Liposuction - Most Common Questions
A liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that contours the body by suctioning out excess fat deposits that have accumulated in between the skin and muscles. It may be done on different areas such as the legs, arms, back, chest, thighs, calves, knees, chin, hips, flanks, abdomen, and ankles. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about liposuction.
Does liposuction treat obesity?
Liposuction does not treat obesity. It is not safe to remove huge volumes of fat from the body by liposuction. The results of liposuction may be permanent only if diet and exercise are continued, and if there is no considerable weight gain after the surgery. Obese people who turn to liposuction alone for weight loss will almost always regain all their weight because of poor diet and lack of exercise.
I want to have a liposuction. What should I do first?
Patients must first set up an initial consultation with their Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expected outcomes. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history to determine if he/she is fit to undergo the procedure. The patient will also be informed of the potential risks and complications of the surgery and will be given the estimate cost of the liposuction procedure. It may also be necessary for the surgeons to take photographs of the patient’s body for a more comprehensive evaluation.
How should I prepare for this procedure?
It is important for liposuction patients to follow the preoperative instructions given to them by their surgeon. There may be some medications and supplements that must be taken, adjusted or eliminated prior to the surgery. Drugs, such as aspirin and NSAIDs and herbal supplements, must be avoided to lessen the risk of excessive bleeding. Patients must also stop smoking two weeks to one month prior to the surgery.
How long is this procedure? Will I feel discomfort after?
The length of time varies. For small area cases, the procedure may run for 45 minutes to an hour while extensive surgeries involving additional body contouring and sculpting options such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may take two hours or more.
The severity of pain usually experienced during the first two days after the surgery will depend on the anesthesia used. The effects of local anesthesia may continue for more than 24 hours, and the pain will be milder compared to general anesthesia. The body will also feel sore for two to four days after the procedure but will gradually decrease thereafter.
How long is the recovery period?
Ideally, patients should be able to physically walk and return to work within two to three days after the surgery. However, movements must be limited since the swelling will persist up to four weeks. It is advisable for patients to do light walking and avoid being confined to bed so blood clot formation will not develop.
What are the risks and complications?
Some risks include skin irregularities, bleeding, rippled skin, infection, nerve damage, organ damage, chance of corrective surgery, scarring, excessive fluid loss or accumulation, blood clots, anesthesia risks, and cardiac and pulmonary complications.