How to Avoid Weight Gain after Plastic Surgery

Patients often undergo body contouring surgery to reduce fat in certain areas of the body, or remove areas of excess skin that have developed as a result of weight gain. When patients don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery, they run the risk of gaining weight and stretching out the skin again, reversing the results of the cosmetic surgery procedures. In most cases, this is because of a lack of proper diet and exercise. Women who have undergone liposuction and tummy tuck procedures want to be especially careful not to gain weight, which will counteract the effects of surgery. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid weight gain after plastic surgery.

Causes of Weight Gain

There are two main causes for the weight that some women gain after plastic surgery. These include an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as the swelling and collection of fluids that result from surgery. Both of these causes can be addressed, but in different ways.

The first few weeks after a surgery, even a woman who normally lives a healthy lifestyle will experience swelling as a normal part of the healing process. This will gradually subside during the first six weeks of the healing process. In addition, fluids may accumulate in the treatment area. This accumulation of fluids may add pounds, but will eventually drain out of the body.

Weight gain as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle is the concern. A woman who is normally very active can gain weight if she spends weeks without exercising, in order to heal. During the healing period, patients should maintain a healthy diet, especially because they will be unable to engage in heavy exercise at this time; they can also engage in light walks. Following the first six weeks after surgery, patients should continue to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Diet

After plastic surgery, not only is eating right essential to the healing process, it is also essential to preventing weight gain. It is very easy to opt for fast food or junk food. However, these foods can depress the metabolism and cause the patient to quickly gain weight. Patients should stick to fruits and vegetables that are high in the nutrients the body needs.

Exercise

Though heavy exercise should be avoided, at least for the first few weeks after plastic surgery, the patient should return to activity as soon as the doctor approves it. Maintaining the results of a liposuction procedure can be difficult if the patient is not willing to put in the requisite exercise. During the healing process, low-impact cardio exercises will likely be the patient’s primary exercise. Once the patient is allowed to lift heavy objects, he or she should begin lifting weights to build up muscle mass and rev up the metabolism. Exercise is an integral part of losing or maintaining weight. Exercise should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet to avoid gaining weight.

To schedule a body contouring consultation, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery at your earliest convenience.