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A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat, tighten abdominal muscles, and recontour the abdomen for a flatter, trimmer appearance. Maintaining your healthy diet and exercise regimen are crucial to help support your optimal tummy tuck results. If you’re preparing for your tummy tuck or starting your recovery, our renowned plastic surgeons at Sarasota Plastic Surgery are here to guide you through your procedure. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Before Your Tummy Tuck

Following your board-certified plastic surgeon’s instructions is essential to ensuring your safe recovery and attaining optimal results from your tummy tuck. In the weeks before your tummy tuck, the foods you consume can influence your recovery time and impact your outcome. However, you can make other preparations, including:

• Maintain a healthy, stable weight. Dieting to lose a few extra pounds can cause complications.
• Promote collagen production by eating fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C.
• Reduce processed foods and carbohydrates that can increase inflammation.
• Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid sugary foods, which can cause swelling and lead to weight gain.
• Maintain hydration. Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids, especially those rich in electrolytes.
• Choose high-protein, low-fat meals.

The few weeks before your tummy tuck procedure are an ideal time to arrange for your recovery. During this time, you should prepare healthy, freezable, and microwavable meals that you can eat following your surgery. You might also consider stocking up on protein shakes, which are an excellent option to support your nutritional needs.

After Your Tummy Tuck

There are no specific dietary restrictions to follow after getting a tummy tuck; however, solid foods may not be the best option for your stomach. For a few days, you should keep your diet light. Start with clear liquids, such as broth, then slowly introduce soft foods. Once your body is feeling well again, you can return to your regular diet. While your doctor removed fat cells during your tummy tuck, you need to practice healthy eating habits, as your remaining fat cells can still grow larger. The longevity of your optimal results depends on your healthy diet and exercise habits, including:

• Limiting processed foods, takeout meals, sugar, and sodium
• Controlling portion sizes
• Eating a high-protein diet
• Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables
• Getting enough vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids

Are You a Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery include men and women who are in excellent overall health and maintain realistic expectations. The best candidates:

• Have lost a substantial amount of weight
• Are finished having children
• Have loose abdominal skin
• Have stretched or bowed abdominal muscles

We’re Tummy Tuck Experts

Ensuring optimal results from your plastic surgery procedure starts by choosing the right provider. The expert board-certified plastic surgeons of Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center will guide you through all aspects of your tummy tuck journey with compassion and transparency.   Get ready to partner with Sarasota’s best tummy tuck surgeons. Contact us today to learn more!