What Not to Do After Liposuction for a Better Result?
Body Plastic SurgeryLiposuction is a cosmetic procedure through which a suction device extracts unwanted fat deposits from different body parts -arms, stomach, neck, buttock, thighs, chin-. Various liposuction methods, such as laser-assisted, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and VASER liposuction, are practiced today, each of which has pros and cons.
After this surgery, understanding what not to do after liposuction is vital for a successful recovery. Postoperative care is crucial in promoting healing and avoiding potential side effects. In this article, we'll focus on essential aspects of liposuction aftercare, highlighting what not to do after liposuction and providing valuable insights into foods to avoid after liposuction to optimize your recovery process and achieve the best results.
Things to Avoid After Liposuction
The liposuction recovery time depends on many factors, such as the number of treated areas, the amount of fat suctioned out, the method of surgery, and how well the body reacts to the surgery. Usually, the patients can return to their everyday life within three weeks. Still, if they consider the following tips, they can minimize the complications of the surgery and shorten the recovery time.
Avoid driving
Some plastic surgeons recommend that patients avoid driving for two weeks after the surgery as they may put pressure on the stitches or cause an injury. Moreover, you will probably be dizzy for a week due to the anesthesia, so it's better to ask someone to drive you around while you recover.
Avoid smoking
Smoking tobacco can interfere with your medications and recovery process. In some cases, smoking can cause excessive bleeding and the formation of keloids (prominent scars that need chemical or surgical treatment). Therefore, you should avoid smoking for at least a month after lipo surgery.
Do not wear too tight clothes.
Having a slimmer waist and flat stomach tempts anyone to wear tight clothes. However, you must wear loose, comfortable clothes for two weeks after surgery. Wearing fit clothes for long hours can pressure your operated area and affect your overall contour.
Do not stay up late at night.
Eight hours of sleep after lipo surgery can help your body save energy for healing wounds. Reducing screen time at night and sleeping properly during the first ten days after the operation is suggested.
Do not scrub and scratch the stitches.
Scratching the itchy wounds or scrubbing them when bathing can be tempting after lipo surgery, but you should avoid doing it as it will cause scarring and may open up the wounds.
Do not stay in bed all day.
Although getting enough rest is necessary for recovering from liposuction surgery, taking short walks around the house a couple of days after the surgery is suggested. Staying in bed all day can cause the formation of a blood clot in your veins and put your life in danger.
Avoid taking the medication without your doctor's approval
Some OTC medications, supplements, multivitamins, and ointments may interfere with your prescribed medications and negatively affect your body. You should refrain from taking medications without your surgeon's permission to prevent such complications.
Avoid home remedies
Herbal tea, creams, and capsules may thin your blood and cause bleeding or increase swelling and scarring. Although some home remedies have anti-inflammatory and soothing features, they should be used only under the doctor's supervision.
Don't miss your doctor's appointments.
For the first two weeks after the operation, keep in touch with your healthcare provider and ask your questions from them. Your doctor will ask you for a checkup three to five days after the surgery. Your stitches, body contour, and vital signs will be checked during this appointment. Contact your doctor immediately if you have had excessive bleeding, fever, gradually developing pain, abnormal swelling, severe bleeding, green or yellow discharges, and constant vomiting.
Liposuction Aftercare Tips
After liposuction surgery, your surgeon will provide you with detailed guidelines. Following your doctor's instructions will give you a better body contour, and your recovery time will be much shorter. In the following, some of the most important things you should do after liposuction surgery are briefly mentioned. Additionally, understanding what not to do after liposuction is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
- Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet;
- Get enough rest to let your body heal properly;
- Avoid smoking any form of nicotine and drinking alcohol;
- Avoid complete bed rest. You need to go for short walks from a day after the surgery to prevent the formation of blood clots;
- Wear compression garments all day, except for the time you get a shower;
- Take your medications, such as painkillers, antibiotics, and anticoagulants, as you have been instructed;
- Avoid taking OTC medications, supplements, multivitamins, and herbal teas without your doctor's permission;
- Be aware of warning signs such as high fever, green or yellow discharges, severe bleeding, etc.;
- Avoid doing strenuous activities;
- Stay hydrated. You need at least six glasses of water a day to recover faster and prevent scarring and
- Keep the incisions clean and away from direct sunlight and injury.
How Long After Lipo Can I Have Sexual Intercourse?
Patients often wonder, "How long after lipo can I have sex?" It's important to note that the timing for resuming sexual activity may vary based on individual recovery progress and the specific instructions provided by the surgeon. In the realm of post-liposuction considerations, the term "lipo sex" refers to the cautious approach one should take. After lipo surgery, your body needs time to recover and adjust to its changes. If you have undergone invasive liposuction methods, especially on your abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and waist, you should refrain from having sex for at least three weeks.
But if liposuction has been performed on your chin, arms, neck, and ankle, you can resume your sexual activity a week after the surgery. Make a mental note that positions that apply pressure on the sutures can cause more swelling, bruising, and scarring, so they should be avoided until your stitches are fully healed.
Is it Forbidden to Exercise after Lipo Surgery?
Heavy exercises such as karate, weightlifting, wrestling, rock climbing, hiking, biking, running, playing volleyball and basketball, swimming, etc., should be avoided for at least six weeks after lipo surgery. Also, bending, leaning, and lifting or pushing heavy objects can tear up the stitches and hurt the abdominal wall. Therefore, you must avoid these strenuous activities for a month or more. If you have a labor-intensive job, take three weeks off, and if you have a preschool child, ask someone to take care of them for a couple of weeks until your wounds are healed.
Foods to Avoid After Liposuction
After liposuction surgery, a balanced and healthy diet can help promote cell growth, reduce swelling, and boost your immune system. Foods rich in protein, such as fish, chicken breast, whole grains, red meat, and nuts, increase the speed of tissue and skin regeneration. Also, foods rich in magnesium and vitamins C and D, such as spinach, salmon, egg yolk, pumpkin seed, banana, and beans, can minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of infection.
Besides the things that must be added to your post-lipo diet, certain foods should be avoided during and after the liposuction recovery period. Read on to get more information about foods to avoid after liposuction.
Saturated fats
According to the American Heart Association, saturated fats in animal by-products (meat, cheese, butter, yogurt, egg) should be limited as they can increase cholesterol levels and cause heart problems. Also, it would be best if you refrained from having saturated fats after lipo surgery so that you don’t lose weight after the procedure.
Sugar
Having sugary foods and drinks after liposuction surgery can negatively affect your immune system, increase your blood pressure, interfere with your mineral balance, and cause weight gain. So, you must limit your sugar intake, especially artificial sweeteners, which cause serious health hazards.
Sodium
The body needs sodium to conduct nerve impulses and keep the blood flowing. However, after liposuction surgery, salty foods will increase your swelling, dehydrate your body, and increase your blood pressure. So, limiting your sodium intake to 500 mg a day is suggested. Instead of salt, you can use herbs and spices to make your food tasty.
Fast foods
Fast foods contain unhealthy fats and calories, increasing the risk of obesity and heart disease. Also, they are rich in sodium, carbohydrates, trans fats, and processed ingredients and have low fiber and nutrients, all of which cause bloating, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Therefore, having fast food after liposuction should be avoided for at least three months.
Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbs found in white bread, pasta, sodas, cereals, sweets, pizza dough, white rice, and other starch-based foods cause insulin resistance and weight gain, so they should be removed from your post-liposuction diet.
Processed meat
Hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, and chicken nuggets are rich in salt and chemical preservatives and should be avoided after liposuction as they worsen the postoperative liposuction symptoms.
Canned and frozen foods
Since canned and frozen foods are altered during preparation, they lack the necessary nutrients and can cause malnutrition after the liposuction surgery. So, replacing them with fresh foods and vegetables is recommended as long as you heal from the operation.
Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Healing after Lipo Surgery?
Drinking alcoholic beverages -even the light ones- will interfere with your postoperative medications, dehydrate your body, cause inflammation, harm your digestive system, cause vomiting, and prolong your healing process. Therefore, you should avoid alcohol for at least four weeks after liposuction surgery.
Conclusion
Liposuction is a body plastic surgery that enhances your appearance by removing fat pockets from your body. You should follow instructions comprising dos and don'ts to obtain the desired results and speed up recovery.
Iran is the best destination if you intend to get liposuction in high-quality hospitals at a fair price. Contact Raadina Co. for more info about the cost of liposuction in Iran, the best Iranian plastic surgeons, how to get an Iran medical visa, etc.
FAQ About What Not to Do After Liposuction
1) Can I resume normal activities immediately after liposuction?
It is important to avoid strenuous activities for at least a few weeks after the procedure, so you should take it easy for a little while.
2) Can I eat whatever I want after liposuction?
Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding excessive calorie intake is recommended to maintain the results of liposuction.
3) Can I drink alcohol after liposuction?
Alcohol should be avoided for at least a week or as advised by your surgeon, as it can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
4) Can I smoke cigarettes after liposuction?
Smoking should be avoided completely before and after liposuction, as it can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
5) Can I wear tight clothing immediately after liposuction?
It is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing for a few weeks post-surgery to allow proper healing and reduce discomfort.
6) Can I skip wearing compression garments after liposuction?
Compression garments are essential for proper healing and contouring, so they should be worn as your surgeon instructs.
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