Maintaining Tummy Tuck Results
The stomach is a common problem area. The belly tends to hold onto excess fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. The skin around the tummy may also get stretched and saggy, especially if someone has been pregnant or experienced fluctuations in weight. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, tightens and tones the midsection to improve body contours.
When choosing to undergo a tummy tuck at The Landings Surgical Centre, our Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island patients want to know that the results will last. Here, we discuss how best to maintain tummy tuck results so that patients enjoy the benefits of tummy tuck treatment long-term.
Are Tummy Tuck Results Permanent?
Individuals who are considering tummy tuck treatment want to know that the benefits of treatment will outweigh any potential risks. A big part of this is knowing that surgical results will last. Our plastic surgeons are often asked if tummy tuck results are permanent. In one sense, the alterations made during tummy tuck treatment are permanent. The skin and fat cells removed during surgery are gone for good. However, that doesn’t mean that new fat cells will not develop, or that stomach skin and muscles will not stretch over time. To ensure that tummy tuck results are maintained long-term, our Halifax patients should be prepared to practice certain lifestyle habits.
Follow Post-Surgical Care Instructions
The first step to maintaining tummy tuck results is to carefully follow all post-surgical care instructions. We provide patients with detailed instructions regarding how to keep incisions clean, how often to wear compression garments, and when to resume exercise and other physical activities. By following these guidelines, patients can promote healing so that they get optimal surgical results.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is essential to maintaining tummy tuck results. Exercise burns off fat and calories, and is also crucial to keeping muscles toned. Consistency is key, so we urge individuals to find an exercise routine that they enjoy and can stick with. Ideally, people should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three to five times per week. Cardio should be a focus of any exercise routine, but stretching and weight training are also beneficial when it comes to keeping the stomach flat and firm.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Routine exercise won’t do much if it is not complemented by a healthy nutrition plan. We do not encourage dieting, but we do recommend that people aim to eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients. A healthy diet should be centered around fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats should be kept to a minimum.
Maintain a Steady Weight
One of the primary goals after a tummy tuck should be to maintain a steady weight, which is why exercise and a nutritious diet are so important. Even small fluctuations in weight can affect the stomach since this area is often where excess fat cells develop. By keeping the weight within a healthy range, most patients can maintain the results of tummy tuck treatment long-term.
Contact Us
A tummy tuck eliminates excess skin and tissues from the midsection to provide individuals with a flatter and more toned stomach. If you are interested in learning more about tummy tuck treatment and if you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure, send us a message online or call (902) 492-2007 and request a consultation.
