Are you living in a body you’re unsatisfied with but don’t know how to change it? We’ve found that some people don’t see plastic surgery procedures like liposuction as real solutions to their body concerns. In part because they don’t truly understand how the procedure works and how it can improve their lives. Today, we’re answering some common questions to help you better understand this surgery and determine if it’s the right choice.
Q. What Is Liposuction?
A. The definition of liposuction (also known as lipo) is in the name: Lipo, meaning fat, and suction, meaning to suck out. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon uses a wand to remove unwanted fat from the patient’s body. This procedure can treat several areas of the body, including the stomach, thighs, hips, backside, neck, or arms. It is an ideal solution for people who have large pockets of body fat in specific areas but are in a healthy weight range overall. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the treatment area, the wand is inserted, and the fat is removed. It’s a fairly simple concept, but the results are tremendous.
Q. Can Lipo Help Me Lose Weight?
A. A common misconception about this procedure is that it is a weight loss solution. Lipo, like any other plastic surgery, is not intended as a first-step solution for patients trying to get into shape. It is more like a last step for patients who have worked hard to lose weight and maintain a healthy body and still have stubborn areas of fat that they cannot eliminate with diet and exercise. While it’s not designed to help you lose weight, once you’ve recovered from your procedure and are back to your usual exercise routine, if you have been trying to drop a few pounds, you may find yourself more motivated than ever to hit that goal.
Q. How Long Will It Take To Recover From This Procedure?
A. Liposuction is a surgery, so the first four or five days after your procedure, you can expect some pain and swelling in the treatment area. Most patients are able to return to their basic life activities within the first week of their treatment. It can take up to a month to get back to exercising and performing a full normal routine. Like with any procedure, everyone’s experience differs; if you want to know more about what you can expect, ask your plastic surgeon.
Q. Is The Fat Removal Permanent?
A. Yes, the fat that is removed during this procedure is gone forever. However, it’s important to understand that you can still grow new fat cells after this procedure if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sticking to a good diet and exercise routine after the surgery is the best way to ensure long-lasting results.
Q. Are The Results Immediate?
A. Your unwanted fat will disappear immediately after your procedure. However, because of the swelling you will experience from the surgery, it can take weeks to get a clear idea of how your body shape has changed.
Q. Am I A Good Lipo Candidate?
A. The best candidate for lipo is someone who is close to achieving their healthy weight goals, is already living a healthy lifestyle, and has areas of fat they’re unable to lose in the traditional manner.
One note that’s important to understand is that there are two types of fat: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Visceral fat lies underneath your organs and muscles, and it cannot be removed using lipo. Subcutaneous fat is the fat between the muscles in your skin that can be removed. Your doctor can help you determine what type of fat you’re dealing with and whether or not you would benefit from this procedure. If your skin has lost its elasticity, it is unlikely to bounce back into place after liposuction.
If you are interested in learning even more about this procedure, we highly recommend that you set up a consultation with a member of our team. The best way to learn about any plastic surgery is from a professional who can tell you how the surgery will affect your body directly. For more information about our plastic surgery procedures, contact our office today.
