Most people have certain aspects of their appearances they’re just not satisfied with. For many, unwanted fat is a primary concern. Though they modify their diets and commit themselves to exercise, that’s not always enough to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. Sometimes, medical intervention is the best solution.
Because of that, hundreds of thousands of people turn to cosmetic procedures to help eliminate problematic fat. Liposuction is one of the most popular. Before undergoing liposuction, though, it’s important to fully understand the procedure and what it entails. Take a look at some common questions and concerns people have about liposuction and the answers to those queries.
What Is Involved in the Liposuction Procedure?
In short, liposuction involves using medical devices known as cannulas to suction fat deposits out of the body. Be aware that this is an invasive procedure. Incisions are created in the areas to be treated, and the cannula is inserted into those areas to draw out fat cells.
Exploring Different Types of Liposuction
Different types of liposuction are available. In laser-assisted liposuction, lasers are used to break down fat deposits before using a cannula to remove them. With ultrasound-assisted liposuction, ultrasonic technology causes fat cells to burst before they’re suctioned away.
Power-assisted liposuction uses a vibrating cannula to break up fat deposits. In tumescent liposuction, a mixture of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine is injected into fat deposits before removing them. Lidocaine acts as a pain reliever while epinephrine causes blood vessels in the target area to constrict. Saline fosters the fat-removal process.
A Few Added Details
Liposuction can be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure depending on the areas being treated, the procedure being used, and other factors. Before treatment, you may receive general, regional, or local anesthesia. Afterward, you may need to remain in the clinic or hospital for a few hours or overnight.
Consulting with a Plastic Surgeon
Those are some of the basics of liposuction. You’ll need to consult with plastic surgeons in Knoxville, TN to gain a more in-depth understanding of the process you’ll undergo. Your plastic surgeon will determine whether you’re a good candidate and which type of liposuction will best meet your needs and expectations.
He or she will also provide detailed instructions for preparing for liposuction. Those could include dietary restrictions and other measures to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely. Your plastic surgeon will explain what to expect after the fact, too.
Does Liposuction Help with Weight Loss?
In truth, liposuction isn’t a method of weight loss. Experts recommend that people lose weight on their own through diet and exercise prior to having liposuction. After reaching or nearing your goal weight, liposuction can be used to remove stubborn lingering fat deposits. This procedure is meant for sculpting and shaping areas of the body that don’t improve after losing weight and building muscle.
That being said, since liposuction removes fat cells, you may lose a small amount of weight as a result of the procedure. This may vary from one or two pounds to ten or more depending on the areas being treated and the amount of fat removed. Liposuction shouldn’t be used as an alternative to diet and exercise. It’s not right for those who are unable to maintain weight loss for extended periods of time via healthy lifestyle changes, either.
Is Liposuction Permanent?
Yes, liposuction provides permanent results. Once fat cells are removed from the body, they don’t grow back. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t gain weight after the procedure.
While liposuction removes fat cells in treated areas, more are still present in the body.
If you don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle following the procedure, you could easily gain weight. In turn, the fat cells remaining in the body will swell. Then, they could spread into the areas that were previously treated with liposuction. Although liposuction eliminates fat cells and can provide permanent body contouring results, it’s part of an ongoing effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How Long Does It Take to See Results with Liposuction?
For the most part, people start noticing results from liposuction within a few days after the procedure, but this varies from one person to the next. Please understand, you’ll most likely have a certain amount of swelling afterward. That could interfere with the actual results of the treatment, and it could take anywhere from several days to a few weeks to fully dissipate. Because of that, the full results of liposuction may not be evident for a couple of months.
Is Liposuction Painful?
Plastic surgeons administer anesthesia before performing liposuction, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, though, you’ll experience some bruising, swelling, and pain. This typically starts to subside within a week. Your plastic surgeon may apply numbing medications to the affected areas or prescribe oral medications to help with the pain.
From there, you may notice some tenderness or discomfort in the treated areas. This could last for several weeks. Most people say the discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications and other resources your plastic surgeon may recommend.
What Happens After Liposuction?
As mentioned, you may experience pain and discomfort from the procedure. As such, certain medications could come into play to alleviate those issues. In some cases, drain tubes need to be inserted in the treated areas to allow for fluid drainage. You may need to wear a compression garment as well to reduce swelling and aid in maintaining newly created body contours. Your plastic surgeon will give you specific post-procedure instructions based on your unique circumstances.
Is Liposuction Right for Me?
Generally speaking, liposuction is a safe and effective solution for adults who are healthy and have managed to achieve and maintain weight loss on their own. It’s not recommended for smokers or people who suffer from certain medical conditions that could impede healing, such as compromised immunity or diabetes. Only a qualified plastic surgeon can determine if you’re a good candidate for liposuction.
Learn More About Liposuction and Its Benefits and Limitations
Those are some of the most common questions people ask about liposuction. It’s an effective procedure for those who have stubborn fat deposits that just don’t respond to diet and exercise. Bear in mind, though, it’s important to have realistic expectations going into the procedure.
While liposuction is safe for most people, it’s not right for everyone. Schedule a consultation with a certified plastic surgeon to learn more about the procedures he or she uses, how they could affect you, and whether they’re suitable for you. Your plastic surgeon can address more specific issues and provide further details on what to expect before, during, and after liposuction.
