Liposuction continues to be one of the most in-demand cosmetic procedures on the market, with an estimated 200,000 procedures being performed in a single year. Plastic surgeons have been perfecting the craft of performing liposuction for decades, and innovative new methods of removing fat cells have helped countless patients achieve their body goals.
Even so, many patients fear the risks and potential complications that come with undergoing a surgical procedure. If you’ve ever contemplated a cosmetic procedure like this but didn’t know where to start, our guide to liposuction recovery and safety protocols is here to help. From understanding weight loss surgery techniques to choosing the most qualified cosmetic surgeons, DMR Aesthetics Chicago has you covered.
What’s Liposuction?
You’ve probably heard of liposuction, but what exactly is this procedure, anyway? Simply put, liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat and reshapes the body. Technically, this procedure can be performed anywhere that too much fat is present, however, the most common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Most patients who choose to undergo a liposuction procedure may have struggled with other weight loss method options like diet, exercise, and OTC weight loss medications. Liposuction is one of the most reliable methods for fat removal but shouldn’t be considered as a weight loss procedure, but most patients can maintain a healthy weight long after their procedure.
How’s Liposuction Performed?
All liposuction procedures involve the removal of fat by targeting a specific area, but there are actually a few different liposuction techniques for women achieving these results. Depending on how much fat needs to be removed, a board certified plastic surgeon will advise you on the best treatment method for your unique needs.
Liposuction Types
Tumescent Liposuction
One of the newest and most innovative liposuction techniques includes the injection of a tumescent solution into the treated area. This solution eliminates fat cells while also reducing bleeding and pain during the operation. In most cases, tumescent liposuction can be performed using only local anesthesia, making it one of the least invasive options.
Laser Assisted Liposuction
Rather than using traditional liposuction tools, this method uses laser energy to disrupt and dislodge fat, allowing them to be safely flushed from the body. This is a great way to target stubborn fat without further complications.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction
Similar to laser assisted methods, ultrasound assisted liposuction creates a similar result using potent ultrasound energy. Ultimately, this makes it faster and easier to remove large amounts of excess fat, streamlining the overall liposuction process.
Suction Assisted Liposuction
Sometimes thought of as a traditional liposuction, this procedure uses a vacuum tube to slowly suck lipid cells from the body. A similar procedure is called power assisted liposuction, which achieves the same effect using motion-driven tool.
Risks And Other Factors
Regardless of which liposuction procedure you choose, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your risks and prevent complications.
Choose A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
First and foremost, working with qualified plastic surgeons is crucial to have a safe liposuction experience. Before you choose a cosmetic surgeon, make sure that they’ve been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Prepare For Recovery In Advance
Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure that requires significant recovery time. With that in mind, you’ll need to prepare to take time off from work and other strenuous activities as your body heals. If you have small children, you should arrange child care for the first few weeks after the procedure, as you won’t be able to do any heavy lifting.
Use Compression Garments
One of the most common side effects of liposuction is poor skin elasticity or a saggy skin surface. You can try to reduce excess sagging skin by combating this using compression garments during the healing process, which hold your skin in place and helps you maintain a trim appearance.
Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle
No plastic surgery procedure can substitute for taking care of your physical health. If you want to keep your final results and prevent future complications, you’ll need to continue eating a healthy diet and maintain an exercise routine to not gain weight and ensure a healthy weight range after having your surgery.
Liposuction Side Effects
When taking the recommended precautions, most liposuction patients only experience mild to moderate side effects as they recover. The most common side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Reactions to general anesthesia
- Discomfort and pain around abdominal organs
Sadly, there are some severe complications from a liposuction procedure that prove to be extremely dangerous when left untreated. In rare cases, patients have experienced:
- Fluid accumulation, where too much fluid restricts blood flow
- Fat embolism, where fat cells break away and cause blood clots
- Skin necrosis
- Infections at the incision site
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Uneven fat removal
- Chest pain
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Uncomfortable skin sensation
If any severe liposuction risks occur, contact your cosmetic surgery center immediately before these conditions worsen.
Liposuction Recovery Process
Before you panic, extreme complications from liposuction surgery are very rare. For most patients, the healing process requires lots of rest, as well as taking any prescribed medications for pain management. As you reduce swelling, your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate your results and recommend any additional recovery measures that need to be taken.
It’s critically important to follow your doctor’s orders during this time, even if it seems to be taking longer than you expected. The average recovery process for a liposuction procedure is between 1 to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does liposuction remove excess skin?
Liposuction removes fatty tissue deposits from beneath the skin, sometimes called subcutaneous fat. However, this does not remove sagging or loose skin. An other surgical procedure would need to be performed for this. The patient should have good skin elasticity prior to undergoing liposuction unless they plan to utilize additional cosmetic skin removal procedures like a tummy tuck.
Who’s the ideal candidate for liposuction?
Keep in mind that liposuction is for removing stubborn fat and is not a quick and easy way to lose weight. Candidates for liposuction should be easily able to manage their ideal weight with healthy lifestyle habits, even with fat removed.
Additionally, the surgeon should review your medical history to determine if any underlying conditions, particularly a weak immune system, could impact your ability to recover safely.
Is liposuction the same as body contouring?
No. Body contouring focuses on reshaping body fat with non-invasive tools, like cool sculpting and ultrasound sculpting. However, some patients choose to combine liposuction with body contouring methods, creating incredible results.
Will I be in pain after the procedure?
Since liposuction is an invasive procedure, expect swelling, pain, and discomfort initially. Post-op pain typically lasts 4-5 days but diminishes swiftly, and any remaining discomfort is easily managed.
How do I keep my stomach flat after liposuction?
Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, stay active, and manage stress. These steps promote overall health and sustain your liposuction results effectively.
Work With A Qualified Plastic Surgeon Today
Ready to see if a liposuction procedure is right for you? Dr. Dahlia Rice at DMR Aesthetics has helped dozens of patients achieve their body goals safely and effectively, using her expertise to create a customized plan to remove excess fat deposits.
Connect with our office to schedule a risk-free liposuction consultation today.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body/liposuction-guide/