Whether you’re about to have a tummy tuck procedure or are interested in one, it’s essential to know how to prepare. One of the most important aspects of maximizing the results of your tummy tuck and a quick recovery is your diet.
Learn about what a tummy tuck is, how to prepare for it, and what your tummy tuck diet should look like, before and after the procedure.
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What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is performed to firm and smooth the abdomen. It does this by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
In most cases, a tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient surgery that uses IV sedation or general anesthesia. It takes about three hours.
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
The results of your tummy tuck procedure depend greatly on your preparation for it. It’s best to prepare in advance to ensure that your recovery is as smooth as possible.
Stop Taking Specific Medications
Before your procedure, it’s vital that you stop taking medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that can thin your blood and affect the outcome of your procedure.
These medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins include:
- Aspirin
- NSAIDs
- St. John’s Wort
- Vitamin E
- Omega Supplements
You will need to stop taking these about two weeks prior to your tummy tuck and avoid them for two weeks after, as well.
Avoid Smoking
Nicotine is one of the main ingredients in cigarettes, which constricts your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. When this happens, it offers less oxygen and fewer essential nutrients to your stomach, which drastically slows down the speed of your recovery.
It’s critical that you stop smoking for six weeks before your tummy tuck.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is important at all times, but especially before your tummy tuck. The ideal amount of water that you should drink depends on how active you are, how much sodium you consume, and how much you weigh.
Arrange a Ride Home From Surgery
A tummy tuck is performed with anesthesia so, although you can leave the same day, you will still need someone to drive you home. You cannot drive within 24 hours of being put under anesthesia or within 24 hours of taking certain analgesics.
Ensure that you have someone staying with you for the first 24 hours, as well. Keep in mind that for the first week, you won’t be able to lift more than ten pounds.
Prepare a Recovery Room
Preparation is key for recovering from a tummy tuck smoothly. Before your procedure, transition one of your rooms into a recovery room, where you will spend most of your time when you come back.
For your recovery room, it’s recommended that you have nearby:
- A bathroom
- A lot of water
- Antibiotics
- Books
- TV
- Portable cell phone charger
Make Your Meals in Advance
Another aspect to prepare for is your meals so that you don’t have to cook after your tummy tuck. You will want to plan meals that are heavy in fiber and protein.
Ensure You Understand the Expected Results
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. Your abdominal muscles will tighten and several pounds of fat will be removed from your abdomen, as well as your excess skin. However, it will not help you lose large amounts of weight. This procedure is ideal if you are within 10 to 30 pounds of your goal weight.
Have Your Favorite Pillow on Hand
After your tummy tuck, you will be very drowsy. Bringing your favorite pillow with you for the ride home will bring some much-needed comfort and a morale boost.
| Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery |
|---|
| Stop Taking Specific Medications |
| Avoid Smoking |
| Drink Water |
| Arrange a Ride Home From Surgery |
| Prepare a Recovery Room |
| Make Your Meals in Advance |
| Ensure You Understand the Expected Results |
| Have Your Favorite Pillow on Hand |
The Best Diet Before & After a Tummy Tuck
Your tummy tuck diet is essential to maximizing and maintaining your results. You will need to be careful about your diet both before and after your procedure.
What to Eat Before a Tummy Tuck
Before your tummy tuck, you will want to have a diet that prepares you to get the most out of your procedure.
Your tummy tuck diet should include:
- Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Proteins
- Lean Meats
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Omega-3 Acids
- Selenium
- Manganese
This diet is important to maintain your weight before the procedure. Losing weight before your tummy tuck can affect your results.
What to Eat After a Tummy Tuck
Your tummy tuck diet after the procedure can greatly affect how quickly your recovery time is.
Drink Water
Dehydration can become a serious issue after a tummy tuck. Ensure that you stay hydrated to avoid needing urgent medical care.
Eat Protein-Heavy Foods
Protein is crucial for speeding up your recovery process.
Try eating a lot of foods heavy in protein, like:
- Meat
- Beans
- Eggs
- Dairy Products
Take In Vitamins
Vitamins can help in both fighting infection and reducing inflammation and bruising.
Vitamins A and C are excellent for fighting infections. You can find those vitamins in food, like:
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Cod Liver Oil
- Citrus
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Leafy Greens
To reduce bruising and swelling, you will want to use Arnica and Bromelain supplements. Alternatively, Bromelain can also be found in pineapples.
Get Zinc
Zinc helps your body build new cells and fuels your body’s recovery.
You can find zinc in:
- Grains
- Nuts
- Meat
| What to Eat Before a Tummy Tuck | What to Eat After a Tummy Tuck |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Drink Water |
| Whole Grains | Meat |
| Proteins | Take in Vitamins |
| Lean Meals | Get Zinc |
| Vitamin A | Beans |
| Vitamin C | Eggs |
| Omega-3 Acids | Dairy Products |
| Selenium | Cod Liver Oil |
| Manganese | Citrus |
Foods to Avoid
While there are many foods that will help your recovery along, there are many that can hinder it.
- Salt
Eating too much salt will make your body bloat and cause you a lot of discomfort during your recovery. - Soda
Sugar and sugary carbonated drinks can also cause bloating and gas, causing immense discomfort. - Alcohol
Alcohol can thin your blood and strain your body while it’s trying to heal. It can also react negatively with your pain medications.
Schedule a Consultation With Expert Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Mazaheri
If you’re interested in a tummy tuck procedure or want to learn about it, schedule a consultation with the premier board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Dr. Mazaheri. He will explain the process and all of your options during your consultation and be there every step of the way through your procedure.
FAQs
What Is the Best Diet Before a Tummy Tuck?
The best diet before a tummy tuck will be heavy in vitamin C, omega-3 acids, and proteins.
Are Protein Shakes Good After a Tummy Tuck?
Yes. If you’re feeling too nauseous to eat, a protein shake is an excellent option to still receive the protein that you need.
What Is the Best Protein After a Tummy Tuck?
Lean meats, like fish and poultry, are great sources of protein for recovery.
How Much Protein Should I Eat After a Tummy Tuck?
It’s essential to take in high amounts of protein after a tummy tuck.
What Can I Eat After a Tummy Tuck To Reduce Swelling?
To reduce swelling, you can eat foods heavy in Bromelain.
What Can I Drink After a Tummy Tuck?
The best thing to drink after a tummy tuck is plenty of water. Avoid soda and alcohol.
Is Peanut Butter Good After a Tummy Tuck?
Peanut butter is good in moderation as a source of protein after a tummy tuck.
Does Pineapple Juice Help With Tummy Tuck Swelling?
Yes. Pineapple contains a lot of Bromelain, which helps reduce swelling.
Dr. Mazaheri is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After more than sixteen years of education and advanced training, Dr. Mazaheri opened his Scottsdale practice in 2003. He is a thorough and experienced surgeon with a strong focus on achieving patient needs. Dr. Mazaheri’s areas of specialty include breast and body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, mastopexy, tummy tucks, liposuction and other body sculpting procedures. He and his friendly staff will only recommend procedures that will help you achieve your desired results. Focusing on your needs both before and after a procedure is Dr. Mazaheri’s top priority.
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