Many people opt for abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, after experiencing major changes to their body, such as significant weight loss or pregnancy, to achieve a firmer, more toned physique. It makes sense, then, that one of the biggest concerns that tummy tuck patients often have is gaining weight again following their abdominoplasty.
While there are many reasons why someone might gain weight after a tummy tuck, the good news is that the majority of these factors are within your control. If you are concerned about weight fluctuations affecting your tummy tuck results, keep these must-know tips in mind.
Plan Your Procedure Around Your Stage of Life
When planning your tummy tuck, make sure it is the right time in your life to move forward with this procedure. If you still plan to have children in the future, for example, you might consider waiting until after you have already completed your family to get a tummy tuck. Additionally, ask yourself if you have enough time to take away from work and other obligations to focus on your health, fitness and recovery to best set yourself up for success.
Adopt Healthy Habits Before Your Surgery
Developing healthy lifestyle habits before your procedure will make it easier to maintain those same healthy habits – and your tummy tuck results – afterward. Focus on eating a nutritious, balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into your regular routine to help set you up for long-term success well after your tummy tuck.
Reach a Stable Weight Before Your Tummy Tuck
Forming healthy habits now should also help you to reach and maintain a healthy, stable weight prior to your tummy tuck. Our plastic surgeons will ask that you are able to maintain a healthy weight that’s close to your target weight for a few months before your procedure. This way, your body is in the best possible shape for your tummy tuck, and the risk of gaining weight back afterward is minimized.
Take Steps to Manage Stress
Many people do not realize just how much chronic stress can contribute to unintended weight gain. Stress can lead to emotional eating, hormone imbalances and disrupted sleep – all of which can affect your weight. To avoid these effects, take steps to better manage chronic stress. This might include things like practicing breathing exercises, spending more time outdoors, listening to calming music or picking up a relaxing hobby.
Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Guidelines
Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines for a smooth recovery and long-term success. We will also ask that you schedule several follow-up appointments at specific intervals during your tummy tuck recovery process. Maintain these appointments so we can make sure you are on track for recovery and optimal results, as well as provide guidance on when and how you can begin to resume exercise after your procedure.
If you are thinking about planning a tummy tuck or have questions about maintaining your results, call our Sacramento office at 916-983-9895 or conveniently get in touch with us online.
