Liposuction is an effective way to eliminate stubborn fat deposits that won’t go away. Millions of people turn to this procedure to help bridge the gap where diet and exercise fall short. Maintaining results after the procedure requires an array of healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing and prevent unwanted fat from returning. Use the following tips to help ensure your liposuction results last well after the surgery.
Follow Postoperative Instructions
One of the most important measures you can take to maintain liposuction results is to follow all postoperative instructions provided by Dr. Racanelli. Those will include avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity and keeping incision sites dry and clean. Take prescribed medications as instructed.
Be sure to adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations regarding compression garments as well. These garments help to reduce swelling while also ensuring your skin tightens properly after liposuction. Your surgeon will offer further information about the compression garment you need so you can learn how it works and understand its importance.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet after liposuction is also essential. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are rich in essential nutrients, and they’ll help you heal properly. They’ll also keep your immune system strong. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive amounts of fats and carbohydrates. Portion control is key as well. Keeping fats and carbohydrates at a minimum and exercising portion control will help keep you from overeating and gaining weight, which could detract from your liposuction results.
Be sure to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, too. Water bolsters your metabolism, maintains skin elasticity, and helps to flush out toxins. It also fosters healing by maintaining blood volume to ensure oxygen and nutrients are properly delivered throughout your body. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting ample sleep after liposuction is crucial as well. That’ll further promote healing. Your body recharges while you’re sleeping. Blood flow increases, delivering extra oxygen and nutrients throughout your body so skin and muscle cells can regenerate. At the same time, adequate sleep works in tandem with hydration and a balanced diet to boost your immunity. Besides all that, you’ll feel better if you get plenty of rest.
Exercise Regularly
Though you’ll need to avoid rigorous exercise for the first few weeks after liposuction, physical activity is essential. It’ll help you maintain overall health while also preventing weight gain that could interfere with the results of the procedure. Remaining active helps to prevent blood clots and other complications as well. Start off slowly with walking and other light activities, and ramp up your exercise from there. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding physical activity.
Limit Tobacco and Alcohol
Limiting, or altogether ceasing, tobacco use and alcohol consumption after liposuction is advised. Smoking hampers the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and increases the risk of infection after surgery. Alcohol depletes the body’s supply of nutrients and increases the risk of dehydration. Those are only a few of the ways smoking and drinking alcohol after liposuction can impede healing and interfere with the results of the procedure.
Stay Positive
Staying positive is a critical part of the healing process as well. Think positively, and remember that swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal parts of the recovery process. Be patient with your body, and remember that the full results of the procedure will be more noticeable after those symptoms subside. Healing takes time, so don’t get discouraged. If you need help with certain activities, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon with any concerns or issues you have, either.
Maintaining and Maximizing Your Liposuction Results
By keeping these tips in mind, you can optimize and maintain the results of your liposuction procedure. Additionally, be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon. Those allow your surgeon to monitor your results and address any issues that may arise before they worsen or significantly affect your health and results.
