There are plenty of fat-reduction techniques that are available today, including both invasive and non-invasive options. However, when it comes to removing unwanted fat from isolated spots like the upper arms, lower stomach, flanks, thighs, and back, traditional liposuction, as St. Louis-based West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University explains, is the preferred procedure for many physicians and patients.

Here are answer to some frequently asked questions about liposuction aftercare.

Liposuction FAQs:

Can the Weight Come Back After Liposuction?

Liposuction isn’t a weight-loss procedure, and while it can remove inches from certain areas, the remaining fat cells in those treated areas and in other parts of the body can still become enlarged if a patient were to gain new weight in the future. Patients shouldn’t depend on plastic surgery to maintain their goal weight and proportions. You also need to keep up a balanced and healthy lifestyle, get the nutrition you need from your diet, and exercise regularly.

When Can You Start Exercising Again After Liposuction?

While it’s critical to stay active after having liposuction—both as a way of preventing complications during your recovery and to enhance and maintain you results—you’ll have to wait several weeks before your body will be ready to resume strenuous gym workouts.

How Can You Prevent Weight Gain After Liposuction?

If you’re still confused about where to start, here are some tips for liposuction maintenance:

Exercise Often

When you’re still healing during your recovery from liposuction, make a habit of going for light walks once your surgeon gives you approval to do so to avoid blood clots or other complications. Getting back to your normal exercise routine and staying physically active during the rest of your day instead of being sedentary will be crucial once you’ve fully recovered. Your routine should include both cardio and weight training. Walking, running, cycling, swimming, and playing sports are all good ways of getting the exercise you need. Make a habit of moving more, even when you’re not at the gym, by exercising at your desk, walking during your lunch break, standing up while at work, and taking the stairs.

Change Your Diet

Exercise on its own won’t be of much benefit if you aren’t also taking charge of your diet. Include more lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in your diet while restricting your intake of processed sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Get Enough Sleep

An adequate amount of quality sleep is essential for avoiding weight gain. When we don’t get enough sleep, the lack of proper rest leads to increased appetite, disruption of the circadian rhythms, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Not to mention, when you aren’t getting the amount of sleep that you need, you have less energy for physical activities.

Manage Stress

If you want to keep weight off, try to lower your stress levels. Chronic or poorly managed stress often results in high levels of a stress hormone called cortisol that increases your appetite, triggers emotional eating, makes you crave sugary snacks, may lead to you sleeping or exercising less and skipping meals, and slows down your metabolism. High levels of stress have also been shown to increase unwanted abdominal fat even among otherwise slim individuals. Prioritizing exercise and using stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, reading, drawing, painting, or listening to music will help you to cope better.

Hydrate

Drinking more water can help you avoid eating too many calories from food, as thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Water also reduces your appetite, makes you feel fuller, makes you eat less, helps your brain and skin function as they should, and will enhance your performance and endurance when you’re exercising. Try to get about eight 8-ounce glasses of plain water each day instead of having sugary or caffeinated drinks.

For more information on liposuction, contact West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University. Call them at (314) 996-8800, or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation.