For men and women alike, toning and sculpting the abdominal area can be challenging. There are so many things to consider — pregnancy, weight changes, and natural aging all contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the tummy area. Atummy tuck procedurecan alleviate the effects of pregnancy, weight loss, and aging by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles.
After restoring your figure, it is essential to look after your body to preserve your results. We have included all you need to know about weight gain after a tummy tuck and how to manage it.
What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Plastic surgeons have been performingcosmetic tummy tuckssince the 1970s, giving men and women worldwide a renewed sense of self-confidence. Formally known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that reduces excess fat, tightens loose skin, and repairs and strengthens abdominal muscles, giving you a more contoured, firmer abdomen.
Many patients consider tummy tucks after making major lifestyle changes, having children, or just experiencing the natural aging process. Unfortunately, these factors often cause the skin to lose elasticity, thefasciain the abdomen to weaken, and stubborn fat to develop. Such changes often result in the abdominal area looking disproportionate to the rest of the body or a perpetually bloated appearance.
Tummy tucks can be performed alongside other body contouring procedures, such asliposuctionorbreast augmentation, as part of a “mommy makeover.” You can consider a variety of these plastic surgery procedures, whichBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonDr. William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS, and his team of experts can work into your treatment plan.
What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Entail?
The tummy tuck surgery will begin with you being placed under general anesthesia. A horizontal incision is made just below the bikini line to conceal any scarring that may occur. Another incision will be made around the belly button to reposition it once the surgery is near completion.
From the horizontal incision, Dr. Vinyard and his expert team will repair and tighten the stomach muscles by suturing the tissue together. Next, the sagging skin will be pulled tighter and placed correctly. Finally, the navel will be repositioned to match the new shape of the abdomen. Once everything is in the correct place, the incisions will be sutured closed and covered in bandages and acompression garment.
Are Tummy Tuck Results Permanent?
There are many instances where the results of the first tummy tuck are permanent, primarily when patients work at establishing healthy habits, such as regular exercise and keeping a balanced diet.
However, it is common for results to vary and change owing to any major lifestyle disruptions. Suppose you have achieved significant weight loss and are at your goal weight at the time of the treatment — you should pay careful attention to maintaining weight fluctuations post-surgery to preserve your tummy tuck results.
Women who fall pregnant after their procedures may have to undergo a tummy tuck revision surgery to remedy the stretching andmuscle laxitythat occurs after subsequent childbirth.
Theoutcome of the tummy tuckwill be long-lasting if you mitigate unhealthy lifestyle choices, maintain a stable weight, stick to a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
Can Weight Gain Affect My Tummy Tuck Results?
While minor weight fluctuations are normal, it is crucial to maintain a healthy and steady weight post-surgery. Excessive weight gain caused by a poor diet or lack of exercise will increase fatty tissue in the stomach area. This may cause the skin to stretch and loosen or the muscles to diverge and weaken.
How to Preserve Your Results After Undergoing Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you bit the bullet and decided to undergo a tummy tuck and want to ensure that the results are long-lasting, following these tips will ensure that the results were worth the experience!
#1: Follow Dr. Vinyard’s Advice to the Letter
Every detail is taken care of at the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Vinyard and his expert team will furnish you with a complete treatment plan, which includes the recovery process so that you can reap the full benefits of your tummy tuck.
Following their expert advice will ensure that you take the correct care of yourself during the aftercare period. Avoiding these recommendations may lengthen the recovery time and result in less-than-optimal results.
#2: After Tummy Tuck Diet
To manage weight gain and prolong the results of your tummy tuck, you should follow a healthy, balanced diet.
Protein-rich foods, fruit, and vegetables nourish your body with omegas, collagen, vitamins, and minerals, keeping you healthy from the inside out. Healthy eating should always be coupled with proper hydration. Drinking water supports recovery and prevents rapid skin deterioration, which is essential to preserving the effects of a tummy tuck.
#3: Regular Exercise is Key
After a tummy tuck, exercising regularlywill prevent you from gaining a significant amount of weight. Modest weight gain or fluctuations are typical and can be managed through exercise.
Core-focused workoutswill keep your abdomen strong and active. It is also a great idea to incorporate a combination of strength training and cardio! However, be sure to heed your surgeon’s recommendations on when you can resume exercising after your abdominoplasty.
Pairing Tummy Tuck With Liposuction Will Enhance Fatty Tissue Reduction!
The benefits of a tummy tuck alone may not always provide the results you are after. That is why during your personal consultation, the expert team at the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery will cover all your aesthetic options and create an individualized treatment plan for your personal makeover.
It is common to pair a tummy tuck with compatible treatments like liposuction or a breast enhancement procedure — one of the most popular procedures to add to a tummy tuck here at VIPS!
Start Your Tummy Tuck Journey at VIPS!
Contact us to schedule a personal consultation, or call(772) 212-0304to explore the next steps in your tummy tuck journey! Our office at291 NW Peaco*ck Blvd, Suite 103, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986, proudly serves the South Florida area! We also invite you to check out ourblog page,Facebook, andInstagramto learn more about the treatment options available at our office!
