Getting Rid of the Last Few Pounds: Liposuction
Posted October 25, 2023 in Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures available today. This minimally-invasive surgery removes unwanted pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise by suctioning the fat cells from the body through a specially designed tube known as a cannula. Although most individuals have heard of liposuction and understand its purpose, there are still many misconceptions about this surgery. Liposuction can be a gratifying procedure for patients with frustrations that stem from stubborn fat deposits. However, it is essential to understand what liposuction can and cannot do.
Are You a Liposuction Candidate?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and patients interested in it should be in good physical and mental health. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Cohn can help you decide if liposuction is the right surgery. Ideal candidates should:
- Be realistic in their expectations
- Not have any serious medical conditions
- Be willing to maintain results
- Not use liposuction as a weight loss method
- Have firm, elastic skin
- Not smoke, or be willing to quit for a period from before surgery until after recovery
- Be at or near their ideal body weight
Liposuction is very effective in removing unwanted fat cells from the body, but it does not affect your skin’s quality or elasticity. If you are a patient who has a significant amount of excess fat or poor skin tone along the targeted area, you could be left with loose or sagging skin after your liposuction procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Cohn will examine the amount of fat to be removed as well as the elasticity of your skin to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction alone.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction can be performed on any body area, including the abdomen, love handles, thighs, legs, arms, and buttocks.
Small incisions are made in the target area(s). Intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia is used to provide patients with comfort. A saline and anesthetic solution is injected into the treatment area that helps break up the fat cells to provide easier fat removal. A small, hollow rod (cannula) is inserted through the incisions. A back-and-forth motion is utilized to help remove fat cells while sculpting and defining the target area(s). Incisions are closed using sutures. Most patients can be driven home the same day.
Where Does My Fat Go?
The targeted fat removed during liposuction is gone forever; however, the fat cells that surround the area(s) will continue to shrink and swell. This means if a person takes in more calories than the body needs without burning them off, the body can accumulate weight. It does not necessarily mean a person will gain weight disproportionately (appearing thin in the targeted area and gaining fat elsewhere), but the body can build up fat overall.
What Are the Results of Liposuction?
Any form of plastic surgery will require some downtime. This recovery period is partially due to the healing of any incisions. Fortunately, with liposuction, the incisions are so small that they need only a single stitch, allowing for minimal downtime. Most patients will experience some bruising for a few days to a week.
Dr. Cohn will instruct patients on caring for surgical wounds and the proper steps to ensure an ideal recovery process. Patients can achieve slimmer, smoother curves that complement their entire figure.
How Do I Maintain My Liposuction Results?
If you are satisfied with your liposuction results and want to maintain the look, sticking to a healthy lifestyle is vital. Patients must stay active by exercising regularly and following a healthy diet after their liposuction procedure.
To learn more about liposuction and how it can help you target those last few pounds to reach your weight loss goals, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cohn today! Contact us by calling (205) 590-9900 or by filling out our online contact form.