Are you thinking about getting liposuction to reduce stubborn areas of fat?  If you are, it’s important to be well-informed about liposuction surgery, so you know what to expect during and after the operation.  Having this information will enhance your liposuction surgery experience and ensure safety and optimal results. But what should you know about liposuction surgery? 

9 Things You Should Know About Liposuction Surgery

1. What Is Liposuction Surgery
2. Types of Liposuction Procedures
3. Who Is A Good Candidate?
4. Are There Any Risks
5. How To Prepare For Liposuction Surgery
6. What To Expect After Surgery?
7. How long Is Recovery from Liposuction?
8. When Will You See Results?
9. What Happens If You Gain Weight After Liposuction?

What Is Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction surgery is a procedure that is done to remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.  It fine-tunes the figure by removing isolated pockets of fat, so it is therefore not a weight loss solution, or substitute for exercise.  Patients can expect to lose inches in the treated areas after liposuction, so their clothes will fit a lot better.

Liposuction can be performed on almost every part of the body but the most common areas treated are the back, abdomen, thighs, and neck.

Type Of Liposuction Procedures

Liposuction has been revolutionized in recent years thanks to techniques such as tumescent liposuction and vaser liposuction.  These procedures are safer and have fewer complications than traditional liposuction. 

• Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the most common type of liposuction performed in the US.  It involves the use of a tumescent solution that is injected into the treatment sites at the start of the procedure.  The tumescent solution is a mix of local anesthetic, sterile saline, and epinephrine, which is a drug that constricts the blood vessels and decreases blood loss.  

Once the targeted area is infused with the tumescent solution, tiny incisions are made through which a cannula (small tube) is inserted beneath the skin.  The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen the unwanted fat deposits, which are removed with an integrated suction device. 

• Vaser Liposuction

Vaser liposuction or ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells removed during liposuction.  The probe transmits ultrasonic waves that target and liquefy the fat cells, without affecting the surrounding tissues.  

The liquefied fat is removed from the body using a light suction device.  Tumescent solution is also administered at the start of vaser liposuction. Vaser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that causes less trauma to the tissues, and requires less downtime.  

Your plastic surgeon will assess your specific needs and determine which liposuction technique would be most suitable for you.   The technique chosen will depend on the site being treated and the volume of fat to be removed. 

Who is a good candidate?

The best candidates for liposuction are adults that work out regularly but have a few areas of localized fat they are unable to reduce with diet and exercise.  

Candidates for liposuction should also be generally healthy and at a stable weight.  Ideal candidates should also have relatively elastic skin, good muscle tone, and realistic expectations about the procedure.   

Patients that meet these criteria typically get the best results.

Are There Any Risks

Liposuction is a surgical procedure so there are inherent risks, but these are minimized in the hands of a skilled, experienced surgeon.  If you are considering liposuction, it’s therefore critical to select a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for achieving excellent liposuction results. 

How To Prepare For Liposuction Surgery

Patients are typically given instructions concerning how to prepare for surgery, at least 2 weeks prior.   You will have to get routine lab tests done, as well as a medical examination to verify that you are ready for surgery.   

Your doctor will also ask you to:

• Stop smoking.  This is an important step because nicotine can delay healing and increase post-surgical risks.     
• Stop taking certain medications.  Doctors advise patients to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, non-prescription medications, and herbal supplements, at least 2 weeks before surgery.   
• Avoid drinking alcohol.  Alcohol can thin the blood and negatively impact healing. 
• Arrange with someone to take you home after surgery.  You should arrange to have a family member or friend take you home and stay with you the night of surgery.  

What to Expect After Surgery?

After liposuction, patients can expect to see some swelling and bruising.  They may also feel mild pain and soreness in the treatment area. Patients usually need to wear support in the form of a compression garment, which will help to minimize swelling and contour the body.  A compression garment is typically worn for about 2-6 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.

 Most patients can return to work within 5-7 days of surgery and resume normal activities within 7 days.   However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. 

How Long is Recovery From Liposuction?

Recovery after liposuction varies for each patient because factors such as the volume of fat removed, and the type of liposuction procedure performed, can affect healing time.  However, most patients take about 1-2 weeks to recover. 

When Will You See Results?

Due to the swelling patients experience after liposuction, it can take several months to see the final results.  However, there will be some visible improvement in body contours a few weeks after surgery.  

What Happens If You Gain Weight After Liposuction?

If patients gain a moderate amount of weight after liposuction, relatively little fat will be distributed in the treated areas since there are fewer fat cells there.  However, fat will accumulate in the areas that were not treated with liposuction.  

Would you like to learn more about liposuction surgery?  Search our directory to find a practice in your area. 

If you are in the Beverly Hills, CA and surrounding areas, Rodeo Surgical Arts is our featured practice. 

You can reach them at https://www.rodeosurgicalart.com/ or by calling (310) 289-3339.