Dr. Joel Aronowitz on the Role of Lifestyle Choices in Cosmetic Surgery Outcomes

Dr. Joel Aronowitz
3 min readMar 7, 2025

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Cosmetic procedures can be life-changing, helping individuals feel more confident in their appearance. However, the success of these procedures isn’t just about the skill of the surgeon — it also depends on the choices patients make every day. Dr. Joel Aronowitz, a renowned plastic surgeon from Hollywood, California, shared his thoughts on how factors like diet, exercise, and overall wellness can influence the results of cosmetic surgery.

Why a Healthy Lifestyle Matters for Cosmetic Surgery

According to Dr. Joel Aronowitz, leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the biggest factors in achieving and maintaining great results from cosmetic procedures. The way we treat our bodies affects healing, skin elasticity, and overall well-being. Simply put, making smart lifestyle choices helps patients recover faster and enjoy longer-lasting results.

Eating Well: The Foundation for Healing and Beauty

Dr. Joel Aronowitz stresses the importance of a low-carb, minimally processed diet when preparing for and recovering from surgery. What we eat directly affects our body’s ability to heal and maintain a youthful appearance. A diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables provides the essential nutrients needed for skin repair and regeneration.

On the other hand, consuming too many processed foods and refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation, slow down healing, and even contribute to premature aging. Too much sugar, for instance, weakens collagen and can impact the longevity of procedures like facelifts and body contouring.

Staying Active: The Key to Toned, Healthy Results

Exercise isn’t just about looking good — it plays a big role in recovery and maintaining surgical results. Dr. Joel Aronowitz recommends regular physical activity, about four to five times a week, to boost circulation, enhance skin health, and keep the body strong.

Physical activity helps oxygen and essential nutrients reach the skin and tissues, speeding up the healing process. It also keeps muscles toned, which is particularly beneficial for those undergoing procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks. However, patients should follow their surgeon’s advice on when to resume workouts after surgery, as jumping back into intense exercise too soon can hinder healing.

Avoiding Harmful Habits: Why Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs Can Be Deal Breakers

Dr. Joel Aronowitz strongly advises against smoking, recreational drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption — and for good reason. Smoking is one of the worst things for post-surgery recovery. It reduces blood flow, slows down healing, and increases the risk of complications like infections and poor scar formation. Nicotine, in particular, restricts oxygen supply to tissues, which is essential for a smooth recovery.

Drinking too much alcohol can also negatively impact the body’s ability to heal by causing dehydration and increasing inflammation. Patients are encouraged to minimize alcohol intake, especially in the weeks leading up to and following surgery, to give their bodies the best chance to heal properly.

Genetics and the Power of a Positive Environment

In a humorous yet insightful remark, Dr. Joel Aronowitz mentions that “picking your parents well helps, but if you can’t do that, at least pick a positive mate.” While genetics certainly play a role in how we age and heal, they aren’t the only factor. Lifestyle choices can either enhance or work against genetic predispositions.

Beyond biology, a positive mindset and supportive environment can also make a big difference. Stress and negativity can slow down healing, while emotional well-being and encouragement from loved ones can help patients recover faster and feel more confident about their results.

The Big Picture: A Holistic Approach to Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Joel Aronowitz’s advice highlights the importance of looking at cosmetic surgery as part of a bigger picture. The success of a procedure isn’t just about what happens in the operating room — it’s about how patients take care of themselves before and after surgery. Eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits all contribute to better healing and more enduring results.

For those considering cosmetic procedures, Dr. Joel Aronowitz’s wisdom offers a valuable reminder: taking care of yourself is the best investment you can make. Surgery can help enhance your appearance, but maintaining those results in the long run requires a commitment to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A little effort goes a long way in ensuring that you not only look great but feel great, too.

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Dr. Joel Aronowitz
Dr. Joel Aronowitz

Written by Dr. Joel Aronowitz

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Joel Aronowitz, MD is an industry leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon, educator and media spokesperson.

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