By Dr. Brian Reagan on May 16th, 2025
A body lift is a procedure that enhances your body’s contours and removes excess skin, often after significant weight loss. While the surgery itself delivers dramatic improvements, maintaining those results requires dedication. Without proper care, weight changes, lifestyle habits, and neglecting your skin can compromise your outcome. Follow these key steps to ensure your body lift results last for the long run.
Prioritize a Balanced Diet
What you eat plays a major role in preserving your new shape. A nutrient-rich diet consisting of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supports healing and helps prevent weight gain. Processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats should be limited to avoid unnecessary fat accumulation. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as proper water intake keeps your skin supple and supports overall health.
Keep Your Weight Stable
Fluctuations in weight can impact the appearance of your body lift results. Gaining weight can stretch the skin and alter your body’s contours, while losing too much weight may lead to loose skin. To keep your results intact, focus on a sustainable nutrition plan and consistent physical activity. If you need guidance, a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help you create a plan tailored to your needs.
Stay Active with Regular Movement
Consistent exercise is essential for maintaining your body’s shape and muscle tone. Strength training helps keep muscles firm, while cardiovascular activities like swimming, jogging, or cycling can help with weight management. Aim for a routine that includes both to keep your results looking their best. Your surgeon will provide recommendations on when to resume exercise, so be sure to follow their timeline to avoid complications.
Take Care of Your Skin
Skincare is an often-overlooked but essential part of maintaining your body lift results. Using a quality moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and improves elasticity. Sunscreen is also a must to protect your skin from premature aging and sun damage. Treatments like lymphatic drainage massages can enhance circulation and reduce swelling, further improving skin texture.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect healing and long-term results. Smoking reduces oxygen flow to the skin, which can slow recovery and lead to sagging over time. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and inflammation, which may impact the appearance of your skin. Avoiding these habits will help maintain your smooth, contoured look.
Follow Post-Surgical Care Instructions
After your procedure, your surgeon may recommend wearing compression garments to aid in healing and reduce swelling. Even after the initial recovery phase, wearing supportive shapewear occasionally can help prevent skin from stretching. Following all post-operative care instructions ensures that you heal properly and protects your results.
Schedule Routine Follow-Ups
Ongoing check-ins with your surgeon are important for ensuring your body lift results remain optimal. These appointments allow you to discuss any concerns and get expert advice on maintaining your body’s new shape. If you experience changes in your body over time, your surgeon can guide you on the best steps to preserve your results.
Enjoy Long-Lasting Results with Smart Choices
A body lift can be life-changing, but maintaining your results requires consistent effort. By making healthy lifestyle choices, prioritizing skin care, and following medical advice, you can enjoy your new contours for years to come. If you have any questions about long-term maintenance, reach out to your plastic surgeon for personalized guidance.
