Anyone who has cosmetic surgery wants to make sure their investment pays off.

Procedures at Star Plastic Surgery have very high patient satisfaction rates. Most patients are thrilled with their results for many years after surgery as well. Believe it or not, the surgeon isn’t 100% responsible for your long term results. You also have a responsibility in maintaining the long term results of your cosmetic surgery.

Fitness and Exercise

Body contouring procedures can transform your curves, providing a more pleasing and proportionate look. While the results may seem magical, the look you see now can only last if you remain at a healthy weight. For instance, fat removal procedures such as liposuction will permanently rid you of targeted fat cells, but if you gain weight, you will see it in other areas as remaining fat cells expand. It’s even more important to keep your weight within a stable range if you’ve had a surgical lifting procedure (such as tummy tuck or body lift)—you’ll want to avoid stretching your skin again and nullifying the improvements you worked hard to achieve.

Sunscreen and Sun Protection

Immediately after your procedure, proper care makes a difference in scarring. Great skin care will help your results look as good or better than ever. Scarring is a necessary aspect of many surgeries. While your surgeon will take care to place your incisions where they can be most easily hidden, making sure they heal optimally and fade nicely over time is partially in your hands. First, it is critical to follow any post-operative activity restrictions; these rules will help you avoid straining your scars, which could cause them to become wider or more visible. Secondly, be sure to protect your incisions in the sun by covering them or using sunscreen, keep the area clean. It is also advised to use the topical scar care creams and ointments recommended by your doctor.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

What you put in and on your body not only impacts your surgical results, it can make a huge difference in your overall health. We require patients to quit smoking tobacco for a few weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine greatly impacts your body’s ability to heal, resulting in prolonged recovery times. We would like to avoid potential complications that lead to pain, bleeding, or more visible scarring. Excessive alcohol consumption is another pitfall to avoid; there are a number of health drawbacks to overdoing it when it comes to drinking. Healthy eating habits are critical as well.

You’ve made the wise investment of cosmetic surgery… Now, it’s important to remember that post-surgery you have a share in the continued success.