Liposuction is an investment in your body and in the figure you’ve always wanted. After surgery, you want to protect your investment by following these tips for better liposuction results.

1. Exercise Regularly

If you’re a person who exercised regularly before your liposuction procedure, you’re already a step ahead of the game. While you will have to lay off strenuous exercise for a while right after surgery, keeping active after your initial healing period could help prevent blood clots and get you back to your old routine. Consider walking as it is low-impact and a great way to stay moving. Be sure to discuss an activity plan with Dr. Small to ensure that you don’t do too much, too soon. He will ultimately determine when it is safe for you to return to your regular exercise regimen.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Feeding your body with healthy foods can not only help with liposuction recovery, but also help you maintain results after your surgery. The usual rules apply with lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains and healthy proteins. Avoid sugar and saturated fats to keep your body contouring looking great.

It is also a good rule of thumb to avoid salt during your initial phase of recovery as this can contribute to swelling.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated to help healing and maintain your results.

3. Stick with Your Compression Garments

After your liposuction surgery, you’ll be given compression garments to wear. Stick with them for as long as Dr. Small recommends. These can help control swelling and preserve your new shape. You may need to change sizes as the swelling goes down. Make sure you follow your post-surgical instructions for when and how long to wear them.

4. Treat Yourself to (Light) Massage

Light lymphatic massage may help with drainage and reduce swelling after liposuction. This can be done manually or mechanically, but it should always be done with clearance and input from Dr. Small.

Once you’ve had your body contouring procedure, follow these tips to help heal and maintain your results.