Eat Well Before And After Abdominoplasty
There is no specific pre or post surgery diet for an abdominoplasty, but there are some strategies that will help you feel good, heal quickly, and achieve great results.
Before Surgery
In the weeks leading up to your tummy tuck, your goal should be to eat for health and healing, and also to maintain your current weight. This is not the time for crash diets or to throw caution to the wind and pack on the pounds since you will be having excess fat removed. Instead, choose an eating plan that is dense with nutrient-rich foods that are packed with elements like vitamin C to speed up the healing process, Omega-3 to fight inflammation, and protein to fortify you. Avoid highly processed foods and foods high in sugar that can cause bloating, inflammation, weight gain, and fluctuations in blood sugar. Make sure that you are hydrating sufficiently, especially in the final few days before surgery.
After Surgery
In the days immediately following your surgery, you will probably want to keep your eating light. You may be experiencing pain and discomfort, bloating, effects of the anaesthetic and pain medications, and fatigue. These can all impact your appetite and your digestion. Start with clear liquids like water and even sports drinks and move on to soft foods as you can tolerate. Begin with soups, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, pudding, and protein shakes. As your appetite increases and you feel better you can return to a normal diet.
But to maintain the excellent results achieved through your abdominoplasty procedure, it is still ideal to strive for healthy eating habits.
- Choose foods that are high in protein to support your recovery and maintain your results. Lean protein sources like fish, eggs, nuts,and chicken will aid in the repair of your skins and muscles and help fight infection.
- Opt for foods that are anti-inflammatory. Berries, avocados, green tea, and mushrooms are examples of foods that can fight inflammation, promote healing, and are rich with vitamins and nutrients.
- Get Your vitamins. Vitamins A and C are critical during recovery. Vitamin A, found in foods like eggs, dairy, oily fish, and apricots, promotes collagen production and fights infection. Vitamin C, found in citrus foods, berries, and even potatoes promotes wound healing and boosts immunity.
- Stay Hydrated. Avoid dehydration by taking in plenty of water, tea, and clear broths. But avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks that can actually cause dehydration and inflammation.
Remember that although your abdominoplasty procedure removed excess fat and tissue, the remaining fat cells can still grow and develop layers of fat again. Maintaining healthy eating habits throughout your healing and beyond will have many health benefits and ensure that the results of your tummy tuck will last.
Edmonton’s Choice For Abdominoplasty: Alberta Plastic Surgery
If you have been unable to achieve the flat and toned tummy you desire despite your best efforts with weight loss and exercise, an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck could be the right solution for you. You could choose a full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty as part of a “Mommy Makeover”. Whichever method you choose for a smooth, firm abdomen, following an eating plan that supports recovery and health will help you sustain your results for the long term.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top plastic surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta and is highly skilled in helping patients achieve the results they desire with abdominoplasty. Dr. Ladak and his team are committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options for body contouring and many other surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: Can you be pregnant after a tummy tuck?
A: Abdominolasty will not affect your ability to become pregnant. But your plastic surgeon recommended to hold off on having the procedure until you are certain you do not want to become pregnant again. The results of your tummy tuck will likely not be maintained after the weight gain and weight loss of a pregnancy.
Q: How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
A: The first few days after your plastic surgery procedure you will be focussed on healing and limiting most movement. After a couple of days, you should begin to move carefully to facilitate healing and avoid blood clots. Most patients can return to normal activities like work and driving after about two weeks. But strenuous activity should be avoided for 6-8 weeks post surgery. Your plastic surgeon will give you clearance as you get to each stage of recovery.
Q: What is a Mommy Makeover?
A: A Mommy Makeover is a series of procedures aimed at helping women rejuvenate their bodies after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Typically this surgical treatment will include breast lift, augmentation, or reduction, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. Book an appointment with Dr. Ladak to see if you are a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover.
