Procedure
How much fat can be removed with liposuction at one time?
Typically, most plastic surgeons remove no more than 5 liters, which is about 11 lbs. Plastic Surgeons who are experienced in Large Volume liposuction, such as me, have taken off up to 30 lbs. at one time. This depends on patient’s blood count, medical condition, and supportive surgical facility.
Will liposuction tighten loose skin?
Liposuction can significantly tighten skin, depending on patient’s skin elasticity, age, areas of liposuction, and the skill of the plastic surgeon. There are many new instruments that promise skin tightening, but a skilled plastic surgeon can tighten the skin much better than any machine.
Which areas of the body are best for liposuction?
I have performed liposuction from the face to the arms, chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, and calves. Different areas respond differently in terms of skin tightening and smoothness. You have to make sure that your plastic surgeon has the experience and the skills for the particular area of the body that you are interested in. Look at their liposuction before and after pictures.
Is liposuction very painful?
Liposuction is typically not as painful as invasive procedures such as c-section, hysterectomy, or bone surgery. Liposuction pain is of superficial soreness, but not of sharp or deep pain. Post-operative liposuction pain can be lessened by gentle massage and compression garments. Most people typically use narcotics for the first week after liposuction and then use Tylenol or NSAIDs afterwards.
How much does liposuction cost?
The cost of liposuction depends on the extent of liposuction, meaning how many areas are liposuctioned. It also depends on the surgery center and anesthesiologist fees. And finally, it varies depending on the skill and qualifications of your plastic surgeon and the location of their practice. In my opinion, always look for value, safety, and expected results, rather than only the price!
Who is qualified to do liposuction?
Unfortunately, in the US there are no laws restricting the practice of medicine. That means that a foot specialist is allowed to try to do liposuction! You want to make sure that your surgeon is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, who has credentials to perform liposuction in a hospital. Because most hospitals don’t allow unqualified surgeons to perform surgeries there. Otherwise, you are just taking your chances.
What is the best type or technique for liposuction?
In my opinion, there are currently many gimmick machines and techniques for liposuction which promise much but are not any better. Unfortunately, the public is inundated by false advertising about liposuction as they are about cosmetics and other products. The best liposuction is not achieved by technology but by the skills, experience, and the judgement of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Results
Does the fat come back after liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the areas that have been suctioned. Therefore, newly gained fat cannot be deposited there, but it can go to other areas that you have not liposuctioned. Therefore, you have to be careful not to gain much weight after liposuction because it gets deposited disproportionately to other areas of the body.
When should you see a dramatic result after liposuction?
The initial phase of liposuction healing is about 4 weeks; during which time you will not see any major changes or might even see extra swelling. You will typically start to see skin tightening in about 6-10 weeks, during which time you might even see uneven skin or lumpiness. This will resolve with continued massage. Most patients see about 75% improvement after 3 months, and then slow improvements over a year and a half. Be patient.
Who is a poor candidate for liposuction?
People who have major weight loss, multiple pregnancies, and back and forth weight gain, typically have poor skin elasticity, as evident by stretch marks and skin laxity. Although liposuction can tighten skin, it will not work well in these people, and they might instead need skin excision, such as a tummy tuck or body lift.
Does liposuction leave scars?
Liposuction cannulas are typically ¼ inch wide, therefore the incisions are small stab-like quarter inches. Experienced plastic surgeons typically place these small liposuction stab incisions in hidden areas, such as the umbilicus, or within skin folds and creases.
Can liposuction fix cellulite?
No, liposuction cannot fix cellulite, and in fact can make it look worse in areas of poor skin elasticity. Cellulite is caused by adhesion bands from the skin to the underlying muscle or fascia. Although liposuction can cut the adhesion bands that cause cellulite, they tend to reform.
Can liposuction improve your health and reverse diabetes?
Any form of major weight loss will have definitive health benefits of reducing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This includes large volume liposuction. But large volume liposuction or any weight loss intervention is not a replacement for healthy diet and lifestyle.
Can you get a second liposuction?
Yes, liposuction can be repeated. But every time it becomes more difficult because of resulting scaring from the previous liposuction.
Safety
Can a person die from liposuction?
Liposuction, just like any surgery has potential risks and complications, including rare possibility of death, even when performed awake or under local anesthesia! The most common complication of liposuction is having uneven skin surface or lumpiness which can improve with massage and exercise. Patients can also develop seroma or fluid buildup which can be easily fixed. There has been very rare mention of formation of blood clots, or cloth embolism but that is more associated with fat grafting, and not liposuction.
Is it safer to do liposuction under local anesthesia or awake, vs. general anesthesia?
The safety of liposuction depends on the qualifications of your surgeon, availability of an anesthesiologist, and the safety and credentials of the surgery center. Limited liposuction can be safely performed under local anesthesia, but it is not safe to perform major liposuction while awake, especially without the monitoring of an anesthesiologist is a certified surgery center. Liposuction of multiple body areas adds extra pain and level of complexity to your surgery, and thus cannot be tolerated well, and performed safely under local anesthesia.
Recovery
What’s the benefit of compression garments?
Compression garments when worn during the initial 3-6 weeks after liposuction or body contouring will help to reduce swelling, adhere skin to the underlying muscles, and reduce the chance of fluid buildup.
Does lymphatic massage help after liposuction?
Gentle massage with heavy lotion helps to improve circulation, reduce skin hypersensitivity, reduce swelling, smoothens out the skin, and helps with skin tightening. Aggressive or lymphatic massage can be counterproductive by increasing inflammation and by causing excess fluid or lymphatic buildup.
When can I resume exercise after liposuction?
Unlike tummy tuck, there are no activity or exercise restrictions after liposuction. I recommend you increase your activity level and exercise as you are comfortable. Exercise, in fact, helps circulation and promotes skin tightening and firming after liposuction.
When can you become intimate after liposuction?
Liposuction does not limit any vigorous physical activities. But having intimacy depends on your general state of mind and wellness.