| Planning to have an abdominoplasty? Then you may | | | | a good habit after surgery than to start a new |
| be wondering what kind of lifestyle changes you have | | | | exercise habit at that time. Build your body up before |
| to make after a tummy tuck, the friendly term for | | | | surgery so that you are well toned beforehand. |
| abdominoplasty. For the best, and longest lasting | | | | Short Term Changes The short-term lifestyle changes |
| results there are pre-operative, short-term and | | | | after tummy tuck will be due mostly to post-surgical |
| long-term changes that you should plan to make. | | | | care. |
| Pre-op Lifestyle Changes | | | | - Restrict your activities to those specifically allowed |
| - If you smoke, quit–no less than two weeks before | | | | by your cosmetic surgeon. Even driving will be |
| your surgery and longer if possible. Smoking damages | | | | restricted for a couple weeks, so don't expect to rush |
| skin and will slow the healing process. Smoking | | | | home and take on new hobbies during your recovery |
| constricts blood vessels, which reduces the blood flow | | | | period. Spend that time recovering and give your body |
| necessary to carry healing nutrients to the incision site. | | | | all the rest it needs. Remember that you just had |
| For the best and longest term results, plan to stay | | | | surgery. And though that surgery was elective, it will |
| smoke-free. In fact, avoid all tobacco products | | | | stress your system as much as any other surgery. |
| because they all contain blood-vessel-constricting | | | | - Follow your cosmetic surgeon's instructions to the "T". |
| nicotine. | | | | Take your medications and make sure you use |
| - Additionally, smokers have more complications after | | | | ointments and skin care products as directed. Change |
| general anesthesia than non-smokers. This can include | | | | dressings, keep your incision clean, and avoid any |
| bronchitis and pneumonia, both of which are | | | | contact that might expose you to infection of any kind. |
| accompanied by some severe coughing. Coughing | | | | Long Term Changes |
| after surgery is not only very painful but pulls on your | | | | - Certainly you'll want to avoid weight gain by eating a |
| incision and can result in an obvious scar. This is not | | | | healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise. You don't |
| the time for any infection let alone pneumonia. Your | | | | want your skin to stretch again, as subsequent results |
| body will heal best when it can put its energy to work | | | | may not be as successful as your first tummy tuck. |
| at just the surgical site. | | | | Maintain your gain. |
| - If you already eat well, great. But if you tend to eat | | | | - Drink plenty of water to ensure you stay well |
| fast foods or other unhealthy foods, give your body an | | | | hydrated, keeping your skin moisturized, strong and |
| advantage. Begin eating fruits, vegetables and lean | | | | healthy. |
| protein foods. These foods help your body heal faster. | | | | - In addition to remaining tobacco-free, reduce or |
| - Begin a routine of healthy exercise if you haven't | | | | eliminate alcohol consumption. In addition to contributing |
| already done so. Although you may have to take a | | | | to weight gain, alcohol has a dehydrating effect. |
| break during recovery, you will find it easier to resume | | | | |