How much do you know about liposuction? If you’re like most people, you know it can help you look leaner, but that’s about all you know. Learning as much as you can about liposuction is important, so you know exactly what the procedure can and cannot do.
All About Liposuction
When people think about liposuction, they immediately imagine an easy way to get rid of unwanted fat. Most people know that a plastic surgeon simply sucks the fat out of the body. That’s not all they need to know, though. The following are 10 facts about liposuction, so you can make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you.
#1: It Doesn’t Remove All Fat
People who are obese cannot instantly become thin with liposuction. This procedure is primarily for people who are nearly at their ideal weight and want to lose excess fat in certain areas. For instance, losing fat in the abdominal area is quite difficult. If after eating healthy and exercising you still have undesirable fat there, liposuction can get rid of it for you. However, if you have a large amount of fat in your midsection, thighs, arms, and other areas that you want to remove, liposuction is not the right procedure for you.
#2: General or Local Anesthesia Can Be Used
General anesthesia is when patients are placed into a state of unconsciousness. Local anesthesia is simply numbing the area where the liposuction will be performed. A plastic surgeon will determine whether a patient needs general or local anesthesia. Usually, if there’s only a minimal amount of fat to be removed, local anesthesia is all that is needed. For those who need much more fat removed or multiple procedures, general anesthesia will be much more comfortable for the patient.
#3: Liposuction Can Remove Fat from Many Body Areas
Liposuction is effective in removing fat from the:
- Back
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Inner knee
- Chest
- Cheeks, chin and neck
- Calves and ankles
- Upper arm
These are the main areas of the body that often accumulate fat. Smaller areas of the body may be treated with other procedures. Speak to one of our plastic surgeons for more information by sending us a message here.
#4: It Doesn’t Eliminate Cellulite
While liposuction reduces the appearance of cellulite in some people, it doesn’t eliminate it completely. Many people are surprised to see that they are thinner, but still have cellulite after the procedure.
#5: Liposuction Doesn’t Tighten Skin
Removing fat from the body will result in loose skin. The loose skin may tighten up in time, but not always. It’s important to speak to the plastic surgeon if you have concerns about lose skin after the procedure. The plastic surgeon may be able to remove the excess skin to give you a tighter, leaner look.
#6: People Who Smoke Can’t Have Liposuction
Smoking interferes with the safety of the procedure, so people who smoke should not get liposuction. Some people quit smoking just so they can have it performed, which is a great way to start on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
#7: Patients Return to Work after a Few Days
Recovery can take a week, so it’s important to plan to take at least a week off work. Many patients will use their vacation time to do it because it gives them the right amount of time off for it.
Full recovery takes approximately two weeks. This is when most patients can return to normal activities, such as exercising.
#8: Recovery Isn’t Too Uncomfortable
Most people report that they experience some swelling, soreness, and bruising, but it isn’t bothersome. The intensity of these effects depends on the individual and how much fat was removed during the procedure.
#9: Other Procedures Can Be Performed with the Liposuction
Many people will opt to have other procedures in addition to the liposuction. For instance, they may have a facelift or breast augmentation. Since they will already be under general anesthesia, it just makes sense to take care of everything at one time.
#10: Liposuction Doesn’t Keep You from Gaining Weight
Many people believe they can go back to an unhealthy lifestyle after liposuction and not gain weight. While the fat cells are removed in treated areas, it doesn’t mean fat won’t accumulate in other places. People who want lasting results from their liposuction should continue eating healthy and exercising.
Learn More About Liposuction
Our team of experienced plastic surgeons have been performing liposuction on patients for many years. We understand the look you’re seeking, and we can help you achieve it with liposuction and possibly other procedures. To learn more about our services and the ways we can help you improve the look of your body, contact us at 631-364-0333. Our office is conveniently located in East Setauket on Belle Meade Road.
We look forward to working with you on achieving a body you will love.
