As you probably already know, SmartLipo differs from traditional liposuction in many ways. Some differences include the use of local instead of general anesthetic, extremely minimal scarring, and laser-assisted melting of unwanted fatty tissue. Yet another advantage of SmartLipo is that the laser can actually stimulate collagen production to help skin retract and repair itself after surgery, resulting in less unattractive loose skin.

Many patients have legitimate concerns about how their skin will react to liposculpture. As with any weight loss, particularly rapid weight loss, sagging and an overstretched appearance can occur. SmartLipo's ability to stimulate collagen can help prevent this problem, but there are many simple steps you can take before and after laser fat removal to help improve your skin's elasticity and ability to heal itself. As an added bonus, most of these tips are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general.

4 Steps to Getting Better Skin Right Now

1. Drink lots of water

When skin is dehydrated, it has a harder time adapting to sudden changes. Skin is an organ, and all organs need plenty of water to function properly. Drinking enough water is crucial to your overall health, and aids in weight loss as well.

2. Protect your skin

Chemicals can dry skin out, so be sure to use plenty of natural moisturizers. Products such as shea or cocoa butter can help improve the look, feel, and health of your skin. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing clothing that covers sensitive skin and using sunscreen. Avoid harsh soap, overly hot water, and other irritants.

3. Eat the right foods

You hear this tip everywhere. Why? Because good food makes you feel good, and nourishes your body properly, so it can look and work its best. Foods such as nuts, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables, brown rice, flax, and beans can help give your skin the health it needs to bounce back after SmartLipo.

4. Exercise!

Getting your blood pumping can help bring nutrients to your skin that are essential for improving skin elasticity.

The Bottom Line:

Though some factors are out of your control (such as your age and current skin condition), you can make yourself a better candidate for surgery by taking care of your skin and giving it the best possible chance for success after surgery. Best of luck!

One would think that plastic surgery and nutrition have absolutely nothing in common with each other. That couldn't be further from the truth! Here are two ways that they are interrelated.

Eating Well: A Two-Fold Benefit
When nutrition is optimal, the body works as it should. Hormones are in balance, excess weight is kept in check, and the internal functions of the body are working like a well-oiled machine.

A plant-based diet is truly the best way to optimal health in order to feed your body. For meat-eaters, it doesn't come naturally to switch the way they eat to exclude meat. Believe me, I still feel like a newbie sometimes. Best way to dive right in is to get a recipe book or cookbook (recipes are also easily found online) and try some out. Green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains with complex carbs and protein (quinoa is a complete protein by the way) are wonderful to get your body healthy before surgery.

Benefit #2 of eating healthy is that your body weight will be normal and you'll be able to really spot trouble areas that are still hanging around due to genetics. We can't change our genes, but we CAN change the way they look when we wear them (a little scientific joke, there). The bottom line is that your body will look and feel its best with good food in it. You can be best prepared for plastic surgery so that afterward, you look even more fabulous!

What I mean is that with procedures such as laser liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift, or a breast augmentation, the areas of the body that simply "are the way they are" can be radically improved by the procedures mentioned. The added benefit of eating healthy prior to surgery is that you will have prepared your body to heal better, faster, and with fewer complications afterward.

For men with gynecomastia, for example, the condition of "man boobs" can be actually brought on by being overweight (called pseudogynecomastia) or can be a true case of gynecomastia caused by hormonal imbalance or a myriad of other reasons. Prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and kidney or liver disorders are just some of the "other" reasons why this condition can develop. The most common reason, however, is age-related hormone imbalance. It most often occurs in men over the age of 50 and in teens.

If you remember to eat well and get regular exercise, your body weight will stay in check and your internal functions such as hormonal balance will more than likely stay in check as well. When it doesn't, however, you can feel safe contacting a plastic surgeon to ask questions about what is physically happening to your body. In cases such as gynecomastia, often times they will run blood work for you to make sure everything is OK and possibly refer you to an internal medicine doctor for further exam.

To Optimal Health and Wellness,
Kim