Liposuction is a type of surgery that removes unwanted fat from the body. Your surgeon can use this body contouring procedure to remove fat in areas such as your hips, arms, love handles, thighs, calves and neck. This popular cosmetic procedure can make you slimmer and help your clothes fit better.
Liposuction works best for those who are healthy and have realistic expectations. Since the surgery does not improve loose skin, you must have good skin elasticity for the procedure to be effective. You must be physically fit and no more than 20 pounds overweight. If you plan to lose weight, then you should wait until your weight stabilizes before undergoing liposuction.
The surgeon will use thin tubes to suction fat from your body. To insert the tubes, the surgeon must make small incisions on your skin. There are different techniques that the surgeon can use when performing liposuction. The most common option is suction-assisted liposuction. If you choose this option, the surgeon will use a vacuum to remove fat from your body. Another option is tumescent liposuction, which involves the use of a wetting solution to minimize blood loss.
Every person’s body responds differently. Since the incisions are small, most people experience minimal scarring. The degree of scarring will depend on the type of liposuction and your genetic tendencies. Most liposuction scars fade over time and are barely noticeable. Your doctor might be able to place the incision marks on hidden areas of your body.
During the initial consultation, your surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction. Your surgeon will ask about your cosmetic goals, take 3D images of your body and evaluate the elasticity of your skin. On average, a liposuction procedure takes 90 minutes to complete. After the procedure, you may have to wear compression garments for a while to help your skin shrink. You will experience swelling and bruising for the first 48 hours after surgery, but you should be able to return to work within a few days.
