Liposuction Questions Answered

Most of us are losing the battle of the bulge. It’s not a fair fight with time, genetics, and our own bad habits working against us. It seems like our bellies get bigger with every year that passes. But there’s a way to erase all those years of poor eating habits and no exercise. With liposuction, a cosmetic surgeon can remove the fat that has collected in your hips, thighs, arms, and other places. If you still have questions or concerns, read the following list of frequently asked questions about liposuction. 

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

People of normal weight who have isolated areas of fat that may remain even with diet and exercise are the best candidates for this procedure, surgeons agree. This procedure is not meant for obese people or as a weight-loss measure.

How is liposuction performed?

It’s a simple procedure in which a hollow tube with a vacuum attached is inserted into a small incision. Your surgeon will remove the fat using the tube, which is called the cannula.

Are there risks with liposuction?

There are risks with any plastic surgery like bleeding, a negative reaction to anesthesia, swelling, scarring, and bruising, to name a few. There is also risk of infection, skin discoloration, and dissatisfaction with the work that was performed.

Are these results permanent?

Yes, they are as long as the patient keeps up with diet and exercise and doesn’t fall back into their bad habits. Liposuction is not meant to be used as a weight-loss method but rather as a way to reshape one’s body.

How long is the recovery period?

You can expect to recuperate the procedure in four weeks to six months, depending on the extent of work that was done. You will have to be taped up or wear compression garments on the areas that were worked on for about a month. The swelling usually subsides after a week but the bruising can last much longer. Patients can return to their daily lives within a month of the surgery.

The results will not be immediately apparent because of the swelling.

Will there be scarring?

Because the incisions are very small, they are not readily apparent; however, as with surgery’s risks, you should discuss your concerns over scarring with your plastic surgeon before you make a final decision.