Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most transformative plastic surgery procedures available. Patients choose this popular body contouring procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen, and to restore a leaner appearance after weight gain, pregnancy, or other factors.
Tummy tuck patients often enjoy a renewed sense of confidence and are more willing to keep up healthy lifestyle choices after their procedure; this is key for maintaining optimal results. To ensure you continue to look and feel great after tummy tuck surgery, consider incorporating the following habits into your regular routine.
Eat Healthily
It’s often said that “abs are made in the kitchen,” and for good reason. Sticking to a healthy diet is one of the biggest factors in keeping a trim waistline. Rather than restricting yourself through crash diets, it’s best to consider lifestyle changes. Patients who commit to making serious changes in their diet and overall lifestyle often have the best outcomes after tummy tuck surgery.
Simple carbohydrates such as bread and pasta are notorious for leaving people unsatisfied while adding inches to the waistline. Instead of choosing simple carbs and sugars, opt for plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. Healthy satiating fats such salmon and avocado are also great for helping you feel full and providing energy throughout the day.
Stay Active
Regular exercise is another important factor in keeping off abdominal fat. If you’re an exercise beginner, don’t be intimidated: a little consistency is all you need to build up your fitness levels. Start by taking a 30-minute walk every day. Walking will also help you during the early stages of your recovery from abdominoplasty and can prevent blood clots.
Once you feel ready, ramp it up with a jog a few times per week. For optimal health and fitness, it’s generally recommended that people exercise at least 3 – 5 times per week, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. In addition to regular cardiovascular exercise, core workouts such as crunches and planks can help enhance your muscle definition and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Reduce Stress
Having a flat tummy isn’t just about diet and exercise. Reducing stress will also help you maintain balance in your life and allow you to avoid unhealthy choices. People suffering from high amounts of stress frequently turn to food and alcohol to cope, but this only increases cravings.
Stress can also cause belly fat in an unexpected way. During periods of extreme stress, the body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered. This causes the adrenal glands to produce a stress hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels are too high, your body increases the amount of visceral fat it holds in the abdominal area.
Instead of relying on unhealthy habits, consider practicing mindfulness techniques and other relaxation methods. A regular exercise routine will also keep stress levels manageable.
Other Things to Consider
In addition to the above tips, there are other considerations to keep in mind:
- Weight Fluctuations: Excess abdominal fat is removed during tummy tuck surgery, but this doesn’t make you immune to future weight gain. Significant weight fluctuations may cause the abdomen to develop exercise-resistant fat, making it harder to maintain ideal results after your body contouring procedure.
- Pregnancy: Women planning on having children in the future should consider postponing their procedure. The abdomen undergoes extreme stretching during pregnancy, and these changes can reverse the results of tummy tuck surgery.
If you’re wondering if a body contouring procedure is right for you, contact Dr. Eric Pugash to schedule a personal consultation. He will develop a customized treatment plan to make your aesthetic goals a reality.