Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove excess fat from distinct parts of the body. It is a very popular and safe type of treatment since it can be utilized in many different parts of the body with excellent results and high patient satisfaction.
Contrary to what some people believe – liposuction is NOT intended as a quick fix to being overweight, but rather as a way to target those specific areas of fat in the body that persist despite proper diet and exercise. Below are some of the most common questions people have when it comes to liposuction.
Who is a good candidate?
The best candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good physical health and at a healthy weight. Liposuction should never be seen as an alternative to diet and exercise. Rather, its purpose is to remove stubborn areas of fat from the body that a patient just can’t get rid of despite proper diet and exercise. At this point, liposuction is a perfect mechanism to directly target those areas and eliminate the unwanted fat deposits in order to properly sculpt and shape the contours of the body.
Which areas of the body can be treated?
Liposuction can be used on many areas of the body, including the thighs, knees, arms, buttocks, face, and breasts. The most common areas of liposuction are usually the abdomen, flanks, and hip areas. These areas can be easily sculpted to give the proper shape and dimension to the torso and abdomen to enhance the body’s natural curves.
It is also possible to target neck fat with liposuction although in the properly selected patient, Kybella is now often used instead as a non-surgical modality to rid the area under the chin of excess fat.
Is it painful?
The procedure itself can be performed under local anesthesia if small areas are targeted. If larger amounts of liposuction are needed, we will do it under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgery center or hospital. There may be some swelling and discomfort in the days and weeks following the procedure but most patients find this to be tolerable.
Are there any risks?
Liposuction is generally a very safe form of treatment although there are certain risks. Bruising and prolonged swelling are the most common risks. These usually subside within a few weeks. Contour irregularities and asymmetry are also possible but usually less common.
What is the recovery time?
Depending on how much liposuction is performed, patients are able to return to work within a few days and resume normal activities, including exercise after two-four weeks. We will provide full details on your aftercare.
Swelling is very common after the procedure. Most patients will be able to tell a measurable difference in their appearance after 2 weeks. I usually tell my patients that the majority (roughly 85%) of the swelling will subside within 6-8 weeks. The remainder of the swelling may take an additional 6-8 weeks to resolve and show the final result.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, the results of liposuction are permanent providing you do not gain an excess amount of weight after the treatment. The fat cells that are removed during a liposuction procedure do not come back. However the area that has been treated is not immune to gaining fat if you were to gain a lot of weight.
Dr. Constantine has performed liposuction on many patients from in his cosmetic surgery practice in Dallas. If you would like to book a consultation or just find out more information about liposuction, don’t hesitate to call and ask.
