Liposuction and Tummy Tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, are two different surgical procedures that are sometimes performed together to get the best results for the patient.
A liposuction procedure aims to remove subcutaneous fat that is resistant to diet and exercise from some areas, including love handles, belly fat, and back rolls.
In contrast, a tummy tuck addresses excess skin or muscle laxity, which often occur after pregnancy or excessive weight loss.
For study: Can Liposuction remove muscle?
In general, you should follow a special diet after Tummy Tuck and liposuction so that your weight remains relatively stable and does not fluctuate significantly. This may require a change of diet so that you can get the best results from the surgery and also speed up your recovery process. Dietary changes also help increase the body’s metabolism and improve fat burning.
Here you can find what to eat before and after tummy tuck and liposuction surgeries.
What to eat before tummy tuck and liposuction?
Not to forget vitamin C!
It is incredibly important to consume vitamin C as studies have shown that it will reduce oxidative stress parameters, increase type I collagen synthesis, and has the potential to accelerate bone healing after a fracture as well.
So, a week before tummy tuck and liposuction, all you need to eat is fresh vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C such as kale, kiwi, guavas, parsley, and broccoli.
Avoid processed food!
It is recommended to avoid processed foods since researchers have proven that they cause inflammation. For the same reason, carbohydrate intake should be minimized as well.
High carbohydrate intake can increase inflammation markers, as studies have shown. In other words, you need to cut down on pasta, potatoes, and bread.
Low carb diet!
In addition to increasing weight, sugary foods cause swelling and can increase blood sugar levels. According to a study, if a person consumes a high amount of carbohydrates each day for three weeks, it will increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Because of this, it is recommended to have a low-carb diet before tummy tuck and liposuction.
Eat omega-3!
Omega 3-rich food like mackerel, chia seeds, salmon or walnuts can help you to reduce and fight inflammation.
What to eat after Tummy Tuck and liposuction?
Stay hydrated
You should increase your water intake to at least two liters per day.
Not only does this help the healing process but it also plays an important role in removing the toxins that have accumulated in the body.
Water also helps reduce hunger and helps maintain the energy needed to stay active. Water helps to lose weight, keeps the kidneys healthy, and improves the quality of the skin.
Staying hydrated will also help reduce swelling after Tummy Tuck and liposuction as well as improve digestion, which is especially important if you have abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck.
You can also drink mineral water and fruit and vegetable juices without added sweeteners or salts. Consumption of herbal tea and coffee in moderation is also acceptable.
Eat complex carbohydrates
Although it is best to limit your intake of sugars and processed carbohydrates, because carbohydrates help the body regain strength and recover quickly, they need to be consumed in moderation.
They also prevent muscle wasting and rejuvenate the body from within. It is better to use healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.
Eat fiber
Eat high-fiber foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. These foods help digestion and reduce constipation that is common after surgery and medication.
Eat more protein
Protein plays an important role in the recovery process after Tummy Tuck and liposuction. During surgery, your body tissues, skin, and muscles are damaged. It is interesting to know that protein will make them all.
Therefore, in the first days after abdominoplasty, make sure you have enough protein in your daily diet.
Meat, sea food, beans, eggs, soy products, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and chicken are some of the high protein foods. You can also use protein shakes. But before that, it is better to read all the nutrition facts and consult with your surgeon and then choose one of them with the lowest sugar and carbohydrate content.
Get the vitamins you need
Getting vitamins along with a complete diet is essential for rapid recovery and body strength. In addition to fighting infection and reducing inflammation, it boosts cellular regeneration.
There are many ways to take vitamins, such as supplements, but nothing is healthier than consuming vitamins through food.
Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K are involved in wound healing. Fish, liver, and vegetables contain vitamin K, while nuts, milk, eggs, and vegetable oils contain vitamin E.
Vitamin D is found in milk, fish, eggs, and grains.
Vitamins A and C can be found in eggs, dairy, citrus, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
Zinc is also great to take, and it can be found in many foods, including grains, nuts, and meats. Each of these foods promotes the production of new cells in the body, so it is easier to recover.
Eat healthy fats
Just because you get rid of fat with liposuction does not mean that all fat is bad. Adequate amounts of good fats are essential for good health. Sources of good fats include olive oil, fruits such as avocados, nuts and seeds.
Do not forget fresh fruits and vegetables
Whether you have surgery or not, fruits and vegetables should be part of your diet. But during recovery after Tummy Tuck and liposuction, the consumption of these food sources is very important because they are necessary to accelerate recovery after surgery.
After Tummy Tuck and liposuction, you should include leafy green vegetables, tomato, melons, grapefruits, mangoes, spinach, and broccoli in your daily diet.
What should you avoid to eat after tummy tuck and liposuction?
What should you avoid to eat after liposuction
The following foods should not be consumed for a long time after Tummy Tuck and liposuction:
Saturated fats
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and can be found in most animal by-products, as well as fried and processed foods.
High in sugar food
Sugar and sugar-sweetened foods can contribute to weight gain and Tummy Tuck and liposuction failure. Sugar, on the other hand, is low in vitamins and nutrients and has no healing properties.
Salty foods
After liposuction, you should avoid salty foods for two to four months. Soy sauce and many salad dressings are high in salt. It negatively affects healing after surgery because sodium aggravates inflammation and swelling. Nevertheless, you can use sodium substitutes such as natural herbs and spices. It is also recommended to avoid spicy foods during the healing period.
High-fat meats
Avoid fatty meats like bacon or sausage, as well as red meat and mackerel. Avoid eating fried meat as well.
Refined products
Refined grains include white flour, pasta, crackers, white rice and white bread should also not be consumed.
Sweetened drinks
Consume as little soda as possible. Sugar-sweetened fruit juices and vegetable juices with added sodium should also be avoided. Tea should only be sweetened with artificial sweeteners and coffee with nonfat dairy products.
Alcohol
One of the things you should avoid during the recovery period is alcohol. Alcohol not only does not help your recovery, but also delays it by diluting your blood.
It may also interfere with some of your painkillers and cause a negative reaction.
You should also stay away from alcohol for at least two weeks after Tummy Tuck and liposuction. It is recommended that you continue to limit alcohol consumption after your initial recovery.
Foods that cause bloating
The following two factors can derail your recovery process and make you feel uncomfortable. Gas and bloating! Food high in salt, such as soda and sparkling water, cause unnecessary bloating.
After Tummy Tuck and liposuction, constipation is one of the most common complications you will experience. So, it is vital to take foods that will decrease it such as high-fiber foods.
