Liposuction is a safe and effective procedure that can give you the shape you desire; the physique that has not been attainable with diet and exercise alone. While effective, studies indicate that liposuction needs follow-up in order to minimize the risk of visceral fat.
What is Visceral Fat?
Unlike the subcutaneous fatty tissue that is removed during liposuction, visceral fat is tissue that develops deeper in the abdominal cavity. Here, it is neither seen nor felt, but it is padding the space between abdominal organs. Visceral fat has been implicated as a factor in the development of Type II diabetes and in the increased risk for chronic inflammation and associated health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
How to Protect Yourself
It is important to know that liposuction does not remove the fatty tissue that lingers deep beneath the surface. However it turns out there’s a lot you can do to tame your tummy after this procedure.
Exercise. The good news about exercise and visceral fat is that you need not kill yourself in the gym on a daily basis, or at all. To minimize abdominal fat, experts recommend 45 minutes of walking, jogging, or other aerobic activity three or more days each week.
Eating. We all know that eating processed foods and fast food can do a number on the body. Not only will such habits counteract the results of liposuction, but unhealthy food choices significantly increase the risk of visceral fat. Reach for healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and also healthy fats found in walnuts, coconut oil, and avocados.
The two S’s
In addition to diet and exercise, two significant risks in the development of abdominal fat are sleep and stress. The stress hormone cortisol tends to naturally be higher in women. Unmanaged stress can lead to chronically high cortisol levels and a tubby tummy. Sleep is one of several ways to reduce stress, and it is necessary for complete wellness. Without adequate sleep every cell in the body is depleted of the energy necessary for optimal function. Lack of sleep has also been shown to increase hormones related to appetite. Basically, the more tired we are, the more we want to eat.
Liposuction can give you the shape you want. Healthy habits can help you keep it. For information about fat-reduction, call Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, PC.
