A tummy tuck is the easiest way to get rid of that extra bit of fat you can’t seem to lose with diet and exercise. It’s a safe plastic surgery option that can leave you with the body you’ve always wanted. And it’s the perfect cosmetic surgery for someone looking for a mommy makeover.

An astounding 127,633 tummy tuck procedures were performed in 2016. You’ve probably read many articles online about what to expect when getting a tummy tuck, but you might not be sure how to have a successful recovery. Here are some tips to get the most out of your post-procedure recovery period.

Maintain a Proper Diet Both Before and After Surgery

Before the surgery and after the surgery it’s extremely important to watch what you’re eating. The goal of this procedure is to remove excess body fat, and you won’t benefit by bingeing on junk food. Don’t try to work out heavily after the surgery, but do be mindful of your diet during recovery. This will ensure that your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs to help you heal well and quickly.

Prevent Constipation

The nurses and doctor from your cosmetic surgery center will likely tell you that your medication might make you constipated. However, it’s extremely important to do whatever you can to prevent that. Ask your doctor if an over-the-counter stool softener is a good idea or if you should just be mindful of your diet. Constipation can lead to unwanted pain post-procedure, but that can easily be avoided.

Rest and Relax

If you’re used to leading an on-the-go lifestyle, this may be very hard for you to digest. But during this time, it’s extremely important to rest. Your doctor may tell you to limit the use of your abdomen for a few days, which is completely normal as it’ll take some time for your stomach to heal. Try and take it easy as much as possible to prevent any potential setbacks.

Healing after surgery is almost as crucial as the surgery itself. Take the suggestions listed above for a successful post-op recovery.