People who have stubborn fatty areas of their body that can’t be addressed through diet and exercise may turn to liposuction to get rid of the fat in those target areas. This isn’t a procedure that’s done to help with weight loss. Instead, it’s done to contour the body to give the person a body shape they’re comfortable with.
Proper self-care is critical after liposuction because the procedure doesn’t prevent fat cells from coming back. This means that a proper diet and exercise program is necessary.
Exercise post-liposuction
In the immediate period after the liposuction procedure, the person will be restricted on what they’re allowed to do. This usually lasts four to six weeks, but the surgeon, such as Dr. Joel Aronowitz, will provide custom instructions for each patient. During that period, it’s usually acceptable to walk since that will improve circulation and help to minimize the risk of post-operative blood clots.
Once the surgeon releases the person to increase activity, they should do so slowly. Trying to jump right back into what they were doing before they had liposuction can lead to them injuring themselves. Ideally, the person will be able to incorporate strength training and cardiovascular exercises into their daily activities.
Healthy eating after liposuction
A nutrient-dense diet can make a big difference in the healing and overall health of the person after liposuction. Being mindful of portion sizes and eating whole foods, such as lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, is beneficial.
Processed, sugary, or salty foods should be avoided, if possible. If they’re not completely avoided, they should only be eaten minimally.
Hydration is also important after liposuction. Staying hydrated can aid healing, improve digestion, and control hunger. The ideal beverage to drink is water, but some surgeons may recommend electrolyte replacement options on top of the person’s daily water intake.
Long-term expectations
The visible effects of liposuction won’t be noticeable for weeks to months after the procedure is done. It’s easy to get discouraged before then because of the swelling and redness that makes the area look bad; however, those are only temporary effects.
Going to follow-up appointments with the surgeon, such as Joel Aronowitz MD, who performed the liposuction is a good way to monitor the progress until the results are noticeable. Once the full results are noticeable, the person will likely have a great boost in body confidence and self-esteem.
