You already know how to work hard. You’ve put in the miles, the reps, the clean meals—and yet certain pockets of fat won’t cooperate. That’s where liposuction comes in.
Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH, is a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery) who built this practice around relationship-driven care, Nashville Natural™ results, and a simple philosophy of lagniappe: do the right thing, and then do a little more than expected. At his practice, Music City Plastic Surgery, liposuction isn’t offered as a replacement for disciplined exercise, but rather as a precision tool that can complement it—helping you refine your proportions when diet and exercise have already done their part.
Getting Clear On What Liposuction Can (And Can’t) Do
Liposuction is a precision body-contouring procedure designed to refine areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Its strength lies in improving shape and proportion, not replacing the habits that keep your body strong and defined. The most natural, athletic outcomes come from pairing surgical sculpting with a fitness-focused lifestyle.
What Liposuction Can Do
- Targets and permanently removes resistant fat cells in specific areas
- Enhances overall contours and body balance
- Helps reveal definition that may already exist beneath the surface
What Liposuction Can’t Do
- Prevent future weight gain
- Directly tighten loose or significantly lax skin
- Replace the need for sustainable nutrition and exercise
How Fitness Refines Liposuction
- Strength training to build and maintain muscle tone
- Improved posture and movement quality for a more athletic frame
- Consistent, healthy habits that support long-term stability
How To Set Yourself Up For Success
If you want to enhance your sculpting journey, here are some of our top pre-lipo session suggestions:
Maintain a stable weight
Most reputable medical guidance emphasizes that results are most effective when weight remains steady. If weight fluctuates significantly afterward, body fat distribution can change.
Train for strength, not punishment
In the weeks leading up to surgery, prioritize:
- Full-body strength (especially posterior chain: glutes, hamstrings, back)
- Core control (bracing, breathing, anti-rotation)
- Mobility + walking (keeps circulation and recovery capacity strong)
Don’t crash diet
Extreme restriction can compromise energy, protein intake, and readiness for recovery. A steady, high-quality nutrition plan is the way to go.
Post-Lipo Fitness
After liposuction, the priority is simple: recover fully first, then rebuild with intention. Giving your body time to heal sets the foundation for smoother contours, better definition, and long-lasting results.
A smart progression typically looks like this:
- Early recovery: Gentle walking and light movement to support circulation and healing—no “workouts,” no intensity.
- Rebuilding phase: Low-impact, controlled movement as swelling improves and your body regains capacity.
- Full training: A gradual return to strength and conditioning once fully cleared, focusing on balance and consistency rather than speed.
Once you’re back to training, how you move matters just as much as that you move. We suggest:
- Strength training: Liposuction refines contours; muscle gives them structure. Building lean muscle in areas such as the glutes, shoulders, back, and thighs enhances definition and creates a firm, athletic appearance.
- Strategic cardio: Cardio supports conditioning and overall health, but relying on it alone can lead to a flat shape. Pair it with resistance training and adequate protein for the best aesthetic balance.
- Sleep and stress management: Quality rest and controlled stress are crucial for recovery, maintaining body composition, and long-term health. When either is off, results are harder to sustain—no matter how good your workouts are.
Combine Precision Sculpting With Smart Fitness To Make It Last
Liposuction can permanently remove fat cells in targeted areas; however, your day-to-day habits will determine how long the results last and how natural they appear over time.
If you’re ready to refine stubborn areas and pair your procedure with a realistic, results-preserving plan, our team at Music City Plastic Surgery is here for you. Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH, brings board-certified expertise, a patient-first approach, and Nashville Natural aesthetics—so your outcome looks elevated, believable, and tailored to you.
Book your consultation today to get started.
