Secrets to Maintaining Your Tummy Tuck Results

You found the best plastic surgeon for your goals, had a tummy tuck, and recovered—you love your results. Now what? Well, you may want to splurge on a sexy, new bikini or a trim athletic-cut shirt to show off your flat stomach. But what about the long term? How can you maintain your tummy tuck results?

Tummy tuck results typically last for years but require some effort to keep them looking great. We’ll highlight some keys to maintaining your tummy tuck results in this blog post.

Tips for Maintaining Your Best Tummy Tuck Results

Here are a few tips for keeping your stomach flat after a tummy tuck.

1. Maintain your weight.

Fluctuating weight can compromise your results. Even if you shed pounds after gaining weight, the excess weight can stretch your abdominal skin. If you had liposuction during the tummy tuck, you might also notice other areas accumulating fat because fewer fat cells are in the midsection. Your back and thighs could become noticeably larger even if your stomach remains somewhat flat.

Make sure you have a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and limits sugary food and drinks.

2. Lead an active lifestyle.

It’s OK if you’re not a gym rat. Treadmills and stationary bikes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but getting outside and staying active is an important part of keeping the figure you enjoy after body contouring surgery. Most tummy tuck patients find exercising more enjoyable without excess abdominal skin. Shopping for new workout clothes that fit more snugly provides extra motivation to stay fit and active.

This advice comes with a disclaimer: Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks or so after a tummy tuck to ensure your body fully heals.

3. Stay hydrated.

Proper hydration is essential for skin elasticity and overall health. Drink plenty of water daily to flush out toxins, support efficient digestion, and enhance skin quality.

4. Practice good skin care.

Apply high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage, especially in the surgical area. Regular moisturizing will keep your skin supple and hydrated. If you’re interested in minimizing your tummy tuck scar, silicone gels or sheets can help once your incision is fully healed. You can learn more about tummy tuck scarring in our related blog post.

5. Avoid getting pregnant.

Plastic surgeons consulting with women considering a tummy tuck will typically ask if they plan to have additional children. We recommend that women wait until they are no longer planning to get pregnant again. Having a second tummy tuck after a subsequent pregnancy won’t necessarily produce the same results as the first abdominoplasty.

Patients make a significant investment when they get tummy tuck surgery, and ensuring the results last a long time increases the return on that investment. Following these tips will not only maintain the results but will also optimize your overall health.

Achieving Your Tummy Tuck Goals

If you are still considering a tummy tuck and looking for the best plastic surgeon in The Woodlands, Conroe, Spring, or the surrounding area, contact us using the online form or call The Gill Center at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment.