Sometimes that stomach pooch won’t go away no matter how well you eat. When exercise and dieting don’t work, a tummy tuck might be the best option.
The final results of a tummy tuck can be very pleasing. But, the big question is — can they stick around? Keeping the effects of your tummy tuck in tip-top shape for years gives you the best value for your effort and money.
Below are eight secrets to maintaining your tummy tuck surgery benefits for years to come.
1. Take Time to Heal
After a tummy tuck, you’ll need to avoid vigorous activities. For most people, the recommended rest time is six weeks. However, this can change from one person to another.
You should wait until the end of your recovery period and always follow the advice of your surgeon.
2. Start Slow
During the recovery period, your plastic surgeon will most likely limit your physical activity to walking. You can gear back up to your regular exercise routine with long walks. A 20 to 30-minute walk a day can be great for blood circulation.
Better circulation will speed up your recovery.
3. When You’re Ready, Get Back to a Workout Schedule
Once you have approval, getting back into exercise is the best way to keep your new body shape. Experts recommend exercises that focus on the entire body.
So, you don’t need to do excessive crunches and sit-ups. You ought to focus on stretching and aerobic exercises. These types of activities benefit your overall body shape.
4. Only Choose Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons
Making sure to use only board-certified doctors will get you a great tummy tuck and the proper support. With a sound support system, you will maintain your tummy tuck surgery benefits for years.
5. Eat Healthily
Body contouring procedures incorporate hard work on the part of the patient. To maintain your results, you need to eat healthily. During the healing process, experts recommend protein-rich foods like salmon, chicken, and lean meats. Avoid crash diets post-surgery. Rapid weight loss can be a source of unwanted loose skin. You should already be at your goal weight for the best tummy tuck benefits.
6. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Your sleeping position can affect the strain you put on your body. Sleeping in an inclined position has less stress on your abdominal area. Using large body pillows for support can also help get you the best sleeping position.
7. Complete Your Family Before Surgery
Surgeons recommend waiting until you have finished having your children to get a tummy tuck. There is a simple reason for this — pregnancy does some body shaping of its own.
The effects of pregnancy are likely to undo all your hard work.
8. Liposuction Can Improve Your Overall Look
Adding liposuction to the general abdominal area can improve the final look. Removing the stubborn fatty tissue on your stomach with liposuction can help keep your body contour in place. This way, your tummy tuck surgery benefits will be more visible for longer.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you stay fit and in shape for years after your tummy tuck. Also, incorporating them into your lifestyle will make these changes sustainable.