If you’ve been dreaming of removing those stubborn fat deposits for a while, a liposuction is the surest way to accomplish your goals. Some people have difficulty losing weight in certain areas, as genetics and hormones also play a role in body fat distribution, not just what you eat and how often you exercise.
While the procedure is not a weight loss tool, it can eliminate excess fat and refine your silhouette with a short recovery time, in a way no diet or exercise can, by removing fat even in areas resistant to lifestyle changes.
Our expert, double board-certified cosmetic facial plastic surgeon Oren Friedman, MD, uses liposuction to bring alive the desired contours on your face, chin, neck, and your whole body. To help you out, we asked him what the four essential steps are to ensure you’re making the most of your liposuction.
Swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort are part of the process; however, there are ways you can ensure you’ll recover gracefully.
Quitting smoking for at least two weeks prior to the procedure is a must, as nicotine restricts blood flow and compromises your skin’s ability to heal. Hydration also helps, as hydrated tissues heal faster.
Staying away from inflammatory foods and opting for fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can also help in your recovery.
Follow Dr. Friedman’s instructions on wearing compression garments, as this is one of the most important steps in your recovery. Compression garments help you achieve beautiful contours after the procedure, as the empty space left after removing fat needs to close and adhere to the underlying muscle for a smooth result. Compression garments also lessen swelling and prevent fluid collection.
Lying in bed throughout your entire recovery isn’t recommended, but at the same time, becoming too active too soon carries its own risks. Gentle walks can help improve blood flow and prevent complications such as blood clots without pushing your body too hard.
Once removed, fat cells can’t regenerate; however, your remaining fat cells can still expand in a caloric surplus. In other words, maintaining your current weight will also help maintain your results.
If you’ve always wanted to address a certain area and are curious about what liposuction can do for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our offices in Philadelphia or Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Dr. Friedman will let you know whether you’re a good candidate for liposuction and what results you’re likely to see from it.
