Posted September 28, 2022 in Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
6 Minute Read:
So, you made the life-changing decision to have a tummy tuck, and you’ve made it through the procedure and recovery period with a new and contoured midsection that helps you feel comfortable and confident… Now what?
One of the most common misunderstandings that people have about plastic surgery procedures like the tummy tuck is that the journey to a sleeker and more defined body ends once the swelling completely subsides.
However, the surgical procedure and recovery are only the first two steps.
While a tummy tuck can give you tighter abdominal muscles and skin, it is up to you to maintain your dramatic results. And the truth is that it’s so easy to fall back to our unhealthy former ways, which can lead to fat growth in the belly, which can lead you right back to where you started.
But, by maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, you can maintain your results so that you are showing off your beautiful abdominal contours for years and years to come!
A Healthy Diet
Since kindergarten, we’ve all been told about the importance of eating right. And while eating healthy is important for everyone, it is essential after a body contouring procedure like tummy tuck surgery. When it comes to eating right, it’s all about knowing which foods to eat and (even more importantly) which foods to stay away from.
You need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. Water not only quenches your thirst, but it also nourishes your body, inside and out.
As far as foods to eat: fruits, vegetables, and foods high in protein and fiber (such as legumes and white meat, like chicken) are some of the best and healthiest foods you can eat. And while you are putting the best kinds of food in your body, it is important that you keep the bad away.
This means staying away from fried and processed foods as well as foods and drinks that are high in salt and sugar (including soda). Simply being conscious of what you eat can make a world of difference, but when you pair healthy eating with exercise, you are on track to keeping that sexy and contoured midsection for as long as you desire.
Dedicated Exercise
Staying active is so important to your general health and definitely helps to maintain your tummy tuck results. As you decide what activities to do after your procedure, you want to think about low-impact exercises that help keep you active and in-shape but don’t put any additional stress on your body.
Below are nine fantastic ways to stay active and healthy after your tummy tuck:
1. Walking
While so many people think that running or jogging is the best way to stay active on the streets or trails, the reality is that walking is just as beneficial and is much kinder on your body, including your knees and feet.
Whether you choose to simply walk on a treadmill or around your block, or you want to try something more adventurous with hiking a nearby trail, keeping your legs moving is one of the most effective ways to remain in shape.
2. Yoga
Yoga is one of the best low-impact yet strenuous exercises available. While so many people think that yoga is simply stretching, there is so much more that goes into these exercises.
Not only can you look forward to getting a good workout with yoga, but you can also find a sense of relaxation and peace of mind that can help you smile throughout the day.
3. Pilates
Similar to yoga, many people have a misunderstanding about pilates. Pilates is more than stretching and a workout on an exercise mat. By keeping a dedicated pilates routine, you can see improvement to your overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Since pilates carries a focus on the core, you will be able to continue strengthening those ab muscles to keep you looking as trimmed and toned as you want. Be sure you wait until you are completely healed from your tummy tuck to start workouts like Pilates.
4. Cycling
Riding a bike, whether it be a stationary bike in the gym or your living room or a bicycle outside on the streets or trails, is a fantastic way to stay in shape.
While strengthening your core muscles and legs, cycling also helps to improve blood circulation in your body, which helps to strengthen your heart and lungs, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Swimming
When it comes to time in the pool, many people think of floating around and maybe tossing a beach ball back and forth. However, swimming laps, regardless of which swimming style you choose, helps to keep your core muscles working strong while also toning muscles and building strength throughout your entire body.
Similar to cycling, swimming helps to improve your cardiovascular system so that you are healthy all around.
6. Dancing
Doesn’t having fun while you exercise sound like the best?
Well, dancing allows you to do just that. No matter the type of music you’re dancing to or the style of dance you are doing (or attempting to do), moving your body to a rhythmic beat helps to build strength and stamina all while keeping a smile on your face.
Whether you dance with friends, a loved one, or by yourself, you can listen to your favorite songs while strengthening your muscles (including your core), which helps your tummy tuck results last for years to come.
7. Playing Sports
Whether you choose to play recreationally or competitively, sports like tennis and soccer can help you stay in shape while having fun. You can challenge yourself to become better at the sport each and every day while building up a good, healthy sweat and keeping those muscles toned and strong.
8. Weight Training
One of the best ways to improve your physique and maintain your body contouring results is lifting weights. Weight training allows you to build muscle while burning body fat. You are able to strengthen your muscles and joints while you are improving your cardiovascular health.
9. Core-Shaping Exercises
Tummy tuck surgery can give you a tighter and more trimmed midsection, but it cannot give you that defined six-pack so many people desire. But, by keeping a healthy routine of core-strengthening exercise (like sit-ups and planks) after your procedure, you can build abdominal muscle and get an even more defined midsection that will only help give you more confidence and comfort with your new contours.
Interested in Learning More About Tummy Tuck Surgery?
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery or any other body contouring procedures available, please contact our office at (310) 205-3107 or schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Rey today.