Tummy Tuck Diet: What to Eat Before & After the Surgery?

A Tummy Tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes stubborn fat and excess skin from the abdomen and tightens interior muscles. Tummy tuck surgery can yield a flat stomach to people who find it almost impossible to lose fat through diet and exercise. But a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential to keep a new, flat stomach and have optimal positive results from the tummy tuck. 

Is it Necessary to Follow a Diet After Tummy Tuck?

A Tummy Tuck can help anyone seeking to improve their body confidence. Some other advantages of abdominoplasty can include skin health, improvement in back pain, and core strengthening. Cosmetic surgery can also reduce the risk for other health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. 

Focusing on a balanced diet rich in nutrients and avoiding foods that can hinder the healing process can help patients have the smoothest recovery and maximize the optimal results of their abdominoplasty. Read on to learn about the pre and post-tummy tuck diet.

What to Eat Before a Tummy Tuck?

It is important for patients undergoing abdominoplasty to follow their plastic surgeon's instructions. It helps them to ensure their safe recovery and achieve optimal results from their tummy tuck. The foods patients consume before the surgery can influence their recovery time and impact the tummy tuck outcome. 

Here are some recommendations on what to eat before a tummy tuck:

• Eat high-protein, low-fat meals such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and legumes, as they can build and repair any damaged tissue from surgery while helping in producing new blood cells and collagen;
• Consume fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C like spinach, kale, Bok choy, and collard greens;
• Select foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids;
• Eat whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and whole wheat bread, which help the body reproduce new cells;
• Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
• Maintain hydration by drinking enough fluids, especially those high in electrolytes; 
• Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages, as they can contribute to inflammation and fluid retention;
• Avoid processed foods, as they can delay healing and increase the risk of infection;
• Avoid foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats that can cause swelling and weight gain.

What to Eat After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Patients should eat a balanced and nutritious diet to support their healing process and promote recovery after an abdominoplasty. There are no specific dietary limits after a tummy tuck surgery; however, it is recommended that patients eat lightly for a few days. They should begin with clear liquids, such as broth and water, and then slowly consume soft foods, including fresh fruit and raw vegetables, soft cheese, and soup. 

Patients should also practice healthy eating habits, as the remaining fat cells can still grow large. The durability of tummy tuck results depends on the patient's healthy diet and exercise habits.

Foods to eat after a Tummy Tuck surgery

• Vegetables, particularly dark green vegetables like artichokes that are rich in fibre;
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, and pistachios can help increase the daily fibre intake;
• Whole Grains found in cereals or rice can help digestion;
• White meat such as chicken and turkey that contain lean protein and very little fat;
• Beans/Legumes that are high in protein and fibre;
• Seafood like Tuna and salmon as excellent sources of protein;
• Dairy products such as cheese, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt are high in protein and have calcium and Vitamin D;
• Eggs.

Fruit to eat after a Tummy Tuck surgery

After a tummy tuck surgery, a healthy, balanced diet is important for healing. Fruits that are known to be beneficial for the digestive system and can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants include:

• Pineapples contain enzymes (bromelain) and so can help in digestion and reducing swelling;
• Berries, including Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are packed with antioxidants and can promote healing and boost the immune system;
• Watermelon helps maintain hydration levels with its high water content while providing essential vitamins and minerals;
• Bananas are easy to digest and are also rich in potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps or spasms;
• Kiwi is known for its high vitamin C content that can aid in collagen formation as well as support the healing of incisions;
• Avocados contain healthy fats and fibre that can promote good digestion as well as help reduce inflammation;
• Apples are full of vitamins and fibre that can aid in maintaining bowel regularity and prevent constipation, a common side effect after abdominoplasty;
• Peaches are high in vitamins A and C which can help tissue repair and improve immune function.
• Mango is a good source of vitamin C that can boost the immune system and support wound healing.

Foods to Avoid Before & After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Before and after tummy tuck surgery, it is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and artificial sweeteners. Patients should also reduce carbohydrates and processed food from their daily diet since they can cause inflammation and swelling. 

They should also avoid fatty foods like potato chips, ice cream, and pizza, as they can cause unwanted fat to return. Salty foods such as French fries, instant noodles, and fast foods can cause bloating and are not recommended.

Read more: What Are the Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Abdominoplasty can help reshape the abdomen. In addition, this cosmetic procedure can repair muscles and address related health conditions like back pain and poor posture. Therefore, many patients consider a tummy tuck a worthwhile cosmetic surgery. 

For more information, schedule an online consultation with our team at Raadina Health. Our cosmetic experts are ready to answer all your Tummy Tuck questions.

Why Iran for Tummy Tuck?

Iran is one of the safest medical tourism countries in the world. Ensuring positive optimal results from abdominoplasty begins by choosing the right surgeon. With the highest rate of successful cosmetic procedures in Iran, Iranian board-certified surgeons are very experienced and well aware of tummy tuck risks, advantages, and outcomes. 

In addition, the cost of Tummy Tuck in Iran is much lower than in other countries, ranging from 2000$ to 3000$. The reason for this cost-effective price is the low value of the Iranian currency in comparison with the Us dollar and euro-western countries. 

Tummy Tuck in Iran

Conclusion

Completing the initial recovery time is essential for maintaining positive results from Tummy Tuck surgery. Patients undergoing abdominoplasty must consume much protein as possible to repair their muscles, tissue, and skin. Taking high-fibre foods can also prevent constipation, a common side effect seen with Tummy Tucks.

In addition, patients should keep themselves hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration increases the risks of complications and ultimately derails post-surgical recovery. Vitamin intake can also hasten recovery, encourage the production of new cells, and lower inflammation in the affected area.