Liposuction has been around since the 70s, and by 2020, over 300,000 liposuctions were being performed every year in the United States. However, despite the long history of liposuction, myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings continue to surround the procedure. In this piece, we’ll answer five frequently asked questions about liposuction so you can decide if the procedure is right for you.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that slims and enhances the body’s appearance by removing body fat. While liposuction is no replacement for a balanced diet and regular exercise, it can remove pockets of stubborn, hard-to-burn fat and set you on the path to a healthier future. Liposuction can slim and shape problem areas like the belly, hips, buttocks, thighs, back, and arms, making it a procedure worth considering for many individuals struggling with weight loss.
Related: Liposuction Procedure and Benefits Explained
The 5 Questions You Should Be Asking About Liposuction
1. How Much Weight Can You Lose from Liposuction?
FDA regulations limit liposuction weight loss to five liters (or 11 pounds) of fat removal. While 11 pounds of weight loss may not seem significant at first glance, it’s important to remember that liposuction targets and removes pure body fat. Meanwhile, up to 25% of weight loss from diet and exercise can be traced to the loss of fat-free mass.
Pushback from medical professionals on this limit may soon lead to a higher upper limit for liposuction fat removal or a complete restructuring of liposuction regulations resulting in a sliding scale tied to a patient’s BMI.
2. Is Liposuction Safe?
Liposuction is considered major surgery, and like all major surgeries, it does carry some risks. Luckily, most risks can be minimized or eliminated with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon. That’s because the risks of liposuctions are extremely common to those of any major surgery. Adverse reactions to anesthetics, bleeding, and postoperative infections can occur in some circumstances, but they remain relatively rare.
Liposuction may present an increased risk if you:
- have a weakened immune system
- suffer from chronic health issues
- have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, seizures, or deep vein thrombosis
- are a smoker
- take medications that increase your risk of bleeding
If you want to learn more about the potential risks of liposuction, or are ready for a personalized evaluation and risk assessment from Dr. Fischer, reach out to our office today.
3. Can I Target Specific Areas of My Body with Liposuction?
Unlike traditional weight loss methods, liposuction can be used to target specific problem areas of the body. Liposuction is a great option for targeting areas of the body that are resistant to weight loss, like the lower stomach, legs, buttocks, back, and arms
4. What Does the Recovery Process Look Like?
Liposuction offers a relatively quick return to normal activity, with most patients feeling well enough to return to work anywhere from two days to two weeks after surgery. During this time, swelling, bruising, and a degree of discomfort are completely normal, and can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activities, getting plenty of rest, and wearing the compression garments recommended by your surgeon. Most swelling and bruising will be resolved within one to two months, at which point you’ll be free to resume strenuous activities like exercise.
Related: 8 Tips for Post-Plastic Surgery Care
5. How Can I Prevent the Weight and Fat from Coming Back?
You can prevent weight gain and fat accumulation after your procedure through a combination of healthy dieting and regular exercise. Luckily, any weight gain that occurs post-op will not settle into the hard-to-lose areas addressed during your surgery. Instead, weight gains will be distributed throughout your body, providing a more proportional and pleasing figure.
Ready To Learn More About Liposuction?
Our all-female team is committed to empowering women to make informed medical decisions. Check out our blog to learn more about liposuction so you can decide if the physique-slimming procedure is for you. And if you’re ready to discuss pursuing liposuction to shape and smooth the areas of your body that diet and exercise just won’t reach, contact us today to set up your free consultation.
