Should I Follow A Particular Diet Before a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery is a wonderful way to regain your confidence after pregnancy or significant weight loss. The purpose of a tummy tuck is to create a smoother, flatter tummy while repairing loose abdominal muscles. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales can enhance the appearance of the belly by removing unwanted fat and loose skin. But if you are considering this cosmetic procedure, you may be concerned about what to do before a tummy tuck.

When preparing for tummy tuck surgery, Morales Plastic Surgery teaches patients about the importance of following a healthy diet. Our team knows that the right foods can reduce side effects, such as swelling and inflammation, while speeding up the healing process. If you want to learn more about what to eat before tummy tuck surgery and whether you should follow a particular diet, schedule an online consultation with Dr. Morales in Houston, TX.

Types of tummy tuck surgery

If you have lost a good amount of weight, you may be left with loose skin and small pockets of fat around the midsection. A tummy tuck can eliminate these problem areas and, ultimately, complement your figure. Dr. Morales can examine your abdomen and determine which type of tummy tuck is right for you. No matter which procedure we choose, it could be combined with minimally invasive liposuction techniques for an even better result.

A traditional tummy tuck is suitable for individuals with a moderate amount of skin in their midsection, while a mini tuck addresses smaller belly bulges. An extended tummy tuck, however, is reserved for patients who require major body contouring. We will be able to review the advantages of each procedure and the reasons for our recommendations in our office. Morales Plastic Surgery will also help you with preparing for tummy tuck surgery.

Preparing for tummy tuck surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss alternative, which is why you should be at or near your ideal weight before the procedure. Because significant weight fluctuations can compromise the results, patients should be willing to stay within 15 – 20 pounds of their goal weight moving forward. If you are unsure whether to lose weight or diet before tummy tuck surgery, let Dr. Morales know about your concerns in Houston, TX. We may be able to offer some helpful advice or connect you with professionals who can help.

Patients should expect to have 1 – 2 weeks of downtime based on the surgical technique chosen. It may take another few weeks for the swelling to go down and for individuals to feel normal again. You can plan ahead by asking a responsible adult or family member to stay with you during the recovery period. They can help with household chores and childcare to make sure you do not push yourself too hard too soon. Dr. Morales or his team can provide a list of guidelines to follow, so recovery is as seamless as possible.

What to eat before tummy tuck surgery

Eating a healthy diet and knowing what to eat before tummy tuck surgery is key to getting good results. At Morales Plastic Surgery, we emphasize the benefits of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat products. Patients may also eat lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. All of these foods contain nutrients such as Vitamin C that can help with the healing process. Your primary care physician or a skilled nutritionist can also give you dietary advice based on your personal health.

Just like some foods help you heal, there are other foods to avoid before tummy tuck surgery. Salty foods or processed foods like carbohydrates are known to promote inflammation and cause other issues. You should also stay away from high-sugar foods and carbonated sodas, as these can cause bloating and gas. Alcohol is also known to thin the blood and make your body work harder to heal itself. Even though creating a special diet before tummy tuck surgery does require some discipline, the efforts are well worth it.

Learn what to do before a tummy tuck

One of the most important factors in getting long-lasting tummy tuck results is choosing the right surgeon. Dr. Rolando Morales is a board-certified plastic surgeon who holds the highest standards for health, safety, and cosmetic results. With our advanced tools and technology, we can provide effective treatment options for loose skin and pockets of belly fat. To learn more about diet and foods to avoid before tummy tuck surgery, schedule a virtual appointment at Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX. Our goal is to work with patients to understand their desired outcomes and give them the slimmer results they desire.