According to a new study by Brazilian researchers from the University of Sao Paulo that was released in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), exercise following liposuction decreases compensatory visceral fat increase, which is often triggered by abdominal liposuction. There are two types of fat in the body: subcutaneous and visceral fat. Subcutaneous is the bothersome fat we notice beneath our skin that can be removed during liposuction surgery, but visceral fat lies deeper within the body’s organs. In fact, while subcutaneous fat deposits are unsightly, because of its location, visceral fat is actually more dangerous and contributes to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
The study included a group of 36 female abdominal liposuction patients who did not exercise regularly before surgery. Half of the participants were encouraged to start exercising three times a week beginning two months after surgery. All of the participants had a flatter abdomen than they did before the procedure, but those who did not exercise had an increase in visceral fat deposits whereas those who worked out did not.
While further research is necessary to validate this study’s results, the body begins to compensate for fat when fat is removed from the body. Although many liposuction patients who do not exercise regularly after surgery may still be please with their results because they do not notice the compensatory fat, I encourage patients seeking body contouring procedures to begin following a diet and exercise plan once they have healed after surgery.
I often tell my patients that plastic surgery is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle—instead, they complement each other. Similar to liposuction, patients who receive tummy tuck surgery or other body lift procedures should focus on a healthy diet and engaging in fitness. Not only will healthy living make you feel better, it will also help you maintain cosmetic surgery results.
Many patients are interested in starting a workout regimen or developing healthier eating habits, but they just don’t know where to start. Therefore, I work closely with ACE certified personal trainer and inventor of Chair-a-cise, Daryl Madison, to help patients gain the information they need to reach their goals and live healthier. I also enjoy sharing information like diet tips and healthy recipes on the Health and Wellness section of my blog as well as my social media outlets. Visit my website today to find out more about the plastic surgery procedures I offer or for more health and wellness tips. Be sure to also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.