For many people, having a tight, toned abdominal area is an important fitness goal. However, despite dedicated hours of crunches or strict dieting, some find that their belly simply won’t flatten. Many factors can cause a belly bulge, such as pregnancy, aging, significant weight loss, or genetics.
The abdominal muscles stretch and loosen over time, while the skin loses elasticity. Diet and rigorous exercise alone often cannot tighten loose, sagging skin or repair separated abdominal muscles. If you have localized fat deposits or excessive skin that is unresponsive to both improving lifestyle habits and your best efforts in the gym, a surgical tummy tuck may be right for you. However, you need to see recovery time information and learn more about the procedure to ensure it is right for your needs.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also referred to as abdominoplasty, can provide a dramatic improvement that diet and exercise cannot achieve. This body contouring procedure surgically removes excess abdominal skin and fat. It also tightens and repairs weakened or separated stomach muscles. The end result is a flatter, tighter, and more toned abdominal profile.
There is less abdominal fullness, a smaller waistline, smoother contour, and a visible six-pack that was not possible before surgery due to loosen skin or weakened muscles. For individuals who have been through significant weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck can dramatically transform an abdominal area that has lost muscle tone and exhibits loose sagging skin. It helps restore firm, tight stomach muscles and removes hanging skin for impressive body contouring effects that allow the results of all your hard work to show through.
Before Surgery
- Reach a Stable Weight. Remaining at your target weight in the months before surgery will give you the best surgical results. Significant weight fluctuations before surgery can impact the results.
- Improve Diet. Eating healthy and exercising regularly prior to a tummy tuck will help you achieve a flatter abdomen. Building abdominal muscle tone will also aid the surgical results.
- Quit Smoking. Smoking negatively impacts healing and increases risks associated with surgery. Quit for at least 6 weeks prior to the procedure.
- Prepare the Recovery Area. Having everything you need nearby, like supplements, loose comfortable clothing, and pillows, will make your recovery more comfortable.
After Surgery
- Follow all post-op instructions carefully. This includes wearing recommended compression garments, attending follow-ups, and not resuming strenuous activity too soon after surgery.
- Address any swelling or bruising. Use cold compresses and elevate the torso to reduce swelling. Bruising is normal and will subside over time.
- Protect incisions from sun exposure. Avoid sunbathing and tanning for at least 6 months after surgery to prevent the visibility of scars. Use sunscreen on scars when outdoors.
- Maintain healthy nutrition. Proper nutrition supports healing. Stick to a balanced diet with plenty of protein to help the body recover. Avoid salt, as it can contribute to swelling.
- Continue exercising. After you are cleared to resume activity, perform regular core-strengthening exercises to maintain abdominal muscle tone. Walking is also very beneficial.
- Be patient with the results. It takes time for swelling to resolve and for the final results to become apparent. Give yourself several months to enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen.
With realistic expectations and proper preparation before and after surgery, a tummy tuck can provide transformative results. Using these tips, you’ll be on your way to the flat, firm abdominal profile you have been working towards. Be sure to follow the surgeon’s specialized instructions to ensure the best outcome from your tummy tuck.