If you are struggling to lose those last few inches of fat and excessive skin around the abdomen, you may want to consider a tummy tuck procedure as a solution to your body sculpting goals. Learn more about the process for this procedure and how long your recovery will be before you schedule your initial appointment with Eric P. Bachelor, MD in Pleasanton, CA
How Much Fat Can You Lose With a Tummy Tuck?
In general, people can lose between four and 10 pounds after a tummy tuck procedure, with a majority of this weight consisting of unwanted fat and excess skin. Ultimately, the amount of fat you can lose after this procedure will depend on the amount of existing fat you have and your aesthetic goals. The specific procedure used for your surgery may also influence how much fat can be removed, since a mini tuck and an extended tuck will have different results.
Is This Considered Significant Weight Loss?
Although getting rid of up to 10 pounds of unwanted fat seems like a lot, in the grand scheme of your body composition, this amount of fat is not considered significant weight loss. The general calculation for significant weight loss is losing up to 10% to 15% of your current body weight. For most people, losing this small amount of fat after a tummy tuck procedure will be more visibly noticeable than noticeable on the scale.
Can This Procedure Help With Weight Loss Goals?
This procedure will not typically help with weight loss, since this procedure is not designed with weight loss as a goal. However, if you are scheduling this procedure when you only need to get rid of those last 10 stubborn pounds of body weight, then this procedure may help you finally achieve your body and weight loss goals. You can discuss with your surgeon about how this procedure and other body sculpting procedures can help with your weight loss journey.
How Many Clothing Sizes Can You Drop After This Procedure?
While four to 10 pounds may not be significant weight loss on a scale, losing this amount of unwanted body fat can have a significant impact on clothing sizes. The average woman will be able to drop two to three clothing sizes after this procedure, while men can usually drop at least two to four clothing sizes.
Of course, your unique body shape and body composition may mean that you can lose additional sizes in clothing, particularly if you keep up with your weight loss goals and weight management exercises.
Do You Need to Lose Weight Before This Procedure?
To be considered a candidate for this procedure, you must be within a healthy BMI weight range. Most surgeons prefer that people who have this procedure be within 10 to 15 pounds of their goal body weight. For this reason, it may be necessary to lose weight before you are eligible for this treatment so that you can achieve your desired results. If you need to lose weight before your procedure, your surgeon will let you know during your consultation.
What Other Steps Should You Take to Prepare for Your Procedure?
In addition to weight loss, there are several other steps you may need to take before your procedure. Completing certain labs and exams is crucial, particularly since you must be physically healthy to undergo this procedure because general anesthesia is used during the surgery. You will have to complete a physical exam, lab work, and other tests to be approved for this procedure. Other steps you can take to prepare for your procedure include:
Stop Using Tobacco Products
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarette devices, and using other tobacco products are all detrimental to your recovery. This is because the nicotine in tobacco products will slow down your body’s healing response. For the best results after surgery, it’s best to stop using all types of tobacco products for at least two to four weeks before your procedure.
Discontinue Medications
You may also need to discontinue certain medications, particularly anti-inflammatories and blood-thinning medications. This rule applies to both over-the-counter medications and prescription medications from your physician.
Unless directed otherwise by your primary care physician, you should not use any medication that will potentially affect the blood clotting ability of your body. Your primary care physician can give you more guidance about the medications you are allowed to continue taking during your preparation time before your procedure.
Stock Up Recovery Necessities
It’s also a good idea to stock up on the necessities you will need during recovery. You should have plenty of gauze and wound dressing material, and you should be sure to make a comfortable recovery space in your home, such as in your bedroom or living room.
Stocking up on easy-to-eat meals and vitamin supplements to help you through your immediate recovery is also a good idea. If you have children, you may want to also range for temporary child care for at least the first few days after your surgery.
What Should You Do After Your Procedure?
After your procedure, you will have several aftercare instructions you will need to follow so your results develop as desired and so you can recover more quickly. Most of these aftercare instructions will apply to the first several weeks after your procedure, although you should continue to follow specific directions from your surgeon until the end of your recovery. Some of the main aftercare instructions include:
Activity Limitations
Your general activity will be limited for at least six to eight weeks, although you will be able to return to work about two to three weeks after your surgery. You will not be able to engage in any strenuous activities or exercises that work your abdominal muscles, including cycling, jogging, rebound exercise, weight lifting, or other types of aerobic exercise. You will have to avoid lifting anything heavy for at least six weeks, including grocery bags.
That said, it’s still a good idea to walk around after your surgery since light activity is good for circulation and your immune system. You can start walking around your home the day after your surgery, at least for 15 minutes every few hours. As you recover more, you can walk a little more each day.
Healthy Diet and Hydration
It’s essential to drink enough water after your surgery since this can help your body continue to flush unwanted fat. It’s also important to eat a balanced, healthy diet after surgery, so your body has enough nutrient resources to assist with the recovery process. Eating foods that are high in vitamin C is generally a good idea. However, you will want to eat simple, low-residue foods and low-fat foods for the first few days after your procedure.
Medications and New Prescriptions
You may be able to resume taking most of your normal medications immediately after your surgery, although you may have special instructions if your regular medications are blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory. You may also have directions to start using new prescriptions, such as antibiotics, during your immediate recovery. If you are given antibiotics after surgery, you must continue taking antibiotics until you are finished with the prescription.
Incision Care
You will likely receive instructions about how to take care of your incision sites. Most incisions after a tummy tuck procedure are closed with surgical tape or glue, which will usually fall off naturally when the skin is mending itself. To properly care for incision sites, you will need to wash the area with warm water and cover the area with gauze. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the incision, as this can dry out the skin and interfere with the healing process.
Compression Garments
Finally, you will generally have directions on how to wear compression garments after your procedure. Compression garments can aid in the healing process and will need to be worn for most of the day for several weeks or until otherwise directed by your surgeon.
Sculpt Your Dream Body Today
If you want to finally achieve your body goals, then a procedure such as a tummy tuck can be an ideal solution. This procedure can help you get rid of at least 10 pounds of unwanted fat, which is the equivalent of two to three clothing sizes for most people. If you think this procedure is right for you, reach out to Eric P. Bachelor, MD in Pleasanton, CA to schedule a consultation appointment today.