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Here's how to maintain the results.
By Patrick Hsu — Written on May 15, 2018
In all its essence, the presence of fat in the body is not entirely bad. A healthy amount of body fat can provide energy while stimulating the functions of the internal organs. At its best, fat can actually be good for our bodies.
However, when the amount of fat stored in our bodies becomes excessive, its presence can yield a number of serious consequences on our health and aesthetics.
Fat becomes harmful when it begins to accumulate inside the body. This could lead to a number of serious problems that include high blood pressure, obesity, an elevated cholesterol level, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Many physicians recommend switching to a healthy lifestyle in order to combat the build-up of fat inside the body. This is easily accomplished by maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise.
However, while this can bring a significant change to one’s physique and body composition, it can only do so much to eliminate stubborn fat from certain sections of the body.
Because of this, some people may decide to undergo a liposuction surgery to refine the proportions of their body.
Can fat return after liposuction?
While the results of liposuction are permanent, a common fear many patients do have is the recurrence of fat in the years following surgery.
While it is possible for fat to return to the body after liposuction, the idea that it only accumulates in areas not affected by surgery is false. Weight gain is something that happens all over the body.
To most, the idea of undergoing liposuction surgery may seem very attractive. This misconception comes as a major disadvantage to many patients who continue their lives under the assumption that once the fat is gone, it remains gone, which can lead many to regain their lost fat.
To prevent the build-up of unwanted fat and stop weight gain after liposuction, follow these 7 tips:
1. Live and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle remains to be the single, most practical way to prevent gaining excess fat.
A balanced diet regulates daily calorie intake while physical activities encourage the body to use stored fat as energy and fuel.
2. Build muscle mass.
Muscles are calorie-burning engines that consume more calories than the rest of the body. Strength training combined with aerobic exercise helps build lean muscle mass.
This helps the body burn calories more efficiently.
3. Add high protein food to your breakfast.
Muscles are made up of proteins, specifically amino acids. Low-fat proteins assist in building lean muscle mass.
Additionally, it also maintains the body’s natural metabolism, stabilizing blood sugar and energy. High protein meals during breakfast can help the body through a busy day.
4. Frequently eat smaller portions.
Skipping meals will cause the body’s metabolism to slow down, resulting in weight gain. To reverse this, it is ideal to eat in small servings to lessen food cravings and the body’s overall caloric intake.
It is also advised to avoid diets that would deprive the body of essential nutrients. These diets will only aggravate weight gain. It can urge patients to binge eat once the diet has been completed.
5. Drinking a lot of water.
Drinking water has a number of benefits that can help maintain weight after surgery:
- It increases the calories burned by the body by 24 percent to 30 percent.
- It lowers body mass index and body fat.
- It minimizes appetite.
6. Keep moving.
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of weight gain. It can cause parts of the body to sag, especially in areas where fat is stored.
To prevent this from happening, avoid sitting for extended periods. Standing up and moving your legs every twenty to thirty minutes can keep those fat flabs away.
7. Reduce stress.
Stress is a leading cause of weight gain. It prompts the body to release cortisol, a hormone that triggers the urge to overeat.
By learning to relax, the body moderates its cortisol level and prevents the impulse to binge eat fast-food.
Liposuction And A Healthier Way Of Life
Time and again, we remind patients that cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction, are not substitutes for weight loss.
Indeed, cosmetic surgery is not an alternative to traditional weight loss. It is an option for patients who are close to their ideal weight and body shape.
This is why many board-certified plastic surgeons stress the importance of a healthy and an active lifestyle. Regular exercise and diet can go a long way to maintain weight after liposuction surgery.
As long as these habits are set, the goal of having a well-proportioned and healthy body is achievable in the safest way possible.
Dr. Patrick Hsu is a leading Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Reconstructive Microsurgeon, specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has extensive experience operating on the face, breasts, and body.