This procedure can target specific parts of the body where deposits of fat tend to collect and help you achieve the body contours you’d like. The areas that liposuction is usually used on include the tummy, buttocks, thighs, hips and arms, although it can also help with fatty deposits in places such as the neck and face.
Liposuction isn’t a way of losing weight, though – it’s used to change certain areas of the body to become a more desired shape. During liposuction treatment, a suction technique removes fat via a thin tube called a cannula, loosening the fat before it’s removed.
The benefits of liposuction can include:
- A decrease in the volume of body fat
- A more contoured and lean appearance
- The ability to wear different types of clothing
- A body shape that’s more in proportion
- An improvement in self confidence levels
The results achieved from liposuction can be significant for the person involved – but it’s important to have realistic expectations. Although fat cells have been removed permanently, some will inevitably still remain, so maintaining your new body shape long term will need commitment.
If you start to put on weight after having liposuction, the distribution of fat in your body may change and so you may start to accumulate fat in areas that weren’t treated. Taking care of yourself by following a healthy lifestyle will help you enjoy your more contoured shape well into the future.
Eat a nutritional, balanced diet
Choose foods which are high in vitamins and minerals as well as taste, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and try to restrict your intake of food which is high in saturated fat and sugar. And make sure that your portion sizes aren’t too large – you can find a handy guide from the British Nutrition Foundation here.
Drink plenty of water
You can boost your health and help to maintain your liposuction results by replacing soft and sports drinks with good old-fashioned still water. Simple steps such as drinking a glass of water before a meal, setting reminders to sip water and using a refillable water bottle can help you increase the volume of water you drink daily.
Follow a regular exercise routine
Once you’ve recovered sufficiently from your liposuction procedure, you should try to exercise daily – 30 minutes or more should be your target if you’d like to make sure that your results stay at their optimum level. Start with low-intensity workouts and build up from there.
It’s important that you speak to your surgeon before having liposuction and ask them any questions you have about maintaining the results you achieve. They’ll guide you and let you know what to realistically expect at every stage of your treatment journey and beyond, so that you have the best opportunity to ensure your results last a lifetime.
