Common body contouring procedures include tummy tucks, breast lifts, thigh lifts, arm lifts, and liposuction. These procedures use various techniques to remove excess skin and fat and tighten underlying tissue. Body contouring can help create a more shapely, fit appearance by enhancing muscle definition and reducing bulges.
Though not a weight loss solution itself, body contouring is an option for refining body shape and tightening loose skin after significant weight loss. However, maintaining the results after body contouring requires effort on your part. By eating a healthy diet and staying active, you can preserve the beautiful new contours for years to come.
Watch Your Diet
After undergoing body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. The results of body contouring are not permanent without adherence to proper nutrition. Maintaining the results of body contouring requires a commitment to healthy habits long term. A proper diet helps sustain a trim, toned figure following reconstructive procedures.
Reduce Calorie Intake
After body contouring surgery, it is important to be mindful of your calorie intake and adopt healthy eating habits. The procedure removes excess fat and skin but does not target visceral fat around organs. Consuming too many calories can lead to regaining fat in untreated areas. Consult with your surgeon or dietitian to determine an appropriate calorie goal based on your age, gender, activity level, and weight loss aims. Achieving long-lasting improvements requires changing lifelong eating patterns.
Exercise Regularly
Incorporate exercise into your routine as well. Exercise not only burns calories but also tones and tightens skin that may have lost elasticity after major weight loss from body contouring. Focus on strength training to build lean muscle mass through weight lifting, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises. Cardio like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming is excellent for elevating your heart rate and burning fat too.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. Break this up into several mini-workouts if needed. Getting active for even 10-15 minutes a few times a day makes a difference. Just be sure to get clearance from your surgeon before starting any strenuous exercise program after body contouring surgery.
Pay close attention to your abdominal and waist area after a tummy tuck or liposuction. Targeted core strengthening moves like planks, crunches, and oblique twists will tighten loose skin and muscles in this problem zone. Pelvic tilts and Kegel exercises also strengthen the abdominal muscles. Building strength in your abs, obliques, pelvis, and back provides core stability that can visibly define your waistline.
Optimizing your nutrition and fitness levels after body contouring takes diligence, but the payoff is worth it. By maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle, you can enjoy your refined silhouette for years. Avoid fad diets or extreme deprivation. Instead, focus on finding balance and moderation in your eating habits for lasting success. Be patient through plateaus by persisting with healthy behaviors. With a commitment to proper diet and regular exercise, your fabulous body contouring results can stand the test of time.