Tummy tuck is one of the popular body contouring cosmetic surgery procedures today in the US. Careful planning and preparation will help to ensure a desirable and healthy outcome and high patient satisfaction levels in this surgery. A salient preparation will also cover the steps that the patient must take during the post-operative recovery phase.
Well-prepared patients are typically more confident about the surgery and achieve better outcomes in the end. Patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive tummy tuck from board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom.
Healthy Diet
One of the primary parts of the preparation process is to start on a balanced diet well ahead of tummy tuck plastic surgery. Nutritious foods will support the immunity and reduce the risk of infection and other complications. The patient should increase the intake of lean proteins, which will help them to sustain the surgery better and heal faster. Fish, eggs, chicken, yogurt, and light cheese can provide more proteins.
Although vitamins are essential to the diet, the patient will be required to avoid any supplements of vitamin E before and after tummy tuck. Once the patient starts on a balanced diet before the surgery, they will find it easier to continue the habit during recovery and beyond. Healthy eating habits will help them to maintain the results of tummy tuck surgery for years to come.
A balanced diet will also enable the patient to have a moderate and stable body weight prior to tummy tuck. In any case, patients must follow the surgeon’s guidance and avoid crash dieting and other extreme measures to reduce weight.
Fitness and Exercise
The patient should ideally begin on a regular exercise and fitness regimen from the time they have decided to seek tummy tuck surgery. This will improve their metabolic rate and strengthen the muscle mass. Surgery as well as recovery becomes easier for such patients. Exercise and fitness will also contribute to an overall leaner and more proportionate body.
Patients with good fitness levels will typical avoid natural weight gain in the days and weeks following tummy tuck when they are required to avoid strenuous exercises. A regular exercise routine will become a part of the patient’s long-term healthy habits, and will support the maintenance of tummy tuck results for years. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and nearby areas for tummy tuck.
Other Adjustments
If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to give up smoking at least six weeks prior to tummy tuck surgery. Smokers have a greater risk of complications during the procedure and may have a slower recovery. Nicotine in the blood will cause the blood vessels to constrict and reduce the flow of oxygen in the body.
Risk of clotting and other complications may increase if the patient is taking blood thinning drugs, NSAIDs or certain vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some of the prescription medications may also have to be rescheduled in consultation with the physician.
For more information on procedures and treatments by Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Jacob Bloom, MD please call 312.549.8691 or contact us here.