Best Practices for Long-Lasting Results

You've invested time, money and emotional energy into your plastic surgery, but have you considered what happens next? The real work begins after you leave our Miami office. At PURE Plastic Surgery, we've watched countless patients either enhance or compromise their results based on their post-op habits. The question isn't whether your new contours will change — you can’t stop the passage of time, after all — but how much control you'll take over that change.

Achieving long-lasting results often comes down to a few key lifestyle factors that our double-board-certified plastic surgeons have identified through decades of combined experience. By understanding how your daily choices affect your surgical outcome, you can develop habits and practices that protect your investment. 

The three pillars of post-surgical maintenance are: nutrition, exercise and proper skincare.

Building a Foundation for Lasting Results

When you commit to a surgical procedure, you're taking the first step toward transformation. However, maintaining those results requires consistent effort and attention. Dr. Earle, Dr. Vidal and Dr. Wegerif have all observed that patients who adopt healthy lifestyle practices after surgery not only recover more quickly but also enjoy their results for much longer.

The key to preserving your surgical investment lies in understanding that your body is different now, and you will need to care for it appropriately. Let's explore how proper nutrition, regular exercise and diligent skincare can help you maximize your results for years to come.

The Importance of Nutrition

What you eat directly impacts your body's ability to heal and maintain its new contours. During the initial recovery period, your dietary choices can either support or hinder the healing process. Beyond that, long-term nutritional habits play a vital role in preserving your surgical results.

The First Few Weeks: Healing Through Nutrition

Immediately after surgery, your body needs specific nutrients to repair tissue and reduce inflammation. Focus on incorporating these elements into your diet:

• Protein-rich foods help rebuild tissue and support wound healing. Include lean sources like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu and legumes in your meals. Protein shakes can be helpful if your appetite is diminished or your diet makes it hard to hit this important macro (looking at you, vegans and vegetarians!).
• Vitamin C supports collagen production and strengthens your immune system. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C.
• Zinc speeds wound healing and supports immune function. Foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds and lentils provide this mineral.
• Hydration is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of post-op nutrition. Water helps flush anesthesia from your system, reduces swelling and keeps your skin supple. Aim for 64 ounces of water daily or more if you’re taking medication that can cause dehydration. We also recommend Gatorade, coconut water, pineapple juice and bone broth.

Long-Term Nutritional Strategies

Once you've fully healed, your focus should shift to maintaining your results through balanced nutrition. This doesn't mean adopting a restrictive diet — instead, think of it as nourishing your body to preserve your investment.

For patients who have undergone body contouring procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck, weight management becomes especially important. Significant weight fluctuations can distort your surgical results, potentially leading to loose skin or changes in contour.

A Mediterranean-style diet offers an excellent framework for post-surgical nutrition. This approach emphasizes:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants to fight inflammation and aging.
• Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados and nuts that support skin health.
• Whole grains that provide steady energy without causing blood sugar spikes.
• Limiting processed foods that often contain additives and preservatives that promote inflammation and fluid retention.

Dr. Vidal recommends thinking of food as medicine for your body — not just fuel. "What you put into your body directly affects how you heal and how long your results will last," she explains. "I encourage my patients to view nutritious eating as part of their self-care routine."

Enhancing & Maintaining Your Results With Exercise

Physical activity is another cornerstone of maintaining your surgical results. After you've been cleared by your surgeon to resume exercise (typically six weeks post-surgery), establishing a consistent fitness routine can help your new contours look their best for years.

Easing Back Into Activity

Patience is key when returning to exercise after surgery. Rushing back too quickly can lead to complications and potentially jeopardize your results. Start with gentle walking as soon as your surgeon approves it — usually within the first few days after surgery. This promotes circulation and helps prevent blood clots without putting stress on your surgical sites.

As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activities. Listen to your body, and don't try to push through pain. Some discomfort is normal, but sharp or persistent pain is a sign to slow down.

Creating a Balanced Fitness Routine

Once you're fully healed, aim for a comprehensive fitness program that includes:

• Cardiovascular exercise helps manage weight and improves overall health. Options include walking, swimming, cycling and using an elliptical machine. Start with 20-30 minutes three to four times per week, and gradually increase as your fitness improves.
• Strength training maintains muscle tone and supports your new contours. Resistance exercises using weights, bands or your body weight should be performed two to three times a week, focusing on all major muscle groups.
• Flexibility work through stretching or yoga helps maintain good posture and prevents muscle imbalances that can affect your appearance. Even 10 minutes of daily stretching can make a difference.
• Core strengthening is particularly important after abdominal procedures. Once cleared by your surgeon, gentle core exercises can help you maintain your results.

Dr. Earle emphasizes that consistency matters more than intensity. "I'd rather see a patient do moderate exercise regularly than push themselves too hard," he says. "Gradual, steady progress leads to lasting results."

Protecting Your Investment With Proper Skincare

Your skin is the canvas that displays your surgical results, and proper skincare can minimize scarring and extend the longevity of your results while improving your overall appearance.

Post-Surgical Skincare

In the weeks immediately following surgery, gentle care is essential. Follow your surgeon's specific instructions, which may include:

• Incision care to minimize scarring. Keep incisions clean and dry, and apply any recommended ointments or silicone sheets exactly as directed.
• Sun protection is absolutely critical. Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Keep incisions covered or apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen once your surgeon approves.
• Gentle cleansing with mild, fragrance-free products that won't irritate healing tissues or strip the skin of natural oils.
• Moisturizing creams or serums to support the skin barrier and prevent excessive dryness, which can worsen the appearance of scars. Use products recommended by your surgical team.

Learn More About Incision Care

Long-Term Skincare Strategy

As your recovery progresses, expanding your skincare routine can further enhance your results. While we often recommend a “less is more” approach in the weeks following surgery, a more comprehensive, long-term skincare routine includes the following: 

• Daily sun protection with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied every two hours when outdoors. Sun damage accelerates aging and can diminish the results of facial procedures.
• Retinoids can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Start with a low concentration and use every other night to build tolerance.
• Antioxidants like vitamin C serums help fight free radical damage and brighten the skin. They can be particularly beneficial after facial procedures.
• Hydration, both internally through water consumption and externally with moisturizer, keeps the skin plump and healthy, which enhances surgical results.

Your at-home skincare routine can also be complemented by professional, nonsurgical treatments like neuromodulators (our favorites are Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers and IPL photofacials to maintain a smooth, healthy appearance and keep the signs of aging at bay. 

What to Know About Sun Exposure After Surgery

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Your Results

Beyond nutrition, exercise and skincare, several other lifestyle factors can significantly affect how long your surgical results last.

Sleep Quality

Quality sleep is when your body performs much of its repair and regeneration work. Poor sleep can lead to increased inflammation, compromised immune function and slower healing. Aim for somewhere between seven to nine hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep each night.

Stress Management

Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can break down collagen, promote inflammation and slow healing. Finding effective ways to manage stress is essential for maintaining your results. Consider incorporating practices like deep breathing, meditation, yoga or simply spending time in nature. Even five minutes of mindful breathing can activate your body's relaxation response and counter the harmful effects of stress.

Avoiding Harmful Habits

Certain habits can directly undermine your surgical results, including:

• Smoking restricts blood flow, impairs healing and accelerates skin aging. If you smoke, quitting before surgery and staying smoke-free afterward is one of the best things you can do for your results.
• Excessive alcohol use can cause dehydration, inflammation and poor nutritional choices. Limit alcohol to occasional moderate use, if at all.
• Yo-yo dieting causes repeated weight fluctuations that can stretch the skin and distort your results. Focus on sustainable eating patterns rather than quick fixes.

The PURE Approach to Long-Term Results

At PURE Plastic Surgery, we view your procedure as the beginning of a partnership, not the end. Our commitment to your results extends far beyond the operating room, which is why we offer resources to support your long-term success.

This holistic approach is part of what makes PURE unique. From pre-surgical counseling to post-operative support and beyond, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain beautiful, natural-looking results.

Remember that small, consistent actions add up to significant benefits over time. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you're enhancing your surgical results and optimizing your health and wellness. 

To learn more about how our team helps you maintain the best possible results, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, contact PURE Plastic Surgery today at 305-230-4326 to start your journey.