What to Know about Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve the look you want. It involves removing fat from specific areas of your body, allowing you to sculpt your figure and reduce stubborn areas of fat. Many people are interested in liposuction but don’t know enough about it to make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll take a look at the basics of liposuction, who’s a good candidate for this procedure, the risks and benefits, the cost of the procedure, and more. Keep reading to learn more about this popular procedure.
What is liposuction surgery?
Although liposuction is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgery surgeons, many people still don’t know much about liposuction or how it works! Generally, the goal of liposuction is to sculpt and contour the body, improving its overall appearance. Liposuction works by using a thin tube, known as a cannula, which is inserted into the body through small incisions. The cannula is then used to break up and suction out the excess fat cells. This procedure can be used on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, arms, neck, and chin.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction surgery?
If you’re considering liposuction, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate. Generally speaking, a good candidate for liposuction surgery is someone who is in good physical health, is not significantly overweight, and has excess fat in areas that are not responding to diet and exercise. Physicians usually require that you are healthy and at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and its results. Liposuction is not designed to be exclusively a weight loss procedure, and it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. While the fat cells removed during liposuction will not return, the remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight.
Liposuction Weight Requirements
The primary requirement for liposuction is that the patient must not be significantly overweight. Generally, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater is considered to be overweight and is not a good candidate for liposuction. In addition to the patient’s BMI, their overall health is also taken into consideration when determining if they’re a suitable candidate for liposuction. Patients who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc., may not be eligible for liposuction. This is because these conditions can increase the risks associated with any surgery.
Liposuction Benefits
The primary reason for most patients to consider liposuction is that it enables them to achieve a slimmer and more contoured body shape. It can be used to remove stubborn areas of fat from the body, and it’s an excellent option for those who have been unable to achieve their desired results through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction surgery can be used to target specific areas of the body and can be tailored to meet your individual goals.
In addition to improving physical appearance, liposuction can also be used for medical reasons. It can be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as lymphedema and gynecomastia. Liposuction can also be used to treat certain types of lipomas, which are benign tumors that can form on the body. By removing fat, liposuction can even reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and minimize inflammation throughout the body
Liposuction Risks
Like any other surgery, liposuction comes with its share of risks, so let’s go over some of the most common risks associated with liposuction and how to manage them:
- Infection: Infection is one of the most common risks associated with liposuction. To avoid this, keep the area clean and dry and avoid direct contact with the treated area until it’s fully healed.
- Fat Necrosis: Fat necrosis is a condition where fat cells die off due to insufficient blood supply. This condition can result in lumps or bumps in the area of the liposuction.
- Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the treated area due to the trauma of the procedure and can lead to serious health complications.
- Numbness or Tingling: Numbness or tingling in the area of the liposuction is common and usually resolves itself over time, though it could also be related to nerve damage.
Many of these risks are present in any surgery, but you need to be aware of them if you’re planning to have a cosmetic surgery procedure like liposuction surgery. Finding the right surgeon is one of the best ways to reduce your risks. If you have any anxieties or concerns prior to your surgery, you should talk to your doctor about them in detail before you have your procedure. Patients should always tell doctors about any conditions that could exacerbate their risks and follow all pre-surgery instructions.
Liposuction Surgery Cost
The cost of liposuction can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the area being treated, the surgeon’s experience, and the type of anesthesia used. Every cosmetic procedure has different associated costs, so do your research. The cost of liposuction also includes:
- Pre-operative exams
- Anesthesia fees
- Lab tests
- Medications
- Post-operative care
In some cases, additional fees may be charged for facility fees or supplies used during the surgery. Remember to factor in potential other costs as well. These costs may include office visits and follow-up appointments. Additionally, patients should keep in mind that liposuction is not typically covered by health insurance, so the entire cost of the procedure should be taken into consideration.
Liposuction Recovery
In the days following the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, though this should diminish over time. Pain medications are usually prescribed to alleviate these symptoms. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions about rest, activity level, and follow-up care to the letter. Immediately following the procedure, you’ll be given a compression garment to wear for several weeks. This garment helps the skin to conform to its new contours. Wear the garment as prescribed and follow your doctor’s instructions for any additional post-operative care.
Patients may be instructed to massage the treated area to assist with the healing process after liposuction surgery. If you have any questions about what to do after your surgery, you should call your doctor and ask. You may also be told to avoid direct sunlight, hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pools as well. These activities can increase the risk of infection and cause further swelling. You may experience some bruising and swelling, which should resolve within a few weeks. If you have any persistent swelling or pain, contact your doctor.
Liposuction Recovery Time
Recovery time can vary greatly depending on the extent of the liposuction procedure. For most patients, it takes about two to three weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside and for the patient to start seeing results. When you first start to resume your normal activities, you need to take it easy and avoid overdoing it. If a patient is physically active, they should avoid strenuous activities and exercises for at least two weeks. It can take several months for the full results to be seen. During this time, patients may experience some numbness and tightness in the treated areas. This is a normal part of the healing process and should improve over time.
Liposuction Scars
When you undergo liposuction, you’ll likely end up with some degree of scarring. The amount of scarring you have will depend on the type of procedure you have, the skill of the surgeon, and the type of skin you have. Your surgeon may use a technique known as smoothing to reduce the appearance of scars following liposuction surgery. This involves using an instrument to gently smooth out the surface of the skin. Working with an experienced surgeon is often the most significant determiner of the appearance of your scars.
You need to take care of the area to ensure speedy healing. This means cleaning the area with a gentle cleanser and protecting the area with a bandage. You should keep the area clean and dry and avoid picking at the incision site. After the incision site has healed, you can use over-the-counter scar treatments to reduce the appearance of scars. Products such as silicone gel sheets, vitamin E oil, and hydrocortisone cream can reduce the appearance of scars and can be used for an extended period of time.
Liposuction Before And After
Before undergoing liposuction, you’ll need to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this initial consultation, the doctor will determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. The doctor will also discuss the risks and benefits of liposuction and answer any questions or concerns you may have. A physical exam will be performed to assess the areas of the body that will be treated and you can inform the doctor of any medical conditions you have or medications you’re taking.
After the procedure, follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare, including wearing a compression garment and getting plenty of rest. You’ll likely need to take some time off from work or other activities. This is because your body needs time to heal from the surgery and the recovery can take several weeks. During your time off after liposuction surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities and stay out of the sun to prevent any complications. Always attend your follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can monitor your progress and ensure you’re healing properly.
