You Got Liposuction Surgery. Now What?

Liposuction surgery can be a truly transformative procedure because it can get rid of stubborn fat in not only your midsection, but also in your thighs, flanks, back, arms, and under the chin. However, achieving long-lasting results takes more than just showing up for surgery. Here are a few tips for maintaining your liposuction results.

Follow Post-Op Instructions.

Following your doctor’s post-op orders is essential for any cosmetic surgery. Before your surgery date, make sure to go over these instructions with your surgeon, so you will be prepared when you get home from surgery. Every surgeon’s list will be a little different, but board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gustavo Galante tells his plastic surgery patients in Schererville, IN, that basic liposuction post-op instructions include:

• Have a close friend or family member drive you home from surgery. You will need them to stay with you for at least the first day to help you around the house.
• Take your prescriptions as instructed.
• Call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, excess swelling, shooting pain, or foul-smelling drainage.
• Avoid vigorous activities for a full 2 weeks after surgery.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for several weeks after surgery.
• Do not drive until you have stopped taking pain medication.

These instructions are non-negotiable if you want a smooth recovery. Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon questions to clarify—err on the side of caution.

Eat Healthy.

Maintaining a healthy diet is very important because it is possible for fat to return after liposuction. However, if you gain weight after your procedure, your results typically will be less dramatic. To optimize your results, stick to a healthy eating plan. It’s okay to have a treat occasionally, but you should always be mindful of what you are putting in your body.

• Try to sneak fruits and veggies into every snack and meal. Half of your plate should be filled with red, orange, and dark green vegetables. The more colorful your plate is, the more likely that you are getting the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs.
• Cut out refined-grains, like white bread and pasta; instead, incorporate whole-grain food into your diet. Quinoa, brown rice, and rolled oats are much healthier options that will fill you up and give you energy for your day.
• Choose organic, lean meats instead of processed meats. Swap sausage, corned beef, and salami for chicken and salmon, which are healthier sources of protein.

Stay Hydrated.

Drinking water is important for all bodily functions of course, but it is also a big part of maintaining a stable weight.

• Always keep a reusable water bottle with you—at work, running errands, and at the gym.
• Cut soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks from your diet completely. Their added sugar is detrimental to a healthy diet.
• Try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water for some added flavor.

Stay Active.

As stated earlier, after liposuction, you must avoid all rigorous activity for about 2 weeks. However, most plastic surgeons recommend that you get up and walk around soon after surgery. After the first week you can begin light activity, but make sure to listen to your body. If you feel any pain, take it back a notch. Ease back into more intense workouts.

After your recovery, you should try to incorporate some physical activity into your routine every day:

• Go for a walk on your lunch break.
• Request a standing desk at work. Sitting from 9-5 every day can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues.
• Sign up for fitness classes like Pilates and yoga at your gym. Invite friends to come along for even more motivation.
• If you don’t have a gym membership, try downloading at-home workout apps on your phone.

Reduce Stress.

When you are stressed, your levels of the hormone cortisol rise. This increase can cause higher insulin levels, so your blood sugar drops and makes you crave sugary, fatty foods. Long-term stress can cause weight gain, which as you know, will compromise your liposuction results. For both a healthy body and mind, take time to destress each day.

• Meditate—just a few minutes every day can help ease your feelings of stress.
• Try breathing exercises. They are a great way to relax, reduce tension in your body, and relieve anxiety.
• Reflect on your day. Before you go to bed each night, think of something you are thankful for. Going to bed in a bad mood can affect your sleep and impact emotions and production the following day.

If you want to learn more about how to maintain your liposuction results, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon. He or she will be able to give you more tips on how to look your best for years to come.