The plastic surgeon you choose for your arm liposuction procedure is one
of the most important factors in achieving successful results. However,
there are steps you can take to maintain your slim and toned arms for
years to come. Here, our Beverly Hills liposuction specialists share what
you need to know to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.
WEAR YOUR COMPRESSION SLEEVES
Once your liposuction procedure is complete, your plastic surgeon will place a compression sleeve over your arms. After liposuction, your body’s natural response is to fill the treatment area with fluid. Compression sleeves help reduce the swelling in your arms and help them maintain their new contours during the initial recovery period. Your surgeon will instruct you on how long to wear your compression sleeves, and when it is okay to take them off.
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Maintaining results from body contouring procedures such as arm liposuction requires following a healthy lifestyle after surgery. While cardio exercise is essential for fat burning, strength exercises that work out your biceps and triceps are what give arms the sculpted and slim look we all desire. Aim for 30 minutes of strength training, three to four days a week. Keep in mind that excessive movement too soon after your surgery can cause more harm than good. You will need to avoid lifting your arms over your head and lifting heavy objects during your initial recovery. Resuming strenuous activity too soon after surgery can lead to unnecessary bruising and scarring, cause your incisions to reopen and can lengthen your recovery period. Only your surgeon can determine when it is safe to resume exercise.
SUN EXPOSURE
Unprotected sun exposure plays a big role in skin aging and how well your incision scars heal after surgery. Because arm liposuction is performed on a part of your body that is hard to conceal, you would be well-advised to protect your incision scars from the sun as much as possible after surgery. Exposing your incisions to the sun or a tanning bed can cause them to darken and thicken. You will need to stay out of the sun for the first few weeks after surgery. If you do step outside, make sure to apply sunscreen on your arms and cover your scars with clothing to protect them from the sun.
DON’T SMOKE
Speaking of protecting your scars, smoking (or use of any product containing nicotine) can take an unsightly toll on your skin. Smoking constricts blood vessels and interferes with the delivery of blood and oxygen to the healing tissues. Limited blood and oxygen flow can increase skin death and scarring. While you will be required to quit smoking before undergoing liposuction, you also would be wise to avoid picking up the habit again after surgery. If you do resume smoking after surgery, the beauty of your newly sculpted arms may be compromised.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARM LIPOSUCTION
To learn more about maximizing your liposuction results, or to learn about the procedure itself, please contact our team today. Call our Beverly Hills office at (310) 984-1150.