What is Liposuction?
Most bodies have problem areas, from belly or bra fat to extra pounds on your arms, thighs or buttocks. This applies to a majority of people regardless of how healthy or active your lifestyle may be. Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat deposits from isolated areas. This surgery uses minimal incisions to suction away fat, sculpting the body for a more flattering shape. Often, liposuction may be paired with other body contouring procedures to complement their results or used to collect fat for fat injections.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
For optimal liposuction results, your skin should have good elasticity. Patients with loose skin may be better candidates for procedures such as a body lift to reduce excess skin. You should be at a reasonable body weight. Remember that liposuction is considered a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss procedure, as the primary goal is to achieve a desired shape rather than to reduce your weight. During your consultation with Dr. Maxwell, you’ll also receive expert advice on how to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, to keep your body looking its beautifully proportioned best. In addition to being at a healthy weight, you should be generally healthy overall. Dr. Maxwell will ask you questions about your health history and any medications you take to ensure that liposuction is a safe option for you.
Anesthesia and Sedation
Liposuction may be performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. If Dr. Maxwell suggests local anesthesia, you will be numb but may feel sensations such as pressure or some movement, but should not experience pain.
Incision and Fat Removal
Liposuction begins with a small incision in the treatment area. Through this incision, a cannula is inserted to manually break apart fat before suctioning it away. Up to about eight pounds at most can be safely removed in a single liposuction surgery on average.
Closure and Post-Procedure Care
Once the fat has been removed, Dr. Maxwell will close the incisions with sutures. Incisions are then covered with dressings and bandages, and compression garments are placed to assist in healing and contouring.
Common Treatment Areas
Liposuction can be used to sculpt many areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, flanks, back, neck or below the chin, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.
Recovery and Results After Liposuction
After your liposuction procedure, you will be required to wear compression garments according to Dr. Maxwell’s instructions to reduce swelling and encourage the body to heal in the desired shape. You may have drains in place, which Dr. Maxwell can teach you to properly care for. Some soreness is normal, and you may be prescribed pain medication to stay comfortable after surgery. Most liposuction patients are ready to return to work, school, or other routines about 1-2 weeks after their surgery, unless they have a physically demanding job. At this time, you should still wear your compression garments as instructed. Most patients will be ready to return to all physical activity about 4-5 weeks after their liposuction surgery, and will no longer feel any soreness as a majority of swelling or bruising dissipates. By six weeks after liposuction, you will see your results and a slimmer, balanced, and more flattering body contour.