Considering Liposuction? Things you should know first
What to expect when going in for liposuction surgery

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is defined as a procedure that sculpts and shapes the body by removing fat from unwanted areas. Typical areas include the abdomen, hips, upper arms, cheeks, buttocks, and thighs. Liposuction, otherwise known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, has benefited from new methods and technological refinements. New techniques are used by many plastic surgeons for better, more precise results and quicker recovery times.

Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise. However, liposuction is a good way to remove areas of fat that do not respond to other weight loss methods.

Read on to get a basic understanding of the procedure for liposuction surgery. Remember to ask your doctor if you have more specific questions about the surgery and your individual needs.

Who are the best candidates for liposuction?

First, to be a good candidate, you must have realistic expectations about the procedure and what it is capable of giving you. Although liposuction can enhance appearance and self-confidence, it will not magically transform you into an ideal person. Before making the decision to get liposuction surgery, consult your doctor and talk about your expectations.

On a physical level, the best candidates for liposuction are people of average weight with elastic, firm skin. You must be physically healthy and psychologically healthy. Although age does not play too much of a role in your eligibility as a candidate, keep in mind that older patients with diminished skin firmness might not get the same results as a younger candidate.

Warning: liposuction is a risky procedure for people with medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, poor blood circulation, or people who have just had surgeries in the area about to undergo liposuction.

Understanding the surgery

The time it takes to undergo liposuction surgery varies with each person—it depends on the size of the area, the type of anesthesia, the technique used, and the amount of fat that is being removed. The surgeon removes localized fat deposits to reshape and contour areas of your body. Making a tiny incision, the surgeon inserts a narrow tube and vacuums the layer of fat under the skin.

Risks
Keep in mind that imperfections after liposuction are not uncommon. Among older patients, skin might appear baggy, asymmetric, or irregular. Pigmentation changes and numbness may occur as well. Additional surgery could be recommended.

Maintenance

You will begin to see a difference in your body after surgery, but significant improvement will become apparent after a month or a month and a half, when swelling has subsided. Maintain your new shape by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.