Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the country. After investing time and money into surgery, Dr. Mark Lowney’s patients understandably want to maintain their results as long as possible. Although liposuction removes selective areas of targeted fat, it does not prevent future weight gain.
Some of Dr. Lowney’s liposuction patients have asked whether there is a special diet they should follow or things not to do after liposuction to help preserve the outcomes of surgery. A balanced diet of nutritious foods (coupled with regular exercise) can help stave off weight gain. If you are looking for some general guidelines, Dr. Lowney, a top plastic surgeon in Massachusetts, has some helpful information for you in this post.
What Should You Eat After Lipo?
After lipo, your body will need plenty of nutrients to help it mount an effective healing response. A balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight and protect your results. Make sure you are consuming plenty of the following:
- Fruits and vegetables – especially leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits
- Lean protein – seafood, poultry, eggs, beans, lean beef
- Whole grains – brown rice, quinoa, barley, oat
- Healthy fats – nuts, olive oil, seeds, olives
How much and how frequently you eat after liposuction can play a part in preventing weight gain. Eating several smaller meals during the day instead of three large meals can help you keep your energy levels up and avoid hunger pangs. Hydration is equally important, as it helps digestion, metabolism, and controlling hunger.
What Should You Avoid Eating After Lipo?
It’s crucial to fill your diet with healthy foods. But it’s equally important to cut back on unhealthy selections. Try to avoid weight gain by limiting your consumption of the following types of foods:
- Sugary foods or beverages – cookies, candies, cake, ice cream, soda, sports drinks, energy drinks
- Simple carbohydrates – white rice, white bread, white pasta, pastries
- Saturated fats – cream, butter, whole milk dairy products, fatty meats
It is important to build little splurges into your diet after liposuction so you don’t feel deprived. Treat yourself to a cookie or a bowl of ice cream occasionally. But be smart about your “cheats” so you don’t get too far off track from your healthy diet. You’ll most likely notice changes to your taste preferences as your body gets used to consuming healthy foods. With time, your cravings for unhealthy sweets and heavily processed foods may fade away almost entirely.
Are There Other Ways to Maintain Liposuction Results?
A slimmer and sleeker contour and greater self-esteem can be great motivators to refine your diet, develop and stick to good exercise habits, and continue toning up. Along with eating a healthy diet, here are some additional liposuction aftercare tips to protect and maintain your liposuction results:
- Follow your provider’s post-lipo instructions diligently. Doing so will help you enjoy a shorter recovery time and decrease your risk of post-operative complications.
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day. This will boost your overall health and help you feel satiated, making you less likely to consume excess calories.
- Begin exercising as soon as your provider clears you to do so. Don’t hit the gym too hard too fast, though. You don’t want to take a step backward in your recovery. Instead, ease into your workouts and slowly increase them based on your tolerance.
- Add resistance training to your weekly exercise routine. Do resistance training at least three days per week. This will help you maintain lean muscle mass and speed up your metabolism. Follow your provider’s after-liposuction care instructions and only incorporate resistance training once you’re cleared.
Achieving long-term results after liposuction requires diligence and hard work. However, staying healthy and maintaining a sleek, sculpted physique is well worth the effort.
Schedule A Liposuction Consultation With DR. LOWNEY
Ready to achieve the sculpted body you’ve always wanted? Consult with Dr. Mark X. Lowney, also known as Dr. FeelGood, for expert liposuction treatments in Fall River, MA. Serving Providence and all of Bristol County, Dr. Lowney combines artistry with advanced techniques to deliver stunning, personalized results. With his extensive experience and compassionate care, you’ll feel confident and supported every step of the way. Take the first step toward a more confident you—schedule your consultation today and discover how liposuction can help you love the way you look!