8 Most Common Liposuction Questions

Liposuction surgery is surging in popularity. In 2017, there were an estimated 17 million liposuction procedures. That was 2% more than 2016.

If you want to address fatty areas on your body that diet and exercise won’t touch, you may be wondering if you should have a liposuction procedure. Before you go through with it, it’s wise to consider the most common traditional liposuction questions.

Below are some of the most frequent questions to ask plastic surgeons when considering liposuction in Las Vegas.

#1: Is the Surgeon Board Certified?

A board-certified plastic surgeon has met the requirements of The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons have more rigorous training and experience in various plastic surgery procedures, including liposuction.

Passing the board certification tests is tough, so you know they have the skills and experience you want if your surgeon has.

#2: What’s The Location Where The Surgeon Do The Liposuction?

Liposuction is most often an outpatient procedure, so you don’t need a hospital stay. But you’ll require a ride home because the general anesthetic takes several hours to wear off. Or, think about getting a hotel room overnight.

Before you schedule your liposuction, ask where the surgeon does their procedures. Is it a doctor’s office, a surgery center by the day, or a hospital? Any is ok, but double-check that the medical facility is accredited. Note that liposuction is an invasive procedure, and you’ll be sedated, so you want to make sure the surgeon plays by all the rules.

#3: Who’s An Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?

You should be sure that you’re a good liposuction candidate.

Usually, a good candidate is in good health and is near their goal weight. You shouldn’t be a smoker or willing to quit for a while. Smoking leads to more bleeding complications and makes your recovery longer.

Also, you should have hard-to-eliminate fat that lies between the skin and muscle. This procedure won’t help with the deep fat that is around the organs. If you have a lot of that fat, you’re probably significantly overweight and should drop some pounds before liposuction.

Your plastic surgeon will see if your skin is elastic enough for successful liposuction. Many of the best candidates are 40 or younger for this reason.

#4 Which Liposuction Procedures Does The Surgeon Use?

There are several types of liposuction today. Which surgical procedure is correct for you hinges on where the fat cells will be removed, how much needs to be taken out, and which your surgeon prefers.

Ask our board certified plastic surgeon about the procedures she uses most often and which should be used for you.

The most frequent procedure currently used is tumescent liposuction. The plastic surgeon places an epinephrine and lidocaine solution into the fatty area. The liquid reduces swelling, bleeding, and pain. Also, it makes the fat hard and stiff for easier removal. Your surgeon sucks the hardened fat and fluid out with a small cannula.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is another popular procedure that uses ultrasonic waves to liquefy the fat cells. This is an excellent solution for tougher fat in the neck and back.

Laser-assisted lipo is a cutting-edge method that many surgeons like. It uses laser waves to destroy fat cells that are removed with a cannula.

#5: Are The Results Permanent?

A great thing about liposuction is that once you remove the excess fat deposits they are gone for good. However, the surgeon you use should point out that weight gain can still be a problem; liposuction isn’t a miracle cure. Adjacent fat tissue can still grow and expand if you overeat or become sedentary.

Your body also will evolve as you get older. You could naturally gain weight as your metabolism slows. Talk to your doctor about maintaining your results; he or she should provide ample information on this critical topic.

#6: Will Liposuction Get Rid Of Loose Skin And Cellulite?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but it is a fat reduction procedure that removes excess fat in areas of your body that resist a healthy diet and exercise. If you have some cellulite, it may help the skin look somewhat smoother. But it won’t help much with severe cellulite. The same is true if you have saggy and loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy. Liposuction won’t help this problem.

If you have loose skin in the abdomen, talk to your surgeon about a tummy tuck.

#7: Can The Surgeon Do Other Procedures At The Same Time?

Many patients have more than one cosmetic procedure combined with liposuction. The advantage is that you can have one recovery period and not pay more than once for general anesthesia, the use of an operating room, etc.

Some people have breast augmentation or a tummy tuck with liposuction. Your plastic surgeon can talk to you about doing other procedures.

#8: What Is The Recovery Like?

Most people have a relatively easy recovery from liposuction. But much hinges on your health, how many areas were treated, and the amount of fat removed.

You will almost always have bruising and swelling after this procedure. Most bruising fades within two weeks, but swelling can continue for a few weeks or months. Most patients experience mild to moderate pain in the treated areas, but this goes away in a week or two.

Talk to your plastic surgeon about when you can go back to work and engage in regular activities. Many patients can go back to work in a few days and enjoy light exercise after a week. It could take a few weeks to get back to more vigorous activities, such as running.

Bonus Questions and Answers

How high risk is liposuction?

Liposuction carries potential risks, including post-surgical infection, an extended healing process, clotting of fat or blood, shock, fluid accumulation, burns, perforations, lidocaine toxicity, and adverse reactions to drugs or local anesthesia.

Why is my stomach not flat after liposuction?

Naturally occurring bumpiness and withering of the skin can take place after liposuction and are not considered harmful to the patient’s health. Furthermore, during the healing process, pockets of fluid may form under the skin, which could be initially uncomfortable but can be easily removed using syringes.

What areas are most painful for liposuction?

Liposuction performed on the hips, flanks, and back may be associated with a heightened level of discomfort for certain individuals, given the nature of the treatment area and the subsequent healing process. There could be some lingering lower back pain in the initial days, but it’s important to note that any discomfort should remain manageable and gradually subside.

Book Your Las Vegas Liposuction Procedure Today

Once you’re ready to take the next step and book your consultation, there’s no turning back. The results you’ve dreamed of are within your grasp. Stop delaying, and schedule a  liposuction consultation appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason at Perspectives Plastic Surgery Las Vegas today!

You won’t regret your decision!

References

Is Your Plastic Surgeon Board Certified? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/is-your-plastic-surgeon-board-certified

Five Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon About Liposuction. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/five-questions-to-ask-your-plastic-surgeon-about-liposuction

10 Things To Know About Liposuction. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/liposuction-10-things-to-know-and-10-questions-to-ask

Liposuction Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction