How to Maintain Your Results After Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is an excellent starting point for aesthetic transformation, but it doesn’t act like a magic wand to guarantee life-long results. Assuming results are permanent is probably the biggest myth about cosmetic procedures; a surgeon can perform perfectly, but natural biology will always persevere without lifestyle changes and maintenance. The cells that make up our flesh are constantly growing, dividing, and regenerating — in just one year, the human body sheds around a full pound of skin cells while actively making their replacements. However, our body doesn’t make cells identical to their predecessors: as we age, our skin cells start to lose function, making the visible impact of aging, poor diet, weight changes, sun damage, and other life factors more apparent. Plastic surgery can rejuvenate and reconfigure, but it can’t stop the natural science that makes us human. No matter a patient’s aesthetic goals, plastic surgery maintenance is vital for long-lasting results and satisfaction. Here are five tips for keeping up with cosmetic procedures:

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1. Optimize Recovery:

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Post-operative care is just as important as what happens on the operating table—the recovery process sets the tone for healing and vastly impacts the quality of final results. Patients who optimize their recovery reduce the chance of complications, improve the look of scarring, and have higher satisfaction rates. Starting on the right foot with the healing process is ideal for maintaining results. 

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Tips to ensure a smooth recovery: 

• Carefully follow post-op instructions  
• Create a post-op recovery kit before surgery with bandages, supplements, medications, ice packs, entertainment, and anything else the patient may need while healing
• Stock the fridge and pantry with healthy snacks filled with nutrients and plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure there are no complications
• Move around as much as allowed — patients should aim to keep blood circulation flowing through low-impact movement even if strenuous exercise is prohibited

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2. Maintain A Healthy Diet

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Centuries of research and innovations have repeatedly proven that a nutritious diet is essential for optimal health. No surgery, supplement, medication, or exercise can replace the benefits of healthy eating. What we eat directly impacts how our bodies fight diseases, perform everyday functions, and combat non-communicable illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. In the context of plastic surgery, a healthy diet promotes wound healing and assists the body’s other functions while it attends to the trauma of the procedure. Clean eating also significantly reduces the risk of obesity by facilitating a healthy metabolism and maintaining a healthy body weight. Weight fluctuations can alter plastic surgery results – especially for procedures like liposuction or Brazilian Butt Lifts — and lead to repeat procedures to address the changes.  

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Tips for a healthy diet:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables as they are an important source of essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and plant-based proteins
• Focus on healthy fats and lean proteins rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Incorporate whole grains and legumes
• Reduce sugar intake and avoid highly processed food
• Consider weight management medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide to assist with GLP-1 production

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3. Stay Active

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Patients opting to enhance their body contour must remain conscious of any weight gain or loss that could alter their results. Procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks, which manipulate or eliminate fat cells, do not prevent new cells from forming. In order to preserve the effects of body augmentation, patients need to sustain their body weight, trying to avoid fluctuations. Exercise is beneficial after any procedure, not just body augmentations — staying active promotes blood flow and decreases inflammation while renewing the mitochondria in our cells.  

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Tips for staying active:

• Aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity 
• Consistency is key; try to build a routine to create a healthy habit
• Cut down on sitting time — too much inactivity leads to higher risks of metabolic problems
• Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine, like taking the stairs or walking instead of driving
• Start small and make realistic goals

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4. Develop A Skincare Routine

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Committing to a skincare routine is the best way to fully maximize the benefits of facial plastic surgery. Both invasive and noninvasive procedures are great starting points for rejuvenation, but it’s up to the patient to continue caring for their skin to avoid further damage. Good skin practices build a healthy foundation with life-long advantages, including slowing down the effects of aging, preventing skin cancer, and creating a natural, youthful glow. Daily cleansing and moisturizing routine is critical for overall skin health and optimizing plastic surgery results. 

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Tips for daily skincare:

• Always, always, always wear SPF year-round

• Start small and focus on the essential products first — find a cleanser, moisturizer, and toner that works for you, then build on that foundation with serums, masks, and exfoliants
• Stay hydrated
• Incorporate maintenance procedures like red light masks, which use LED technology to improve elastin and collagen levels and stimulate cellular renewal

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5. Promote Holistic Health

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Patients who focus on holistic health have higher satisfaction rates from cosmetic procedures, as wellness helps cultivate quality long-term results. Plastic surgery should be considered an investment both financially and physically, and by leading a healthy lifestyle, patients can make the most of the time, money, and energy spent on it. 

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Tips for holistic health:

• Use supplements for vitamins and minerals that may be lacking through diet alone
• Focus on gut health with probiotics; the bacteria in our stomachs not only help us digest food but may help support immune, heart, and brain health.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol use
• Promote positive mental health practices like meditation, journey, and practicing mindfulness
• Get sunlight to naturally boost serotonin 

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I’m interested in starting my plastic surgery journey — what are the next steps?

If you’re interested in starting your aesthetic transformation in Beverly Hills, Barrett Plastic Surgery offers consultations to determine what is correct for you. To learn more about Barrett Plastic Surgery, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media at TikTok, Instagram, Realself, and YouTube for updates. Are you interested in a plastic surgery procedure? Call us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out this virtual consultation form, and we will contact you as soon as possible. We’re excited for you to take this next step!  

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