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Is It Possible to Gain Weight After a Body Contouring Procedure?

Thigh Lift, Tummy Tuck

3 minute read

3 Minute Read:

Body contouring procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery and thigh lift surgery, tone and sculpt the body by tightening skin and muscles, while liposuction permanently removes excess fat cells. While these procedures help create a slimmer figure, they will not prevent you from gaining additional weight down the line.

Before and after image showing the results of a tummy tuck performed in Panama City, FL.
Before and after image showing the results of a tummy tuck performed by Dr. Mockler in Panama City, FL.

Why Are Body Contouring Procedures Not Permanent? 

Many patients incorrectly assume that their body contouring results will be permanent—and with the financial investment and discomfort involved with the recovery period—you want it to be. 

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Your metabolism is constantly fluctuating, and, just because you have a well-functioning one right now, there is no guarantee that you will still have it in two or three years if you stop being active and ignore proper nutrition. Your body is fragile, and it can be affected by weight gain, pregnancy, and age-related gravity.

How Can You Prevent Gaining Weight? 

Even though your body contouring results are not necessarily permanent, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be. A patient can maintain their results and trimmer physique for decades if they put in the work and take care of themselves. And fortunately, maintaining results is easier than one might think.

Break a Sweat

Believe it or not, the way to maintain plastic surgery results is no different than managing your weight naturally, and exercise is a vital element to staying slim and physically healthy.

While you cannot return to strenuous activity immediately following your body contouring, you can work your way back into it slowly. 

It is suggested to start walking the day after your body contouring procedure and gradually increase your level of activity after four to six weeks. 

A consistent exercise routine will help to keep your heart strong, your curves defined, and excess fat at bay.

Focus on Your Food Intake

Just like exercise, proper nutrition is essential for your physical and emotional health, and it is one of the best ways to keep your newly trim silhouette looking that way. 

While everyone has a specific combination of nutrients that work best for their body, it is commonly suggested to follow a diet that is high in lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants and low in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates. These menus usually consist of fish, chicken, vegetables, berries, and nuts.

Get Your ZZZ’s

It can be hard (if not impossible) to get an adequate amount of sleep each night with busy work schedules and family commitments. And while you are hopefully taking our current quarantine as a time to catch up on some much-needed rest, it is a practice that should be continued once everything goes back to normal.

During your initial body contouring recovery, you were given instructions to rest often so that your body can heal and regenerate. The same recommendation follows even after you are healed. Getting enough sleep is essential for your mental and physical health and well-being. 

Not only will adequate sleep give you more energy for activities like exercise, but it is also shown to help increase your metabolism.

If you continue to follow healthy lifestyle habits, you may see your body contours improve far beyond your initial surgical result.

Want to Know More About Body Contouring Procedures? 

If you would like to learn more about body contouring procedures in Panama City, Florida, contact us at (850) 769-7270 or fill out our online contact form.