Planning to have an abdominoplasty? Then you may be wondering what kind of lifestyle changes you have to make after a tummy tuck, the friendly term for abdominoplasty. For the best, and longest lasting results there are pre-operative, short-term and long-term changes that you should plan to make. Pre-op Lifestyle Changes

• If you smoke, quit–no less than two weeks before your surgery and longer if possible. Smoking damages skin and will slow the healing process. Smoking constricts blood vessels, which reduces the blood flow necessary to carry healing nutrients to the incision site. For the best and longest term results, plan to stay smoke-free. In fact, avoid all tobacco products because they all contain blood-vessel-constricting nicotine.
• Additionally, smokers have more complications after general anesthesia than non-smokers. This can include bronchitis and pneumonia, both of which are accompanied by some severe coughing. Coughing after surgery is not only very painful but pulls on your incision and can result in an obvious scar. This is not the time for any infection let alone pneumonia. Your body will heal best when it can put its energy to work at just the surgical site.
• If you already eat well, great. But if you tend to eat fast foods or other unhealthy foods, give your body an advantage. Begin eating fruits, vegetables and lean protein foods. These foods help your body heal faster.
• Begin a routine of healthy exercise if you haven't already done so. Although you may have to take a break during recovery, you will find it easier to resume a good habit after surgery than to start a new exercise habit at that time. Build your body up before surgery so that you are well toned beforehand.

Short Term Changes The short-term lifestyle changes after tummy tuck will be due mostly to post-surgical care.

• Restrict your activities to those specifically allowed by your cosmetic surgeon. Even driving will be restricted for a couple weeks, so don't expect to rush home and take on new hobbies during your recovery period. Spend that time recovering and give your body all the rest it needs. Remember that you just had surgery. And though that surgery was elective, it will stress your system as much as any other surgery.
• Follow your cosmetic surgeon's instructions to the "T". Take your medications and make sure you use ointments and skin care products as directed. Change dressings, keep your incision clean, and avoid any contact that might expose you to infection of any kind.

Long Term Changes

• Certainly you'll want to avoid weight gain by eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise. You don't want your skin to stretch again, as subsequent results may not be as successful as your first tummy tuck. Maintain your gain.
• Drink plenty of water to ensure you stay well hydrated, keeping your skin moisturized, strong and healthy.
• In addition to remaining tobacco-free, reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. In addition to contributing to weight gain, alcohol has a dehydrating effect.