After losing a lot of weight, Jessica decided to have a tummy tuck. “I was super happy that I had been at a stable weight for years, but I was really bothered by the excess skin on my stomach. When I realized that a tummy tuck could remove this, I didn’t have to think twice.”
In October 2022, Jessica underwent surgery and in this article she shares her tips, from her perspective as a patient. Please note that these are not tips from a medical specialist, but that Jessica wrote this article herself.
Before the operation
“I used the months before the operation to prepare myself well. I had been at a stable weight for a few years, but I wanted to make sure that I had done everything I could to achieve an optimal result. Under the motto 'the more excess skin I have now, the more they can remove' I decided to do a lot of cardio and to pay close attention to my diet. The consultant also indicated that the recovery after the operation would be smoother if I was in top condition, so this also motivated me. After all, your body takes quite a hit and it is simply better absorbed if you are in good health before the operation.”
1. Eat healthy
“Healthy food has always been important to me to maintain my weight, but I made it a priority to eat as healthy and unprocessed as possible. I chose lots of fruits and vegetables, and also watched my protein intake. I also chose foods high in zinc (like chickpeas and pumpkin seeds) and foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, nuts, and green tea) both before and after surgery. There is a lot of information on the internet about foods that promote recovery, so my advice is to definitely dive into that.”
2. Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery
“I didn't smoke myself, but the consultant gave me the tip to always stop smoking before an operation.”
3. Avoid alcohol
"I also hardly ever drink, but I do enjoy a glass of wine now and then. I decided to completely avoid alcohol for a few months in advance, also with the idea in mind that it would contribute to optimal health."
4. Take some rest before the operation
“I always find it difficult to rest, so I never really sit still. In the period before the operation I worked a lot, and when I wasn't working, you would find me in the gym or doing housework. You wouldn't have seen me in front of the TV very often. But then I had the operation and suddenly I had to sit still. That's when I really came up against myself. So my tip is to get enough rest before the operation, so you mentally get used to 'doing nothing'. There's really not much you can do after your operation, so you better be prepared for that.”
5. Ask your questions and share your concerns
"Do you have any questions before the operation, or are you perhaps worried about something? Don't hesitate to call the clinic. I called a few times with questions and sometimes I was a bit afraid that they would go crazy because of me. But the opposite was true: I was spoken to in a friendly manner and reassured time and time again. I already found the operation exciting enough and this took away a lot of my worries. So really call when you are worried about something, because this will ensure that you go to the clinic on the day of the operation with a much better feeling. And the consultants are there to help you!"
The recovery
"I have tried to prepare myself as best as possible for the recovery. On Instagram there are many women who share everything about their tummy tuck and share their own tips. I got a lot of inspiration from that and the tips that I found most useful are shared below.”
6. Buy or borrow a pregnancy pillow
"The first two weeks after the tummy tuck, you are not allowed to fully extend your torso. This keeps your abdominal muscles relaxed and reduces the pressure on the stitches. This means that you have to walk slightly bent over, but it also means that you cannot lie flat on your back. I placed a pregnancy pillow and an extra pillow under my back and head so that I could lie comfortably in a semi-sitting position. My arms could lean on the pillow and this not only made it a lot more comfortable, but also ensured that I stayed in place. Highly recommended! I also slept with a pillow under my knees."
7. Buy or borrow a raised toilet seat
”I bought a raised toilet seat on Bol.com for 29.99, and I am so glad I did. Only after the operation do you realize how much you rely on your abdominal muscles when you bend your knees to go to the toilet. Because you want to limit the pressure on your abdominal muscles as much as possible after the tummy tuck, it is very pleasant not to have to bend your knees too deeply. A raised toilet seat ensures this. Would you rather not buy one? Then you can also rent one or borrow one for free from, for example Medipoint or Evean.'’
8. Laughing or sneezing? Press your hand on your stomach
“During the operation, my abdominal muscles were stitched together. In the days after the operation, I felt some discomfort, but I would describe it as muscle pain. Not screaming pain. Until I had to sneeze for the first time. I have honestly never had so much pain. Just try to imitate a sneeze; you will probably immediately feel your abdominal muscles tensing. After your tummy tuck, this is absolutely no fun. Fortunately, I learned from the first sneeze: by pressing my hand(s) on my abdominal muscles, the pain decreased a lot when sneezing or laughing. Because yes, laughing also tenses your abdominal muscles.”
9. Get some rest, but keep moving
"The first few days I rested too much. I basically just lay still and this caused my legs to swell up enormously. The plastic surgeon indicated that I could have prevented this by regularly walking around the house and putting my legs up when I was sitting still. I started doing this after the first few days and fortunately the swelling quickly decreased."
10. Inquire about lymphatic drainage massages in advance
"Despite the fact that I did get the tip from the consultant, I did not delve into lymphatic drainage massages in time. These massages stimulate the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system, which helps to drain excess fluid, waste products and toxins from the body. It can therefore greatly promote your recovery. I now had to suddenly look for a massage parlour in the area because I was struggling with the swelling, in retrospect I should have looked into this better before the operation."
11. Give it time!
"The first few weeks I stood in front of the mirror crying several times. I really wondered what I had done, because this result was not at all what I had in mind. But here it really applies: give it time! Your body is recovering from the tummy tuck and the wounds will first become uglier before they become more beautiful. Your stomach may look deformed at first, but my advice is not to look at this too much - it really does get better! It took me a year before I could really judge the result. Until then I regularly suffered from fluid."
And furthermore..
"Follow the rules of life that your plastic surgeon gives you very carefully. Stress your body as little as possible, eat healthily and avoid smoking and alcohol. Drink a lot of water and alternate this with green tea. Green tea contains catechins, these are powerful antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. And do you live alone? Then I would advise you to arrange for help at home during the first week. A parent, sister or friend will probably be happy to help you and you will need that help, because you cannot do very much on your own."
Pain after tummy tuck
"The pain was very bearable for me. My abdominal muscles did hurt at times, but I would describe it more as discomfort. The skin around the wound was numb, so I didn't have any wound pain. My back mainly hurt because of the half-sitting position I slept in, but as soon as I was allowed to lie flat again and walk upright, this pain quickly went away. I have now spoken to more women who have undergone a tummy tuck, and I hear the same thing from everyone: that the pain was bearable for them. So you really don't have to let the pain get to you."
Would I do it again?
“I would definitely choose a tummy tuck again. Despite the fact that the recovery sometimes quite tough and the final result of the operation took a while, I can say for the full 100% that I would do it again. I am very happy with the result and sometimes I am shocked when I look at my before photos. I can hardly imagine that I looked like that! I am very grateful to the plastic surgeon. Are you still in doubt? Then my advice is to think about it carefully. It is not a minor procedure and you want to be sure that you make a well-considered choice. Have you thought about it carefully? Then I would say: go for it!”
Disclaimer: In this article, Jessica shares tips from her perspective as a patient. Advice from our plastic surgeons may differ.
Abdominal wall correction at Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen
- A tight stomach, without excess skin
- Personal treatment plan based on your complaints and wishes
- Customers rate us with a 9.0 on Klinkiekervaringen.nl
- The operation will take place in our brand new operating centre
- Our plastic surgeons are affiliated with the Dutch Societies for Plastic Surgery NVPC and NVEPC
- Both male and female BIG-registered plastic surgeons
Because we are a subsidiary of OLVG are, you have 24/7 access to care after the operation. With us you not only get the benefits of a small clinic, but also the benefits of a large hospital.
More tummy tuck tips
Are you looking for more tips or do you have specific questions? Do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of consultants is ready to answer all your questions. The first consultation with our plastic surgeons is always without obligation. They will give you transparent and honest advice based on your starting situation and wishes. In addition, they will give you numerous tips, both for preparing for the tummy tuck and for the recovery period. We look forward to seeing you in our clinic!
