4 Tips For The Best Tummy Tuck Results

Everyone wants a slim, sleek belly. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to lose stomach fat. Even if you manage to lose weight, you may end up with excess skin, especially if you've had children in the past. A tummy tuck can give you the results you seek. Here are four tips that will give you the best possible outcome from your tummy tuck:

1. Don't expect to rush your tummy tuck.

Some procedures can be completed during your lunch hour, but the tummy tuck procedure is not one of them. Getting a tummy tuck can take up to five hours, according to WebMD. Even after your procedure, you may need to stay at the surgery center overnight. You will need to rest and take it easy for the next few days while your body heals. When you choose a tummy tuck, make sure you have realistic expectations for the timeframe.

2. Care for your surgical drains.

After your surgery, fluid will build up in your abdominal cavity until you've fully recovered. In order to facilitate drainage, your doctor will install two surgical drains into your abdomen. These drains will allow excess fluid to drip into bulbs that can be emptied at your convenience. Follow all your doctor's instructions when it comes to surgical drain care. You will have to monitor the fluid released from your body to watch for signs of infection. Keep your surgical drains clean using antibacterial soap when you bathe. Your doctor will remove your surgical drain when they deem you ready, which may take up to two weeks.

3. Avoid vigorous exercise until your surgeon allows it.

Tummy tucks sometimes involve moving the abdominal muscles closer together. Muscle tightening is often done for postpartum mothers who have experienced diastasis recti as part of their pregnancy. A tummy tuck can improve muscle function overall. However, you may experience muscle weakness for up to three months after your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you to avoid vigorous exercise during this time, especially exercise that requires your abdominal muscles. Put off your regular exercise routine until your surgeon tells you it's safe.

4. Take action to minimize scarring.

During a tummy tuck, excess skin is removed through an incision. Your remaining skin is then pulled taut over your abdomen before being sutured into place. Since a long incision is required for the procedure, you will experience some scarring. Your surgeon will take care to place the incision in a place that will be hidden by underwear or a bikini. However, you should take action to minimize scarring. Start using a scar reducing gel when your skin has sufficiently healed. Always apply sunscreen to your surgical site if you plan to expose it to the sun, since sun exposure can make scars look darker.