Liposuction – Frequently Asked Questions.

What Are there different types of liposuction? (Liposuction Techniques)

* “lipoplasty”

* “liposuction” or

* “suction lipectomy”

– they all mean the same thing.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

* There is no definite age or weight limit for patients who are “good candidates” for liposuction.

* Many liposuction patients are of average size but are concerned about localized accumulations of fat.

* A good candidate usually has one or more localized accumulations of fat that can be removed by liposuction.

Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?

* Excessively obese patients are usually not good candidates for liposuction.

* A person who has a serious medical problem is not a good candidate for liposuction.

What regions of the body can I have liposuction?

* The common areas are the cheeks, chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Can I do multiple areas at the same time?

* Yes. Combination surgeries can give dramatic results.

Is liposuction a reasonable treatment for obesity?

* Liposuction is not a good treatment of obesity.

* Liposuction is not effective for people who are unable to lose weight by dieting and exercise.

* Whenever large-volume liposuction has been used in an attempt to treat obesity by surgery, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of serious surgical complications.

* It is not safe to remove huge amounts of fat by liposuction.

* But, an overweight person may be good candidate for some localized liposuction.

Does liposuction always remove cellulite?

* Liposuction does reduce the degree of cellulite to a minor degree but it is unlikely to produce a significant improvement or to completely eliminate cellulite.

Does liposuction produce permanent results?

* Fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not grow back.

* After liposuction the body’s new shape is more or less permanent.

* If a person gains weight after liposuction, she/he will not accumulate as much fat in the treated areas as would have happened if liposuction had not been done.

Does liposuction cause dimpling or indentations in the skin?

* Dimpling and indentations in the skin is a known risk of liposuction. However skin irregularities are unusual in the hands of a skilled surgeon.

* The use of microcannulas and power assisted liposuction gives dramatic results. ( like in our center)

What alternatives are there to Liposuction?

* Weight loss without liposuction can produce excellent aesthetic results.

* Weight loss can be achieved by dieting (decreased calorie intake) or by increased exercise (expenditure of calories).

* An alternative to abdominal liposuction is a tummy tuck.

Will I need to wear a girdle while I recover?

* Some form of compression garments are typically required to be worn by a patient for up to 2 weeks or sometimes more.

* The garment is used to help lower the danger of hematomas and fluid collection, as well as decrease swelling and to support the area that was treated.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

* Lioposuction is not covered by insurance.

What is the recovery time after liposuction?

* Recovery time is different depending on each patient. Typically, returning back to work after one or two weeks is the norm for most patients. Strenuous activities, though, should be delayed for two to four weeks

How painful is liposuction?

* Immediately after liposuction, discomfort is described as soreness or tenderness.

* Some feel it as very painful.

How long do I need to be off of work?

* It is suggested that you take off of work for 3-5 days after surgery

* Avoid strenuous activity for one month after surgery.

When can I get back to my normal routine?

* Each patient differs with recovery times.

* Most patients are able to return to work 2-7 days after surgery depending on the areas treated.

When can I start exercising?

* walking within the first couple of days

* Depending on the areas treated, most patients are able to resume exercise 2-4 weeks after the procedure.