5 Things to Consider If You’re Thinking About Liposuction

What is liposuction? If you’re considering a liposuction procedure, it’s important that you understand the basics. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from underneath the skin. While getting liposuction may put you on the right track to reaching your weight goals, it’s not necessarily a cure for obesity or dramatic weight loss. Read on to learn some important facts about liposuction surgery.

What You Need to Know About Liposuction Procedures:

1. Liposuction Targets Specific Areas

The most common misconception associated with liposuction is that it’s a quick fix for weight loss. While liposuction can reduce your overall weight, it’s not going to remove all of the fat from your body. So, what is liposuction? It’s actually a procedure that targets a specific part of your body — the hips or belly, for example.

In other words, liposuction is for shaping your body. As you gain weight, the weight naturally spreads throughout the body. It’s unsafe to remove significant amounts of fat at one time, so it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. Some people assume that liposuction simply removes all of the extra fat, and that’s just not true.

If you have a problematic area, liposuction can help to reduce fat in that specific location. After the surgery, it’s up to you to continue on your weight loss path. While liposuction can be a powerful tool, it’s not the cure-all that many people seem to assume.

Here are some of the areas that can be targeted by liposuction:

• Bottom of the upper arms
• Bra fat
• Belly bulge
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Love handles
• Breasts
• Chin
• Upper back
• Inner or outer thighs
• Ankles
• Knees
• Calves
• Under the chin

2. Liposuction Is a Relatively Easy Procedure

What is liposuction like? Basically the surgeon makes small incisions in the skin. Then, they use a tool called a cannula, similar to a syringe, to extract the extra fat from the fat pockets underneath the skin. The procedure usually only takes an hour or so.

If you’re thinking about getting a liposuction procedure, you may be nervous. That’s understandable — it’s surgery, after all. Fortunately, liposuction is an outpatient surgery, which means that most patients can return home (or to a recovery center) the same day as the surgery. That said, you will need to recover for two to four weeks before returning to regular activities.

The good news is that you shouldn’t have to anticipate an extended hospital stay. At the same time, it’s crucial that you plan to be out of commission while you recover fully.

You may be wondering, “What is liposuction recovery like?” For the first five days after the procedure, you will need to rest. You will also need to make sure to move every two hours to prevent blood clots from forming. During your liposuction recovery time, it’s important that you’re cared for properly. After five days, you will return to the doctor for a post-operative checkup.

3. Not Everyone Is an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction

Being overweight doesn’t necessarily mean that liposuction is the right decision for you. The ideal candidate is a healthy nonsmoker who’s already fairly close to their target weight. They have excess fat between the muscles and skin (subcutaneous fat) that’s difficult to lose through traditional means.

What is liposuction not suitable for treating? People who have excess fat around the abdominal organs and beneath the muscles (visceral fat) may not benefit from a liposuction procedure. Those who have loose skin or cellulite are also not ideal candidates because the procedure can cause the skin to become looser, uneven, or dimpled.

4. You Need to Be Evaluated First

In order to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this procedure, consult with a plastic surgeon. If you are qualified for this type of procedure, the surgeon will answer your questions regarding what liposuction is and what you can anticipate. They will explain the potential risks and complications and give you an overview of what type of results you can expect. You will also need to sign a preliminary consent form.

5. Proper Recovery Is Essential

Liposuction can be a positive step for anyone looking to shed some extra fat, but only if you take it seriously and approach it correctly. Following the surgery, it’s critical that you follow the doctor’s instructions exactly. That means you will need to plan for at least two weeks of postoperative care.

In the next five days after the procedure, it’s normal for patients to feel sore and bruised. There may also be a discharge of fluid from the incisions. Like any surgery, there’s always a risk of infection, especially without proper care. You should plan proper postoperative nursing care well in advance to minimize the risk of complications.

After you’ve fully recovered, it’s up to you to continue on your weight loss journey. Liposuction isn’t a substitute for a proper diet and exercise routine. What is liposuction good for? The liposuction procedure puts you on the right track. It helps you to gain some momentum. It builds your self-confidence so you can make a positive long-term change.

Reserve a Luxury Recovery Suite or Room

Pearl Recovery Retreat provides a tranquil oasis where you can recover with a smile. You’ll enjoy a variety of amenities at our world-class wellness center, as well as compassionate nursing care and customized medical attention. Going through surgery is an exhausting process. Allow us to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

What is liposuction going to do for you? That all depends on you. If you use it as a crux to make a lifestyle change, it can be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Just make sure you’re ready, not just physically, but mentally. We’re here to help you take this exciting step towards a healthier lifestyle. Contact us today to plan your visit.