If you are living a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise, it can be frustrating when you just can’t seem to eliminate those last few pockets of fat. If you are bothered by stubborn areas of fat on your body, you may be able to benefit from liposuction. Read on to learn more about liposuction and how it may be able to benefit you.
Why is Liposuction Done?
This procedure removes fat from areas of the body that don’t respond to exercise and diet. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, hips and waist, back, thighs, upper arms, under the chin and neck. Liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in a particular area for a slimmer, contoured appearance.
What Liposuction is Unable To Do?
Liposuction does not improve cellulite dimpling and other skin surface flaws. In addition, it doesn’t eliminate stretch marks. It is important to understand that liposuction is not an alternative to a healthy diet and exercise nor a remedy for obesity.
Advantages of Liposuction
While it is critical to exercise and eat nutritious foods to maintain a healthy weight, liposuction can be an effective method to remove localized areas of fat on the body that do not respond to diet and exercise. This can significantly improve body contour and proportions which leads to increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?
Before the surgery
Before your surgery, you should make sure to eat lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also advised to continue your exercise routine to help your body recover from surgery and anesthesia better. Your surgeon will choose the best liposuction technique for you depending on whether you’ve had past liposuction surgeries, your overall health, and your desired results.
During the surgery
Here at Tucson Plastic Surgery, we perform liposuction under general anesthesia in the operating room, which means patients are asleep for the procedure. The surgery can take up to several hours depending on how much fat is removed. To ensure your safety, we limit the amount of liposuction performed at one time to no more than 5 liters. Occasionally, a drain will need to be placed in the liposuction sites if a significant volume was removed.
After Surgery
After your surgery is performed, you will recover in the recovery area and go home the same day wearing a compression garment. You should expect soreness, swelling, and bruising. These symptoms will improve with time. You will be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Results
Liposuction will inevitably cause swelling of the surgical site, and the amount of swelling and bruising depends on how much fat was removed. The more fat removed, the more swelling. Rest assured that your swelling will eventually resolve and know that it takes several months for this to happen. Most patients start to notice results as soon as 2-3 months after surgery, and typically it takes 6-9 months for swelling to completely resolve.
Contact Us
The first step toward a slimmer you, is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kurtovic or Dr. Mahabir, both board-certified plastic surgeons who are exceptionally experienced and talented in cosmetic body contouring surgery. Call our office in Tucson, AZ, or fill out an online form to schedule a consultation to understand more about liposuction.
