Liposuction removes fat deposits that may prove unresponsive to diet and exercise. Once this fat is removed, it cannot grow back, which makes liposuction “permanent.”
Here’s the catch: liposuction results cannot be undone, but they do not make you impervious to weight gain, either. If you do not take steps to maintain your liposuction results, new fat pockets will form, bringing with them the same problems as those you have had removed through liposuction: lumpy and unattractive areas of the body that cannot be contoured through diet and exercise.
While diet and exercise may not be an effective way of addressing stubborn fat in the belly, buttocks, and thighs, these things are absolutely essential for keeping new fat from accumulating following your liposuction procedure. During your time in the care of our board-certified plastic surgeon, we will discuss liposuction result maintenance to help you develop tools that will work to keep your body toned, attractive, and healthy, for years to come.
Diet After Liposuction
Following liposuction, it is best to adopt a healthy diet. This should include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nuts, legumes, and seeds
- Complex carbohydrates
- Lean proteins
To help keep new pockets of fat from accumulating post-liposuction, it is important that you limit your intake of foods that are heavily processed, sugary, or loaded with artificial colors and ingredients. As a rule of thumb, avoiding “boxed foods” is not a bad idea.
Of course, enjoying desserts and having the occasional mid-day sweet is okay, just be smart about them.
Your diet after liposuction can open up a world of flavors and ingredients you might not have even known existed. Trying out new recipes and finding exciting new combinations can make mealtime fun – all while having a positive impact on your overall health.
If you have a hard time meal planning or if you find the idea of transforming your diet to be overwhelming, try working with a nutritionist. A professional can help you find the foods that work best with your body, which may be very helpful for long-term success.
Exercise After Liposuction
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (DPHP) recommends that adults get at least some physical activity in every day. According to the department’s Active Adult Guidelines, this should include:
- 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) each week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as brisk walking or tennis)
- 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as jogging or swimming laps)
- An equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity*
In addition to aerobic exercise, it is important to perform strength training activities such as weight lifting or using resistance bands at least twice a week. While doing muscle-strengthening activities, be sure to work every major muscle group with moderate to high intensity.
As with diet, it can be challenging to begin a new exercise regimen and, with so many disciplines, it can be difficult to know where to start. Working with a personal trainer or taking group classes is a great way to begin safely incorporating more physical activity.
There are hundreds of opportunities in our area for both one-on-one and group-style fitness, making it easier to begin incorporating them into your week.
Keeping liposuction results requires a minimal amount of effort. Enhancing results will require a bit more. The DPHP suggests greater health benefits can be obtained by increasing moderate-intensity aerobic activity to five hours each week and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity to 150 minutes each week. More strength training can also help enhance results.
What is S.A.F.E.Lipo
Our award-winning Andover plastic surgeon offers S.A.F.E.Lipo, an advanced liposuction procedure that is designed to minimize risks while optimizing results. Less traumatic and invasive than some other liposuction options, S.A.F.E.Lipo does not rely on heat or lasers, like SmartLipo, nor does it rely on force, like power-assisted liposuction. Instead, S.A.F.E.Lipo utilizes a specially designed probe to break fat deposits apart before mechanically emulsifying them for easy removal.
S.A.F.E.Lipo allows for a shorter liposuction recovery period and reduces risks of postoperative bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.
Following fat removal with S.A.F.E.Lipo, a combination of fat grafting and fat shifting are performed to smooth contours and produce a naturally appealing result. This step is unique to the S.A.F.E.Lipo technique and gives it one more distinct advantage over tumescent lipo, laser lipo, and ultrasound lipo.
With S.A.F.E.Lipo, risks of lumpy, uneven, wavy, or dimpled skin in the treatment area are eliminated.
Due to its increased safety, efficiency, and efficacy, Dr. Chatson has decided to only offer S.A.F.E.Lipo at his Andover and Nashua offices. During your initial consultation, we can discuss this in greater detail to help you better understand the advantages offered by this unique and effective liposuction technique.
Why Chose Dr. Chatson
Dr. George Chatson is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has decades of experience providing men and women in New England with the most effective treatments available. A recipient of the HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, Dr. Chatson has been selected as a Top Plastic Surgeon by northshore magazine, and is considered a “Core” contributor on RealSelf.Com. But these are byproducts of his dedication to patients, not the driving force behind his practice.
Dr. Chatson is dedicated to providing the safest and most effective treatments for our patients and, while this dedication has earned him recognition and awards, it’s patient satisfaction that truly drives the practice. If you are looking for an honest, effective, caring, and committed plastic surgeon in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, Dr. Chatson welcomes an opportunity to meet with you and learn how he can help you reach your goals.
Call 603-882-2103 to schedule a consultation at our Nashua office. From this location, we serve Manchester, Salem, and all surrounding areas of New Hampshire. If you live in Lowell, Tewksbury, Lawrence, or surrounding areas of Massachusetts, call our Andover office at 978-687-1151 to schedule a consultation.
