All the Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Liposuction

Liposuction is a common surgical procedure that most people opt for in order to achieve a slimmer and more proportionate look. Liposuction involves the removal of excess fat cells from problematic areas. For example, if a patient is not satisfied with his/her size of the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, then he/she can go for liposuction to achieve a slender and slimmer look.

Liposuction can be done in a variety of ways and you need to discuss a few things with your surgeon before making a final decision. This article highlights those points that need to be discussed with your surgeon, what you should expect from this procedure, and the complications that you should make up your mind about.

What to Expect during Liposuction?

Liposuction involves the removal of subcutaneous fat i.e., the fat underneath your skin. Your doctor will perform this procedure under general anesthesia and then make small incisions in the desired area from where the fat is to be removed. Then your doctor will inject Klein’s solution which is a multipurpose solution. It anesthetizes the area, reduces bleeding, and swells up the tissue which makes fat removal easier. This pre-procedure step takes about an hour.

Once Klein’s solution has trickled down all the layers of the skin, your doctor will now begin to remove the fat with the help of a microcannula. This is a small suction device that removes the fat layers with its suction power. This procedure will take an additional hour to complete. You will begin to notice results after a few days to weeks after the procedure.

A Few Considerations to Be Kept in Mind:

1. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure:

It is a misconception that liposuction is a weight-loss strategy. Liposuction is an ideal procedure for those who have moderately elevated body weight and this procedure removes the stubborn body fat that can’t be burned with diet or exercise. 

2. You will need to quit smoking:

Smoking generally increases the risk of surgical complications. If you are a smoker, your doctor will definitely advise you to cut down this habit a few weeks prior to the surgery.

3. Always bear in mind the risks of the procedure:

Although the risks of liposuction are only minor but you need to keep them in mind before opting for it. Risks include dimpling and bagginess of skin which is an undesirable effect of this procedure. Moreover, bruising and mild pain are also side effects of this procedure. These symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers.

4. Liposuction is an ideal procedure for people with firm and elastic skin:

Liposuction will work best for you if you have firm and elastic skin and if you are within 30% of your ideal body weight. 

5. You need to restrict your activities for a few weeks:

Since your body area may swell after this procedure, your doctor will advise you to take rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks until the body heals itself.