When can I work out after liposuction? Men’s top questions about lipo, answered

“Swimsuit season” isn’t just for the ladies; with summer upon us, many men are exploring ways to optimize their body contours. A sensible diet and regular exercise are the backbone of achieving and maintaining a toned physique, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get to your ideal body shape with these methods alone. Liposuction is an increasingly popular option among men who want that extra push towards more sculpted and masculine body contours by eliminating excess fat in targeted areas. 

We know you have a lot of questions about liposuction, so let’s dive right into them with board-certified plastic surgeon and body contouring expert Dr. Brian Reedy!

What areas can liposuction treat?

Liposuction is incredibly versatile. It can safely treat several parts of the body, including your abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, chest, back, and even smaller areas like the chin and neck. The most common areas we treat in men are the abdomen, flanks (love handles), and chest.

How much weight will I lose?

Liposuction is designed to sculpt the body, not significantly reduce your overall weight. You may see modest weight loss after the procedure and go down a size or two depending on how much fat is removed and from what area. The main goal is to improve your body’s contour and proportion, not lose weight per se.

Will liposuction affect my muscle growth?

No, liposuction does not affect muscle growth; it only removes fat deposits situated between the skin and muscle. You can keep up your workout routine without fear of liposuction affecting muscle gains. Regular exercise is key to maintaining your liposuction results, so keep it up! 

Do I need to do anything to prepare?

Prior to the procedure, you’ll have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, assess your anatomy, and provide you with specific instructions based on your personalized treatment plan. General preop guidelines include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking. You may also be asked to adjust or stop certain medications that could potentially interfere with a smooth recovery.

When can I work out after liposuction?

You’ll need to commit to about a month of taking it easy. Your recovery time is based on the area(s) treated, how many treatment areas are part of your surgery plan, and the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will likely clear you to return to light activities after one week. This isn’t because you’ll be in pain for a week, but rather to limit excess swelling that rigorous activity can cause in healing tissues. 

Many patients find that their liposuction results help them feel more confident while exercising and motivate them to make healthier choices. 

Most patients are given the go-ahead to resume their full workout routines about 3 weeks post-surgery. Part of your treatment plan includes follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your progress and lift recovery guidelines when it is safe to do so. You will feel “normal” soon after your procedure, and waiting for the OK to hit the gym may be frustrating. But you will be happy you followed all post-op instructions after you have had a smooth and complication-free recovery, and your results are top-notch.

Is there a weight requirement to get liposuction?

There’s no specific weight requirement, but liposuction candidates should be close to their ideal weight. The best results are typically seen in patients with localized fat deposits that are diet and exercise resistant. Your surgeon may also require that you have a certain BMI to limit the increased potential risks obese patients may experience and to avoid underwhelming results. 

Do I have to change my diet to maintain my results?

You may; a balanced diet and regular exercise will help preserve your liposuction results for years to come. Liposuction does not prevent future weight gain or changes in fat distribution, so you may notice your results diminishing over time if you do not have a consistent, healthy lifestyle. Many patients report that their results help motivate them to make healthier choices and feel more confident while exercising. 

Are results immediate?

Yes, you will see contour changes in treated areas immediately after surgery. These initial results will improve as mild swelling and bruising gradually subside over the next few months. While you will have a sense of your results early in the healing process, your final results will be visible about 3-6 months after your procedure. Lymphatic massage is highly beneficial to help speed healing and see optimal results more quickly.

Will there be any scars?

The incisions made during liposuction are tiny—about 5 millimeters (the size of a pencil-top eraser) in length—and strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Adhering to recovery guidelines will prevent strain on the incision sites, which may cause more noticeable scarring. You should also avoid direct UV exposure to prevent damaging healing tissues and exaggerating the scar’s appearance. Most patients’ scars fade significantly over time and go unnoticed. 

The incisions made during liposuction are tiny—about the size of a pencil-top eraser—and placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Is it a one-time treatment, or will I have to do multiple treatments?

Liposuction is typically a one-time procedure. However, touch-ups or additional procedures may be needed if you wish to see further refinement or if weight fluctuations have altered your initial results. Part of your consultation will be spent discussing your expectations so your surgeon can explain what is reasonable to achieve in a single treatment and if you may need multiple treatments to safely achieve the contours you have in mind.

What are the alternatives to liposuction?

There are a few effective non-surgical alternatives to liposuction: 

• CoolSculpting® freezes and destroys fat cells to achieve noticeable fat reduction, typically after several treatments. 
• BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy to melt fat and tighten lax skin for a slimmer, firmer appearance in treated areas. 

These options may be suitable if you have less fat to remove and you prefer non-surgical options. Both treatments offer noticeable results that will develop over time—an attractive option if you would like your body contouring results to appear gradually, as natural fat reduction results would.

Liposuction for men in Reading, PA

Ready to take your physique to the next level? Our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian K. Reedy is here to answer any additional questions and assess whether you are a good candidate for liposuction. At our Reading plastic surgery practice, your safety, satisfaction, and care are our top priorities. We invite you to schedule a consultation by calling our practice at (610) 320-0200 or filling out our online form.