Although picking a plastic surgeon and preparing for your liposuction appointment are both crucial steps to getting excellent results, the work isn’t over just yet. Once you come home and are well on your way towards recovery, you might be wondering if you still need to exercise after liposuction, or if troublesome fat is simply gone for good.
These four liposuction recovery tips will answer that common question and help you get and keep the best results from your body contouring treatment.
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Wear Your Compression Garment
Your plastic surgeon will most likely ask you that wear a special compression garment for the first few weeks of liposuction recovery. This helps to reduce swelling and discomfort, as well as improve your final contours.
Try to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions for wearing your compression garment as closely as you can for the best results. At first, he or she may ask that you wear this garment at all times. However, as your recovery continues to progress, you may be able to wear it only for a few hours during the day or at night.
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Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Don’t worry about “dieting” while you’re still recovering from liposuction. Although swelling after lipo can make you feel bloated, this is a temporary side effect that should gradually subside over the next days and weeks.
While you heal, your body needs healthy foods to aid in the recovery process. Eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins is an excellent way to give your body a boost. Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as you recuperate.
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Exercise after Liposuction
Many people wonder if getting liposuction means that they can ditch their gym membership and still keep the same slim, sleek results. While lipo does remove fat cells for good, it is still possible to gain new fat in the same areas if you forego your healthy diet and exercise habits.
That said, you’ll need to limit your physical activity after liposuction until your plastic surgeon gives you the okay to increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. While you recover, you are encouraged to get up and walk around the house or go for a light walk outside if you’re feeling up to it. This can help to promote blood flow and aid in healing.
Exercise and liposuction go together like peanut butter and jelly. Just make sure you check with your plastic surgeon before getting back to your regular workout routine.
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Give Your Body Time
Your liposuction results will gradually develop over the next weeks and months, so be patient as your body continues to heal and your final results begin to take shape. Remember that swelling can take a few months to completely dissipate, so try not to get hung up on the number on the scale while you’re still recovering.
If you have any questions or concerns during this process, don’t hesitate to give your plastic surgeon’s office a call. They can help you determine what is to be expected after liposuction and what might require an office visit.
With time, a healthy diet and the right amount of exercise, you can help your body heal as efficiently as possible and see great long-lasting results after liposuction.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
