Body Surgery

February 07, 2024 | 3 minute read

If you are considering liposuction, it is important to understand what it can and cannot do for you. Liposuction is an extremely popular procedure, but probably the most misunderstood cosmetic procedure. So what is it? The goal of this procedure is to help shape and contour the body by getting rid of the excess fat in problem areas. What is it not? Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure or a reduction of the number on a scale.

 

Nothing is more important than a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your body type and address your concerns, giving you a better idea of how well liposuction will work for you or if it is not a good option at all. Additional skin tightening benefits can be achieved with laser or ultrasound-assisted liposuction and your surgeon may discuss this with you as well.

 

The happiest liposuction patients are those who exercise and have a healthy diet but have a few problem areas such as a “pooch” or “love handles”. Once these areas of localized fat deposits are removed, the patient achieves a more contoured and proportional look. You and your surgeon will create a plan that will be effective and help you achieve realistic goals. 

 

Liposuction is considered an invasive procedure, although incisions and scars are much less than cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck. The invasiveness depends on how much fat is removed and how many areas are treated at once. Surgeons typically use general anesthesia for liposuction, meaning you will be asleep and won’t feel pain or have a memory of the procedure. Some surgeons use a local anesthetic and sedative to treat small areas. This option will be decided at the time of consultation.

 

During the procedure, the surgeon will make small incisions in the treatment area. A mixture of lidocaine, epinephrine, and IV fluid is injected into these incisions. This is referred to as the tumescent technique which helps the fat to “swell” making removal easier and allowing for less blood loss during the procedure. A small cannula is inserted into the incisions for the fat removal. Typically, a small stitch is used to close these <1 cm incisions. The incisions will begin to close and heal naturally within 48 hours. 

 

You will have a compression garment after the surgery and will continue to wear it for at least six weeks. It is important to wear the garment diligently as it helps to reduce swelling and contour your body into its new shape. So, will the recovery be painful? You will feel moderate pain and soreness for the first week or two and then it will gradually subside. Most people can usually return to a desk job within a week or two. If your job is physically demanding, you may want to schedule additional time off. 

 

You will likely have some bruising and swelling but that’s normal. Around the one-month mark is typically when the soreness subsides. You will also begin to have visible improvements but it can take several months to see the final results. Try to be patient. The results are worth the wait!