Liposuction Common Questions

What areas on the body are treated most?

The areas most typically treated for women are the stomach and the outer. For men, they normally pick to undergo treatment on the flanks, or "love handles." Additional popular liposuction treatment areas are the hips, upper or lower abdomen (normally both), lower back, knees, calves, legs, neck, upper arms, face and chin.  Due to the flexibility of liposuction, it is a high demand procedure and it is not unusual for it to be performed with other kinds of cosmetic surgery for even more cosmetic outcomes. Doctors can remove excess fat from almost any section a person no longer desires.

Can liposuction remove cellulite?

Getting Liposuction to remove cellulite is not fully effective, although it may reduce the look of cellulite. Cellulite is caused by multiple things, most of which liposuction is not able to modify such as: age, gender, genetics and heredity, and your skin’s thickness.
In addition, not drinking enough water, a poor diet (alcohol, processed foods, and caffeine since the toxins get trapped in fatty tissue), smoking (promotes cellulite as it damages your connective tissues), and an inactive lifestyle contribute to growth of cellulite.  Liposuction is said to decrease cellulite by removing fat, but does not get rid of cellulite completely.

While it is true the outcome and benefits of liposuction are most of the time extremely good, one should not go in with a sense of perfection. As an example, having thigh liposuction performed will better the contour, it will not actually remove cellulite.

Does fat return following liposuction?

Liposuction gets rid of the fat cells in certain areas of the body which you requested. These fat cells will not return on the patient’s new and slimmer body. However, if the patient does not adhere to a normal exercise schedule or maintain a healthy diet, the existing fat cells may increase and you could experience weight gain through all areas of your body. The good news is that the treated areas which were shaped from liposuction will have a diminished ability to produce fat.  

When should I expect to see good results after liposuction treatment?

Although it will be from 30 days to 45 days for the majority of swelling to diminish, most patients notice an improved body shape after liposuction.  The best looking outcomes are more noticeable in 90 to 180 days. Liposuction is not meant to be a tool for weight loss, but to contour areas of the body by removing deposits of fat.

When can I return to my job?

You can go back to your job will be largely depend on the quantity of areas you had liposuction treatment. There are some patients who may be able to get back to their job right away, but many people return to their work on average of five to seven days. It is not uncommon to experience swelling and bruising following liposuction. He pain is usually not so great that you cannot move around and do normal everyday things such as errands to the market, working, but any strenuous exercising should be delayed and start gradually.

How Long Will a Liposuction Procedure Take?

The procedure time for liposuction can vary substantially, but it normally lasts anywhere from one to four hours. It largely connected to the quantity of fat being removed, the kind of anesthesia (local or general) and the exact technique.

Will I have to stay in a hospital?

Most liposuction procedures may be done within one to four hours as mentioned above and on an outpatient basis. Intense or extensive procedures may require a 24 to 48 hour hospital stay.

 

What Can I Expect After My Liposuction Procedure?

Although the latest ultrasonic, laser and water-assisted methods are said to decrease lots of discomfort, patients can still feel some burning, pain, swelling, bleeding and interim numbness. You will be fitted with a elastic compression garment on the treated areas to manage and alleviate swelling and bruising soon after your procedure. Depending on the procedure and amount of fat removed, drainage on the treated, or tiny incision areas, is not uncommon for a couple of days following treatment. The doctor may prescribe some medicine as well to manage the pain.  Therefore, it is important to not assume you will appear great or feel great immediately after your procedure.

How many types of liposuction are there?
Suction-assisted Liposuction (SAL):
This is the traditional and oldest liposuction technique. The doctor takes out the fat by placing a small tube (cannula) that is connected to a vacuum device, which controls the cannula into the specified areas to be suctioned using tiny incisions.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL):
A cannula with a rotational motion of the tip goes through the skin tissue to suction out fat and fibrous tissue. The advantages are (1) decreased trauma to the tissues and (2) minimal work for the doctor.

Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL). Vaser Liposuction:
Ultrasonic sound waves  (or energy) are sent to the point of the cannula to disrupt and liquefy fat cells which are then taken out by suction. External ultrasound-assisted liposuction (E-UAL) works by using external ultrasound waves to modify the fat cells in order to liquefy the fat prior to suction removal.

Laser-assisted Liposuction:

• Low Level Assisted Liposuction: the device is an easily movable low-level laser unit (dual-diode laser) that produces a thin beam of red light. Its external application on the skin helps to liquefy the fat, which makes the fat suction process easier and quicker. In addition, the laser usage following liposuction alleviates pain, minimizes bruising, promotes healing, and offers a much quicker recovery. It is a non-surgical laser that will not cause pain while in use to the person.
• SmartLipo Laser. (pulsed, NdYAG laser): A small cannula that includes a laser fiber that is placed into the skin, the cannula is rotated sending the laser's energy to the fat cells making them break apart and drain out. SmartLipo is a treatment that is minimally invasive and able to be performed simple with a local anesthesia. SmartLipo ideal for removing fat from small sections of the neck, arms, face, breasts, and abdomen.

How should I prepare for liposuction?

During your first liposuction appointment, typically the physician will hand out instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Generally, patients are recommended to cease taking aspirin or additional prescriptions and medicines that may affect clotting of the blood. Patients should schedule for someone to give them a ride home following the procedure. Patients need to strictly adhere to the doctor’s orders to guarantee a positive recovery.