed by this procedure, so make sure that your confidence stays with you as long as your tummy tuck results do. If you’d like to ask questions or schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Basile, contact us.
