Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is the one truly effective way to get rid of excess abdominal skin. People who have lost weight often find that a tummy tuck is the final piece of the puzzle in creating the body they’ve always wanted. But how long do tummy tuck results last? That depends. The factors that will determine the longevity of your tummy tuck are largely within your control. Here are three of the biggest ones.
Your Diet
If you were making bad food choices before, use your tummy tuck as the perfect reason to give yourself a diet overhaul. Whole grains, veggies and lean proteins are your friend. Fried foods and sugary drinks are not. Good eating habits will not only make you healthier in general, they will help ensure that your tummy tuck results will last a long time.
Your Level of Activity
While a tummy tuck will eliminate excess skin and give you a slimmer silhouette, it cannot miraculously prevent you from gaining more weight. Eating healthy goes a long way toward keeping you slim, but staying active is just as important. Adopt an exercise program to help you maintain your tummy tuck results.
One of the best and simplest ways to ensure long-lasting tummy tuck results is to exercise regularly.
Getting Pregnant
If you become pregnant after having a tummy tuck, the subsequent stretching of your abdominal skin may affect the results. This is why most women choose to wait to have a tummy tuck until they are done with pregnancies. While having a tummy tuck won’t hinder your ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term, you should be aware that you may require revision surgery to restore your tummy tuck results.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. Harrington Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive techniques performed by a highly specialized all-female team of board-certified plastic surgeons and professional staff.
