Undergoing any cosmetic procedure requires you to be cautious, educated, and well-informed, and liposuction is no exception to the rule. Below, ten things to know and ten questions to ask if you’re considering liposuction.
To know: Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure.
Despite popular misconception, liposuction isn’t intended to be a weight-loss treatment. It’s intended for healthy individuals who want to eliminate excess fat tissue that isn’t responding to diet and exercise.
To ask: Which areas can be treated with liposuction?
Depending on the patient’s body type and aesthetic goals, the surgeon can perform liposuction on multiple areas of the body. These include hips, waist, buttocks, thighs, neck, and abdomen.
To know: You can ensure permanent liposuction effects with a continued healthy diet.
Liposuction focuses on the permanent removal of fatty tissue in order to smoothen and contour the skin. If the patient continues with a healthy diet and eating, they can prevent fat gain and ensure permanent results.
To ask: Is the surgeon board-certified?
A safe and effective liposuction procedure requires knowledge and experience, so choose a board-certified liposuction specialist when scheduling a consultation. Your surgeon should have extensive experience in the field. Ask about the number of procedures they’ve done to make sure they’re a good fit.
To know: Liposuction procedure typically takes less than three hours to complete.
This refers to traditional liposuction – tumescent liposuction and ultrasound-assisted one take longer to complete (up to five hours). Procedures are also longer in cases where larger or multiple areas are being treated.
To ask: What happens during the liposuction procedure?
To contour and sculpt the target area, your surgeon will make precise incisions. After that, they’ll suction out excess fat by relying on a long needle called a cannula.
To know: You should be able to go home on the same day after the surgery.
This is because liposuction is usually treated as an outpatient procedure. You will, however, need to arrange for a ride home after the procedure has been completed.
To ask: Where is the liposuction performed?
This will depend on the surgeon. Some may use their own accredited surgical centers to perform liposuction procedures. Others, however, may rely on off-site surgery facilities away from their clinical location.
To know: A single liposuction procedure can remove up to several pounds of fat
Of course, the amount of fat that the surgeon is able to remove during a single procedure will depend on the patient’s aesthetic goals as well as how the surgeon assesses the patient’s health.
To ask: Can I combine liposuction with another cosmetic procedure?
Yes, it’s possible (and quite common) to have liposuction done at the same time as other cosmetic procedures. Patients often choose to combine liposuction with breast lifts or tummy tucks.
To know: You can choose between multiple liposuction techniques.
These include everything from Vaser and Laser to Ultrasound and Tumescent liposuction techniques. They also happen to be the most popular ones right now.
To ask: How can I prepare for my liposuction procedure?
For starters, quit smoking so that the wounds can heal faster. To avoid bleeding issues during the procedure, you should stop taking aspirin and blood thinners. Also, don’t eat at least six hours before the procedure.
To know: You will be given adequate anesthesia prior to the procedure.
To ensure the best results, your surgeon will give you a general anesthetic. In the case of smaller areas, they may simply use local anesthesia.
