Everything You Need to Know About Liposuction Procedure

Interest in cosmetic surgery is at an all-time high. However, misinformation and stigma still surround plastic surgery and its patients. Are you considering liposuction? If so, you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of patients undergo the procedure every year. Thanks to technological leaps, this procedure is not nearly as time-consuming, painful, or invasive as it once was and is often more effective than most noninvasive procedures. 

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the body using a hollow stainless-steel tube and a suction device. It typically aims to contour the body by removing pockets of fat from specific areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. 

Cosmetic surgeons can perform this procedure using several different techniques. These include traditional, tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted liposuction. The choice of method will depend on the patient's specific needs and goals and the surgeon's preference and experience. 

Reasons for Its Popularity

Some of the reasons why liposuction is so popular include the following:

• It is a highly effective procedure for removing excess fat from specific body areas. 
• It is customizable to meet the specific needs and goals of the patient. 
• Incisions made are small and typically result in minimal scarring. 
• It typically requires a shorter recovery period than other body contouring procedures.
• Results are generally long-lasting, provided that the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle and does not gain significant weight.
• It is a safer and more effective option than nonsurgical fat reduction techniques.
• It has a high satisfaction rate, with many patients reporting significant improvements in appearance and self-confidence after the procedure.

Factors to Consider Before Undergoing Liposuction

Here are the factors to consider before undergoing liposuction:

• Your health and medical history.
• Your expectations.
• Your suitability for the procedure.
• Cost and financing.
• Risks and complications.
• Recovery time.
• Alternative treatments.

What to Expect

Consultation

During the consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will assess your overall health, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine the best treatment plan. The surgeon may also take photos and measurements of the treatment area.

Pre-op Preparation

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on preparing for the procedure. That includes any medications to take or avoid and when to stop eating and drinking.

Anesthesia

Plastic surgeons typically perform liposuction under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. That will depend on the extent of the procedure and the patient's preference.

The Procedure

Your surgeon will make small incisions in the treatment area and insert the cannula through the incisions. He/she will use the cannula to break up and suction out the excess fat. The procedure may take several hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat.

Recovery

Following the procedure, your surgeon will dress you in a compression garment to help reduce swelling and encourage proper healing. You will also receive instructions on how to care for the incisions and the treated area. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week. Yet, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least a few weeks.

It is best to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is ideal for patients who are at or near their ideal body weight but have stubborn pockets of excess fat. Consult a cosmetic surgeon to determine whether you are a good candidate.

For more on liposuction, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our McKinney, Texas, office. Call 469-675-3659 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/liposuction-10-things-to-know-and-10-questions-to-ask

https://www.allure.com/story/liposuction-surgery-guide-what-to-know