Liposuction is a procedure used to remove excess fat underneath the skin and muscle in order to help reshape the body’s contours. Liposuction can reshape specific areas of the body to help improve the proportion and shape. We have taken the time to answer a few common questions about liposuction.
Am I a good candidate for Liposuction?
Generally, you should be in good physical and mental health but have stubborn areas of fat that cannot be reduced through exercise and diet. It is important though to stress that liposuction is not a substitute for a weight loss program. Once you have a liposuction procedure, you must continue to manage your weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan as any weight gain can cause the need for additional surgery.
What are some common areas of the body that Liposuction will help reshape?
Typically, the most common areas for women to have liposuction include the double chin, abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms Common areas for men to have liposuction include the abdomen, “love handles”, and double chin.
How does Liposuction work?
There are several methods of performing liposuction but the most common one involves making tiny incisions in which a narrow tube (called a cannula) is inserted. After adding tumescent fluid through the tube to reduce pain and bleeding, deposits of fat under the muscle is removed through the tube.
Can Liposuction help one lose weight?
Liposuction is not a substitute for a weight loss program. Liposuction is for those who are near their ideal weight but have small areas of fat that are resistant to normal weight loss programs.
Are there any risks from having a Liposuction procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and you and your board-certified plastic surgeon should discuss the potential gain from these procedures and their risks. Although rare, some risks include possible infections, bleeding, hematoma (blood clots), and poor healing.
What about recovery?
You may wear a compression garment over the area where the procedure was performed in order to control swelling and bleeding. You will be asked to take it easy the next few weeks and omit any intense, high-impact exercise. Light walking is encouraged.
Any specific recovery time depends on each individual’s healing process. You and your surgeon should discuss how soon you can resume all normal activities. Be sure to follow all your surgeon’s instructions following the surgery and to attend all follow-up appointments.
We’re always happy to answer questions like these to help educate and reassure our patients. For more information on this topic and any other plastic surgery procedures we perform or to schedule a consultation appointment today, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Northside/Sandy Springs, and Cumming/Forsyth area locations. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.