Category: Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is a surgical operation that eliminates extra skin and fat from the abdomen. Additionally, it has the ability to strengthen muscles and repair weakened or separated muscles. While summer is a great season for most procedures, including tummy tuck surgery, the warmer temperature may present some challenges, particularly while you’re recovering.

Here are some tips to help you ensure your post-tummy tuck recovery goes smoothly this upcoming summer season.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

Ensuring proper sun protection is crucial, especially during the summer months, and becomes even more vital after undergoing plastic surgery. It is important to note that new skin tissue from a scar is delicate and more sensitive to sunlight than other skin. As such, be mindful of sun exposure on your new incision, as it can result in darkening that can affect the skin for a long time. 

Refrain From Swimming

Even as the incisions from your tummy tuck surgery have closed, the internal tissues and structures will continue to undergo a healing process. Swimming, although generally low-impact on the body, may still pose a risk to recent incisions and stitches. In addition, individuals who have undergone muscle repair during a tummy tuck procedure should refrain from engaging in any vigorous swimming or other activities that may exert pressure on their abdominal muscles.

Drink Water

It is crucial to drink a sufficient amount of water, particularly without any additives, following a tummy tuck procedure. For optimal health, a patient’s daily water intake should be eight 8-ounce glasses. Water consumption aids in the elimination of toxins and pain medication from the body. Additionally, it helps to reduce fluid retention, thereby minimizing swelling in the body. 

Drinking water helps to keep you cool during the summer months. Staying cool while you’re healing after surgery can help reduce any inflammation, discomfort, and swelling.

Aftercare Tips for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Houston, TX

Dr. Ravi Somayazula is a board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon dedicated to providing exceptional body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck surgery. To access the best aftercare tips or to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and other procedures, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ravi today by calling (281) 242-1061.

Your body is the only one you have; that’s why you should always treat it with the utmost care. That means not only keeping it physically healthy to the best of your abilities but also aesthetically healthy. And though there are plenty of ways to manage both, there are countless ways in which they can be hindered beyond your ability to address them with healthier lifestyle choices. One such hindrance is loose, excessive skin around the stomach, which can be treated easily with Body by Ravi’s SMART Tummy Tuck procedure.

What Makes the Tummy Tuck SMART?

As explained expertly by Dr. Ravi himself (you can view the video here), SMART isn’t just about the expertise and professionalism that he handles each and every SMART tummy tuck with. SMART is also an acronym for “Safe Muscular Aponeurotic Resuspension Technique.” Put simply, this means that it’s the same effective tummy tuck procedure you know and love, but with an increased focus on patient comfort and safety.

How the SMART Tummy Tuck Works

The artfully approached and scientifically devised design of Body by Ravi’s SMART Tummy Tuck procedure offers an experience that is a cut above other tummy tuck treatments you may find. As mentioned above, this is because a SMART Tummy Tuck focuses on your safety and comfort while still achieving the same excellent results you’d expect from a professionally performed tummy tuck.

Higher Safety

First and foremost, SMART tummy tucks are made safer thanks to the unique fluids and numbing agents used during the procedure. Using these, bleeding can be minimized—making the process much simpler overall—and the wounds left over will be able to heal with little to no delay.

Less Discomfort

The unique combination of ingredients used in the anesthetics also provides a wonderful level of comfort both during and after the procedure, ensuring that the whole process is as easy and stress-free as possible.

Minimal Scarring

Thanks to those same fluids and numbing agents—as well as the delicate, safety-oriented nature of SMART tummy tucks—scarring can be minimized through simpler incisions and a promoted healing process.

SMART Tummy Tucks in Houston, TX

Don’t get just any tummy tuck—get a SMART Tummy Tuck from Dr. Ravi himself by reaching out to Body by Ravi today at 281-242-1061. With a convenient plastic surgery center in Houston, TX, you could be showing off your new body before you know it.

Are you looking for a way to look and feel your best when it comes to your stomach and abs? If so, you should consider looking into how a tummy tuck could help you get the results that you’re looking for. Countless people all across the country have found that their tummy tucks have offered them an improved sense of physical well-being and self-confidence.

However, more than just one type of tummy tuck treatment exists. There are, in fact, three unique variations of tummy tucks—in addition to the standard procedure that is well-known and loved—that can help patients achieve their individual and specific needs.

The Standard Tuck

The standard, full tummy tuck revolves around using an incision along your lower abdomen. Through this incision, excess skin and fat can be removed before repairing and tightening your abdominal area. The standard tuck is an excellent option for those with a moderate amount of excess skin and abdominal concerns that they’d like to remove from their stomach.

The Mini Tuck

The mini tummy tuck follows a similar procedure as the standard tuck described above. However, during this procedure, the incision is far smaller and less noticeable, making it less invasive and less likely to create scarring. The trade-off is that these mini tucks are best for those with just a bit of excess skin and minimal concerns about the look and feel of their abdomen. 

The Extended Tuck

Taking a turn back in the other direction, there are also extended tummy tuck procedures that can be performed. As you can assume by the name, this procedure expands upon the standard tuck, offering a solution to larger areas and extents of excessive skin and abdominal concerns.

The Reverse Tuck

Finally, there are reverse tummy tucks. This procedure is conducted with an incision above the belly button, as opposed to the other tucks, which are handled through an incision along the lower abdomen. This makes them the preferred option for those looking to deal with loose, excess skin centered around the upper abdomen.

First-Class Tummy Tucks in Houston, TX

If any of the tummy tucks mentioned above sound like something you may be interested in, please feel free to contact Dr. Ravi Somayazula today at 281-242-1061. Located in Houston, TX, the Body by Ravi team proudly serves their surrounding areas.

Those who have lost a significant amount of weight or have had one or more pregnancies may be experiencing loose or stretched skin and stubborn fat. A tummy tuck can repair the muscles in the abdomen and remove excess fat deposits to leave you feeling tight and toned. 

Tummy tuck results are meant to provide long-lasting results for patients. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and take care of your body following a tummy tuck procedure. 

How Can Weight Gain Affect a Tummy Tuck?

To understand how substantial weight gain or pregnancy can negatively affect the results of your tummy tuck, you must understand how they affect the body. When your body gains significant weight, whether due to pregnancy or otherwise, this can weaken the abdominal muscles, stretch the skin, and increase the size of fat cells. A tummy tuck involves:

• Removing loose excess skin.
• Repairing the stomach muscles.
• Performing liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits if needed. 

By gaining a substantial amount of weight after a tummy tuck through unhealthy practices, you are essentially repeating the damage done to your body before your tummy tuck. This can undo the results of your tummy tuck. 

What Should Life After a Tummy Tuck Look Like?

To continue to enjoy the results of your tummy tuck, you will have to make some life changes. A healthy diet and regular exercise will be important to maintaining your results if you have not already before your procedure. You will not be able to partake in strenuous exercise for at least six weeks, but you can start with daily walks and low-intensity yoga to get started. 

For your diet, try to eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. A healthy diet is the key to ensuring you maintain your results and feel good. 

The key is to keep a stable weight to avoid any significant fluctuations. That is not to say that you have to be strict and unable to enjoy yourself. As a rule of thumb, try not to exceed 15 pounds of weight gain. 

Learn More About Life After a Tummy Tuck

For expert advice on what to expect after a tummy tuck and how to maintain your results, speak with a professional at Body by Ravi. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi can provide you with the best advice and ensure you are fully informed. Contact Body by Ravi today at 281-242-1061, or visit their website. 

Now that you’ve had a tummy tuck, you may wonder, “What’s next?” Most people will see results within two to three months. Recovery is most important during this period. Following a few tips during recovery will aid in how well your results show and reduce the potential for health risks. Continue reading to learn our tips for tummy tuck recovery. 

How Can I Have a Healthy Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Your abdominal muscles will be sore as they adjust. You’ll experience bruising and swelling as your body heals. You can help your body adjust and heal by avoiding strenuous workouts, such as weightlifting and long-distance running. Some light activities, such as going up and down stairs and short jogs, may be permissible after two weeks (14 days). 

Listen to Your Body

If your procedure is performed at Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, then your plastic surgeon will inject Exparel into you during the operation. Exparel is widely used for post-op pain management. It is a non-opioid pain relief that has long-lasting effects. We also use a multimodal approach to reduce narcotic use during your recovery.

Although our pain relief methods have many benefits, we do not recommend ignoring how your body feels nor the doctor’s instructions. Sometimes, you may feel well enough to perform certain (prohibited) activities. Don’t. You may complicate your results. Moreover, if you feel unwell, you should speak with your doctor immediately.

Attend In-Office Follow-ups

Dr. Ravi strongly suggests attending two in-office follow-up appointments within the first two weeks of your tummy tuck. The purpose of these appointments is to monitor your recovery and health. Each person is unique and results will vary, so Dr. Ravi also wants to address any questions you may have about the recovery process. He can also provide tailored recommendations.

Drink Water

Try to drink 64 ounces of water daily. Staying hydrated will help your organs function properly, so your recovery can be fast. Staying hydrated also helps your body flush toxins, which makes the recovery process run more smoothly. Not to mention, staying hydrated helps you to eat less and lose weight.

Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon Near Me

Do you have questions about recovering from a tummy tuck performed by Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi? Are you interested in scheduling an appointment after learning about our unique approach to a smooth recovery process? We encourage you to contact us at 281-242-1061. Our practice is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.