If diet and exercise are not giving you the body you want, it might be time to consider liposuction surgery.
With liposuction, a cosmetic surgeon makes incisions in your body and removes targeted pockets of fat. Many think liposuction is about losing weight, but that is not always true.
Liposuction is ideal for women at or near their ideal weight but have trouble getting rid of stubborn fat sections on their bodies.
This guide explores what you can expect during and after the procedure so you can decide whether this surgery is right for you.
Please note: We have referred to the surgeon in this article as a ‘he’ but recognise that either a male or female surgeon may perform the surgery.
Further reading: 15 Ways to stay looking younger without needles or knives.
Is Liposuction surgery Right for You?
Before you take the plunge and get your liposuction procedure, it is essential to understand what liposuction is and whether it is right for you. Taking some time to review the process upfront makes your life that much easier. You won’t risk spending time and money on a cosmetic procedure that makes no sense.
You should only consider liposuction if you are near your target weight and in good health. Your skin should be firm and elastic, so you don’t have loose spots after you finish the process. However, one of the most important parts is to have realistic expectations before you go to the office to set up your appointment.
What to Expect during the procedure
After your doctor confirms you are in good health, he sets up your appointment. Make sure someone else drives you to the office because the surgeon will sedate you before doing the liposuction surgery. You then enter the office and speak with your surgeon, who explains everything from start to finish.
The surgeon then draws lines on your body to mark the areas where he will make the incisions. Next, you lie down while the surgeon connects you to the IVs. Your surgeon will decide if you need a local painkiller or sedation for maximum comfort. After sedating you, the surgeon makes the incisions and removes targeted areas of fat with a small tube. Finally, the surgeon closes the incision and prepares you to leave the office.
The recovery
The first part of your recovery period happens at the surgeon’s office. Your surgeon will give you a compression garment to help your body take the proper shape, and you can expect this stage to last for a few hours. Your surgeon might ask you to stay overnight in rare cases. After you leave the office, you need to go home and rest for at least a few days.
If you have an office job, you can return to work in about two or three days, depending on your pain and healing rate. You must avoid strenuous activity for two to four weeks after your liposuction procedure. Once a month passes, you should be able to return to all normal activities as long as no other issues appear.
Detectable Results of Liposuction surgery
Some women go to the cosmetic surgeon’s office and expect overnight results. They think they can walk out of the office with the body of their dreams! That, however, is not the case. The incisions cause your body to swell, so you won’t notice the full effects the next day.
On average, you can expect the full results to appear within one month of the procedure. If you are still unhappy with your appearance after that time, make an appointment to speak with your cosmetic surgeon for additional advice. The cosmetic surgeon could recommend waiting a little longer or scheduling another procedure.
Additional Procedures
While some women opt for liposuction surgery, many get it as part of a larger body-shaping strategy. Consider this path if you are serious about getting the body you have been hoping for. Combine liposuction with breast augmentation to take your appearance to the next level. Liposuction compliments and enhances the appearance of your breasts after the augmentation.
In addition to breast augmentation, some women get breast lifts after liposuction. A tummy tuck could be right for you if you are still not happy with the look of your body. Ensure you keep your needs and goals in mind from when you begin to after you finish healing. You improve your results by putting a little thought into the path you select.
Final Thoughts
The decision to undergo liposuction is a personal one that requires education and careful consideration.
Be sure to consult a qualified, highly-experienced plastic surgeon who can evaluate your medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals to determine whether liposuction is the right choice. By taking the time to research, ask questions, and make an informed decision, you can achieve the best possible outcome and enjoy the benefits of a more sculpted and toned physique.
While liposuction surgery can help improve body contours and remove stubborn fat, it is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
