Tummy tucks have been a popular cosmetic procedure for many years. Helping to flatten and tone the abdomen, the procedure can help you to achieve that dream summer body you have always craved. But what can you do to achieve the best tummy tuck results?
Before undergoing a tummy tuck, there are a few things that are useful to know. In your consultation, your surgeon will always take you through the procedure, what to expect and how to prepare.
Here, we share a few important measures that you will need to take to prepare for a tummy tuck, so you can get the body you have been dreaming of.
Reach your ideal weight
There is a misconception that a tummy tuck can help you to shed unwanted weight around the abdomen. While the procedure will leave you looking more toned, it is not a weight loss substitute.
This means that if you want to get the best results, you should be at, or as close to your ideal weight as possible. You can lose weight safely before the procedure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and junk food.
Staying hydrated will also help, just make sure you don’t lose weight too quickly. If you do, this too can cause problems during surgery.
Quit smoking prior to the procedure
Did you know that tobacco smoke increases the risks of complications when undergoing surgery? In particular, it can impact wound healing, causing an infection at the wound site, and increased scarring.
If you do smoke, quitting before the procedure will significantly lower the risks. Not only that, but it will improve practically every other aspect of your health too. Quitting isn’t easy, but the benefits are more than worthwhile.
Follow your surgeon’s advice
One of the best ways to ensure you achieve the best results, is to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice. What do they recommend after the procedure? How long should you rest and wait to get back to daily activities?
By following their advice to the letter, it minimises the risks and ensures you end up with the best possible results.
What to expect from a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck is an extensive procedure, removing stubborn pockets of fat, tightening up the stomach muscles, and removing saggy skin. How extensive it is will depend upon how much saggy skin and fat needs to be removed.
It can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, and you can choose to undergo a traditional or mini tummy tuck. The type of procedure that is right for you will be determined at your consultation.
After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of nights. You may also need to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. The initial recovery period takes around 2-3 weeks, which is when you can return to work and resume daily activities.
To learn more about getting the best results from a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock now.
