It can be a challenge for some plastic surgery patients to maintain the results that their procedure helped them achieve as the years go on. Especially in the case of body contouring procedures like liposuction. It’s true that liposuction surgery can be a highly effective way for both men and women to achieve a trimmer, more attractive physique. However, it’s also true that certain lifestyle habits and behaviors can work to offset the results of liposuction and reaccumulate fat on the body. That’s why I wanted to provide a few tips for how patients can maintain their liposuction results for years to come.
One of the most common misconceptions patients have about liposuction is that the fat removed with liposuction can never come back once it is removed. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Liposuction removes fat cells from the body that cannot regenerate. However, weight gain can lead to the development of new fat cells in or around the area that was liposuctioned. This is why it’s so important for liposuction patients to be proactive and make healthy lifestyle choices in the years following their procedure.
This begins with making a commitment to exercise regularly. Once the recovery period concludes following liposuction surgery, I advise patients to develop a steady, consistent weekly exercise regimen and stick to it. This will help maintain liposuction results by preventing new fat cells from developing. For many people, I normally recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of more strenuous physical activity every week.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can serve as the perfect complement to your new exercise regimen. Limiting or cutting out fatty foods, sugars, fried snacks, and other unhealthy foods and drinks is critical. Try to prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and more healthy fats (including fatty fish like salmon). Drinking enough water each day (especially instead of sugary sodas and juices) can help keep you hydrated while also helping digestion and metabolism.
Making these simple lifestyle adjustments can help patients get the most out of their liposuction experience and feel great about their results for many years to come. For more information on liposuction or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery. You can follow along with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional plastic surgery news, tips, practice updates, and much more.