The body contouring experts at Cabbabe Plastic Surgery in St. Louis know that recovery after a tummy tuck—also known as abdominoplasty—requires more than rest. What you eat can play a major role in how fast and how well your body heals. A thoughtful post tummy tuck diet can reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and support your overall recovery.
If you’ve recently undergone or are planning a tummy tuck procedure, here’s what to know about eating right after surgery.
Why Diet Matters After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Your body enters healing mode immediately after surgery. The right foods provide the building blocks—vitamins, minerals, and proteins—that aid in tissue regeneration, immune function, and energy. On the other side, poor nutrition can slow healing, increase swelling, and leave you feeling fatigued.
A good post tummy tuck meal plan supports recovery in four key areas:
- Wound healing
- Swelling reduction
- Immune support
- Energy restoration
What to Avoid During Tummy Tuck Recovery
Skip foods and avoid lifestyle habits that promote inflammation or delay healing, such as:
- Processed snacks
- High-sugar desserts
- Fried foods
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
These can lead to incisions that heal slower, bloating, fatigue, and sluggish recovery.
Nutrients That Support Healing
- Protein: The Recovery Powerhouse
Protein helps rebuild skin, muscle, and tissue after surgery. Aim to include high-quality sources like lean chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, and Greek yogurt in every meal.
- Vitamins C and A: Boost Collagen and Immunity
Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, which is essential for skin repair. Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli are good choices.
Vitamin A supports immune function and skin health—load up on carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
- Zinc: Supports Wound Healing
Zinc is critical for cell repair. You’ll find it in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and shellfish.
- Hydration: Don’t Skip Water
Water helps flush toxins, reduces swelling, and keeps your body functioning efficiently. Herbal teas and water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber can also help.
Protein, Fiber, Healthy Fats: Ideal Post Surgery Recovery Foods
- Grilled salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli
- Turkey and avocado wrap with a side of fresh fruit
- Quinoa salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach
- Smoothies made with Greek yogurt, berries, and flaxseeds
This kind of post tummy tuck meal plan balances protein, fiber, and healthy fats to fuel your recovery.
Body Contouring in St. Louis: Contact Cabbabe Plastic Surgery
At Cabbabe Plastic Surgery in St. Louis, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Samer Cabbabe provides personalized care before and after your procedure. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to move forward, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Take a look at our Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos to see real patient transformations.
And remember, each patient is different. That’s why it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-op guidelines and ask questions during your follow-up appointments.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your tummy tuck consultation or fill out our online form to get started. Our team is here to support your journey—from first appointment to full recovery.