Dr. Sam Sukkar - April/May 2022

Stretching Preserves Your Flexibility for Life A NOT-SO-SECRET FOR YOUR LONGEVITY Engineers and doctors can agree on one thing: Lubrication is often

cardiovascular function. Considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S., that’s a huge bonus! The benefits of stretching are best enjoyed without injury, however, and that’s why it’s

necessary for joints to function and move properly, including human joints. Every day, your joints create fluid that allows your arms, legs, neck, and back to move properly.

But did you know that by stretching and using your full range of motion once a day, you can help those joint fluids preserve your flexibility and balance?

Many people are worried about their independence later in life, and an improper sense of balance can be a big part of that. Stretching keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, but the “flexible” part is more important than most people think. Without flexibility, our muscles shorten and become tight — and even with the fluids that our joints create, without regularly stretching, we’ll still be unable to use our full range of motion.

important to warm yourself up before stretching. Although it used to be thought that stretching is the first step before exercise, it’s now becoming more commonly understood that light activity is better for preventing injuries from overstretching. Physical therapist David Nolan of Massachusetts General Hospital told Harvard Health, “All it takes to warm up the muscles before stretching is 5–10 minutes of light activity, such as a quick walk. You can also stretch after an aerobic or weight-training workout.” If you’re worried about joint pain, it’s smart to stretch as well as build stronger muscles to carry your body weight more effectively — especially around your spine, hips, and knees, which do most of the heavy lifting. Proper stretching and joint care can take years of effort, but as research shows, it pays off over many decades.

By the time you need your muscles for activity, they’re weak and unable to extend fully. This puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

Can stretching extend my life? Not only does stretching improve your independence, but it might also help you live longer. Studies show that stretching is linked to improved circulation, and better blood flow can lead to improved heart health and

Your Quick Guide to Liposuction Trimming the Fat

Everybody has curves of some

With this technique, Dr. Sukkar can create a muscular physique in many patients, in some cases even creating a six-pack. He also uses PowerX liposuction to meticulously sculpt and smooth sensitive areas. Often, both procedures are combined to create contours with the utmost precision. Thanks to these cutting-edge technologies, patients can experience a shorter recovery period while still seeing incredible results. A patient’s postoperative care will help ensure a safe recovery with minimal discomfort. Our office provides patients with surgical-grade compression garments to reduce swelling. It should always be used as directed for 6–12 weeks after surgery. We also perform post-op lymphatic drainage massages to reduce fluid retention, inflammation, and discomfort. These measures reduce the strain on the body and promote healing so patients can return to their normal activities faster. Dr. Sukkar is the premier plastic surgeon for liposuction in Houston because he focuses on what is most important — not what he removes, but what he leaves behind. Call our office today if you are interested in what liposuction can do for your figure. We’d love to meet with you to understand your goals and have a detailed discussion about your options.

sort, but they’re not always where we’d like them to be.

Contrary to popular belief, liposuction will not result in significant weight loss. But the procedure does remove excess fat in the areas where it bothers people most, creating definition and sculpting the body into its most ideal shape. Liposuction is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s also not for anyone looking to remove substantial weight from their figures. But when done correctly, the results can still be dramatic. Patients can see flatter tummies, more shapely legs and buttocks, and fewer unwanted fatty protrusions. At The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar uses the most advanced sculpting techniques to give patients the bodies they want with minimal pain and recovery. In particular, he specializes in Vaser Liposuction, which liquefies fat for easier removal. The process can eliminate more fat than other options yet still uses a small cannula to reduce scarring.

2 | 281-940-1535

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator