Do I Need to Lose Weight before Cosmetic Surgery

These days, many people are interested in attaining professional cosmetic surgery services in order to improve their appearance. If you have given consideration to this endeavor, you may have wondered whether it is ideal or advantageous to lose weight prior to your cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery 101

Although defined broadly, cosmetic surgery is basically a procedure that involves enhancing appearance through the use of surgical and medical strategies. Cosmetic surgery can and is performed on all regions of the patient’s head, neck and body.

The Importance of Losing Weight before Cosmetic Surgery

It is important to note that most physicians believe that you should be at a stable weight prior to attaining most forms of cosmetic surgery, including facelifts. The rationale behind this idea is fairly simple. In the event that you have cosmetic surgery and then lose more weight, there is some likelihood that you will have to return to the doctor for revision surgery. It is also important to note that carrying excess weight is unhealthy and can even be life-endangering. Some of the conditions you are more susceptible to when you are overweight or obese include diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and depression.

Cosmetic and plastic surgeries are often not meant to provide significant weight loss. Instead, it’s recommended to be at or within 30 percent of your healthy body weight. Even treatments like liposuction should only be used to trim away stubborn body fat that’s been resistant to diet and exercise.

Losing Weight the Right Way

If you realize that you want cosmetic surgery and need to lose weight, it’s important to get started on your weight loss journey immediately. To get started, it is always advisable to consult with your physician to determine what his or her recommendations are. Here are some considerations you should pay close attention to as you begin your weight loss journey:

Diet

Diet should be your primary concern as you start the process of losing weight. To lose weight safely, it’s a good idea to avoid crash diets and diet pills. Instead, focus on eating a diet highly comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables. You should also place primacy on drinking adequate amounts of water. It is also important and advantageous to remove unhealthy food items from your refrigerator and cupboard. If you do not, you will be tempted to eat them and likely compromise your ability to get and remain on the path to permanent weight loss.

Exercise

Outside of diet, exercise is one of the primary and most effective tools you can use for weight loss. If you are not already in the habit of exercising consistently, it’s important to set realistic goals. Maintaining a good exercise regimen coupled with a healthy diet can help you reach your weight loss goals. This will help ensure a healthy, safe and effective cosmetic treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re interested in scheduling a cosmetic or plastic surgery treatment, contact Dr. Wendell Perry to schedule your consultation. At our office, we’ll work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs. We’ll review all the necessary preparation and recovery instructions to ensure you get the best results possible.