What You Need to Know About Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs. In some cases, treating more than one area using the same procedure is possible. Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about liposuction.

Who Are the Best Candidates?

Liposuction is best suited for patients with excess fat in a particular area. Patients should already be close to their ideal weight, as this procedure isn’t primarily intended for weight loss.

What Does the Surgeon Do?

Plastic surgeons typically perform liposuction under general anesthesia so you’ll fall asleep. The surgeon makes small incisions in the treatment area and inserts a thin, narrow tube known as a cannula. The next step is to move the cannula back and forth under the skin to break up fat cells and suction them away.

What’s the Recovery Like?

You should return home shortly after the procedure with complete aftercare instructions and prescriptions for pain medication. Someone you trust will need to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first day. You’ll normally feel sore, so you should rest for the first day. After that, you should start walking around to ensure good blood circulation.

You can usually return to work within the first week, but you’ll need to wear compression garments for several weeks to reduce fluid retention, known medically as edema. You’ll need to wait at least a month before resuming strenuous exercises, such as weight lifting and running. Be sure to discuss the downtime from your particular exercise schedule with your surgeon.

What Results Can I Expect?

Expect the contours of the treatment area to be uneven for the first three weeks, when swelling will be the most pronounced. As the swelling subsides over the next few months, the contouring should even out to show the final results. You’ll still need to follow a healthy, active lifestyle to maintain these results over the long term.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Like other cosmetic procedures, liposuction requires consultation to discuss your expectations. Dr. Bidic, Dr. Gundlapalli, and Dr. Sheck are all board-certified plastic surgeons who are passionate about helping their patients achieve their cosmetic goals. Schedule an appointment at American Surgical Arts or call us at 856-362-8898.