The most common mistakes after liposuction that can affect the final result

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed procedures in aesthetic medicine, which helps in body contouring and removal of fat from selected areas of the body. Although the procedure is relatively straightforward, proper recovery is key to achieving the desired results. However, patients often make mistakes that can lead to complications and affect the final outcome of liposuction. What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
1. returning to physical activity too soon
After liposuction, especially in the first few weeks, all forms of intense exercise should be avoided. Returning to exercise too soon can strain the operated areas of the body, which will not only slow down the healing process, but can also lead to swelling, bruising and even uneven skin. In the first two weeks after surgery, it is recommended to rest and avoid any exercise that engages the muscles in the liposuction area.
2. neglecting to wear compression underwear
Compression underwear is one of the most important parts of recovery from liposuction. It helps shrink the skin, reduces swelling and prevents bumps on the skin. Failure to wear compression underwear can lead to a longer recovery period and worsen the effects of the procedure, including uneven skin shrinking.
3. no lymphatic massages
Lymphatic massages are essential after liposuction, as they help drain excess fluids from the body and accelerate the skin's regenerative processes. Failure to recommend them can lead to persistent swelling, unevenness and prolonged recovery. Massages should be performed by specialists, starting about a week after surgery, for the next two months.
4. failure to use proper wound care
After liposuction, it is essential to maintain proper wound hygiene and skin care. Neglecting these issues, such as not changing dressings or failing to follow instructions for cleaning the surgical sites, can lead to infections that can significantly affect the final result of the procedure. Proper care also includes the use of moisturizers and appropriate creams to prevent scarring and speed up recovery.
5. too much exposure to the sun
After liposuction, the skin is particularly sensitive to sunlight, especially during the healing period. Exposure of the operated areas to direct sunlight can lead to discoloration and other skin damage. It is worth remembering that skin after liposuction should be protected with high-quality UV filters to prevent unsightly skin changes.
6. neglect of follow-up visits
Regular follow-up visits to the doctor are key to monitoring the progress of recovery and early detection of possible complications. Failure to follow the doctor's instructions and ignore warning signs (such as severe pain, changes in the color of wound secretions or fever) can lead to serious complications and unsatisfactory results of the procedure.
7. smoking cigarettes
Smoking significantly affects the healing process, impairing blood circulation and reducing the body's ability to regenerate. As a result, patients who smoke may experience delayed wound healing, the formation of infections and worsening of the overall effects of liposuction. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid smoking at least a few weeks before and after the procedure.
8. inadequate diet and hydration
Diet and proper hydration play a key role in the recovery process after liposuction. While cosmetics and skin recovery treatments alone are important, what we eat has a huge impact on tissue healing, collagen production and overall skin health. After a liposuction procedure, the body needs adequate nutrients to speed up recovery and support detoxification processes. Insufficient hydration and an inadequate diet can slow down the healing process, as well as negatively affect the final outcome of the procedure, leading to an increased risk of infection, delayed removal of toxins from the body, and skin problems such as dryness or unevenness.
Here is a list of recommendations for diet and hydration after liposuction:
- Consume protein - include lean meat, fish, legumes, eggs in your diet. Protein promotes tissue healing and muscle recovery.
- Vitamins and minerals - make sure you get enough vitamins A, C, E, as well as zinc and iron, which promote skin regeneration and improve its appearance.
- Hydration - drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help remove toxins and improve skin condition. Water also helps regulate body temperature and transports nutrients to cells.
- Limit salt - too much salt in the diet leads to water retention in the body, which can increase swelling and delay healing.
- Avoid sugar - excess sugar in the diet can cause inflammation in the body, which can slow down the healing process and promote scarring.
- Healthy fats - enrich your diet with healthy vegetable fats, such as flaxseed oil, olive oil, nuts or avocados. These will help maintain skin elasticity.
- Consume foods rich in antioxidants - fruits, vegetables, nuts, green tea - these foods have an anti-inflammatory effect and speed up the recovery process.
- Increase fiber intake - whole grain products, vegetables, fruits and seeds help maintain proper digestion and prevent constipation, which can impede the healing process.
Consequences of errors in recovery
Neglecting any of the above points can lead to serious consequences, such as uneven and thickened skin, infections, prolonged swelling, and unsatisfactory results of the procedure, which may require additional corrective treatments. That is why it is so important to follow the doctor's instructions and to follow the rules of care during the recovery period.
Recuperation after liposuction is a key stage that determines the final outcome of the procedure. Mistakes during this period, such as returning to physical activity too soon, not wearing compression underwear, or neglecting wound care, can lead to complications and unsatisfactory results. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, take care of a proper diet, skin care and avoid harmful habits such as smoking. With proper care, the result of liposuction will be satisfactory and lasting.