Since the start of the new year, countless people embarked on weight loss journeys, hoping to trim away any excess belly fat. With summer around the corner, both men and women alike envision a beautiful body that will turn heads at the beach.
While some people experiment with diet modifications and high-intensity interval training, others turn to plastic surgery to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. Tummy tucks are a common procedure because they tighten and tone the skin around your abdomen, giving you the belly of your dreams.
Are the new keto and paleo diets simply not cutting it? More importantly, are you debating whether to schedule a tummy tuck with the No.1 board-certified plastic surgeon in northern New Jersey? In this blog post, we will discuss how long it takes to become swimsuit-ready after a tummy tuck.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A Tummy Tuck, also called abdominoplasty, ranks among the most popular plastic surgeries in North America. This procedure proves ideal for anyone who lost a lot of weight and wishes to remove excess skin, women that just gave birth, or patients struggling to lose lingering fat after countless hours of exercise and extensive diet plans.
During the procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will make a small incision in your lower abdomen, repair the weakened muscles, and remove the unwanted tissue before pulling the skin down and closing the incision. Despite being a quick surgery, the Tummy Tuck recovery period lasts at least six weeks. Your recovery timeline can vary depending on the intensity of the procedure. Again, a tummy tuck procedure is a major surgery and takes time before seeing results; but seeing a flatter, smoother stomach is undeniably worth the wait.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Expectations
Like any other surgery, Tummy Tuck patients must complete a recovery period. However, the recovery length varies between patients. During the first couple of days of post-operative recovery, patients may notice some bruising and swelling in the lower stomach accompanied by discomfort. The pain will subside after two weeks, but the swelling can still last for six weeks. As such, patients will want to avoid strenuous exercises that can hinder the recovery process.
A week after the tummy tuck procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon will remove the drains and check the incisions to ensure proper healing. By the four-to-six-week mark, patients may partake in light activity and resume normal daily activities. Maintaining a healthy diet is another key to getting optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure. Cut out processed, fatty and sugary foods, and opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
After getting cleared by the plastic surgeon, patients may begin a workout regimen to retain their tight and toned abdomen areas. Before you know it, you will have that ideal body you can proudly show off at the beach or poolside this summer.
How Long Until You Are Bikini-Ready for the Beach?
Since every patient heals at a different pace, you may notice rapid results compared to other patients. Depending on how the muscles and incisions heal, most patients can see tummy tuck results two to three months after the procedure. You may see some swelling here and there and your scars are still visible, but that’s normal! Keep in mind that you need to protect your scars for optimal healing. So, if plan on lounging in the sun for an extended period, remember to cover and use sunscreen to prevent any sun damage to your scars.
Get Bikini-Ready in Time for Summer!
Achieving your summer body takes time, dedication, and patience. Going through with a tummy tuck can help you feel comfortable in your own skin in time for summer. Are you ready to take the leap and get that flat stomach you’re dreaming about? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjay Lalla at his West Orange office. His compassionate staff will help restore confidence and give your body a makeover ahead of swimsuit season. Dial (973) 324-9455 to make an appointment today!