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How Much Weight Can Be Lost With Liposuction?

Written by Dr. Smita Ramanadham on . Posted in Blog.

If you are frustrated by stubborn pockets of fat that don’t seem to go away, even with consistent exercise and a healthy diet, you are certainly not alone. In fact, millions of men and women struggle with small bulges of stubborn fat across their body, leading many to seek the advice of a cosmetic surgeon.

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham is proud to offer the most innovative and effective cosmetic tools and treatments to help patients achieve their ultimate aesthetic goals. Without a doubt, liposuction fat removal is one of the most popular and sought-after cosmetic surgeries. Discover how New Jersey liposuction can help you finally rid yourself of stubborn fat, and learn how many pounds you may expect to lose after the procedure.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is an exciting body contouring surgery used to remove small to moderate deposits of fat that have become resistant to traditional weight loss methods, including diet and exercise. This may be the result of hormones, medications, or the aging process alone.

By surgically removing these fat cells, patients can enjoy a slimmer, smoother, more appealing contour. Liposuction is commonly used to enhance one or more of the following areas:

  • Under the chin (neck)
  • Arms
  • Upper back (bra line)
  • Flanks
  • Abdomen
  • Thighs

How does liposuction work?

During your New Jersey liposuction procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours, Dr. Ramanadham will begin by making a tiny punch-hole incision near the area being treated. A handheld cannula will then be inserted through the incision, and Dr. Ramanadham will carefully dislodge the fat cells to make removal more efficient.

Finally, the fat is suctioned out of the body, and Dr. Ramanadham will close the incision with sutures. Liposuction recovery time is relatively quickly so you can expect to feel like yourself again about two weeks after surgery.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

First and foremost, it is important for patients considering liposuction to understand that the procedure is not intended as a substitute for weight loss, nor is it meant to remove large volumes of fat. In fact, ideal candidates for liposuction should already be at or near their goal weight with small- to medium-sized bulges of fat that have not responded to traditional exercise and dieting.

Most qualified and experienced plastic surgeons agree that about 5,000ccs of fat can safely be removed during a single liposuction procedure. This equates to roughly 11 pounds of fat. While some patients may not notice a significant amount of weight loss on the scale following liposuction, they should still see a dramatic improvement in their body shape and notice that their clothing fits better. Furthermore, patients are often motivated by their newly improved physique to maintain or even intensify their workout regimen, leading to additional weight loss after liposuction.

It is also important to note that liposuction does not tighten the skin. If you have concerns about stubborn pockets of fat, as well as moderately to severely loose, hanging skin, make sure and discuss these with Dr. Ramanadham so that she can formulate your surgical plan accordingly. In some cases, combining liposuction with a lift procedure may be recommended to address stubborn fat and excess skin at the same time.

How long does it take for liposuction results to develop?

You may perceive a difference in your figure almost immediately after liposuction, though there will be some amount of swelling and bruising present for the first few weeks. As the swelling begins to subside, the results of liposuction will start to become much more apparent. However, it can take up to 6 – 12 months for the final outcome of liposuction to develop as the residual swelling resolves and the tissues heal and settle.

How long does liposuction last?

The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated from the body. However, the remaining fat cells can still swell with weight gain, and the body can generate brand new fat cells over time. When patients maintain a consistent weight with regular exercise and a healthy diet, the results of liposuction can last for many, many years. Subsequent weight gain, including that associated with pregnancy, can unfortunately compromise or even reverse the results of your liposuction procedure. For this reason, Dr. Ramanadham strongly encourages women considering liposuction to defer the procedure until after they are done having children.

Different Types of Liposuction

There are different types of liposuction depending on your goals:

  • Suction-assisted liposuction.
  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
  • VASER assisted liposuction uses a machine that can improve skin shaping.
  • Laser-assisted liposuction
  • Power-assisted liposuction

Restore your figure and get the stunning results you deserve with liposuction in New Jersey

If you are finding it difficult to get your pre-baby body back or simply can’t seem to lose those last few inches, liposuction may be a fantastic solution for you. We invite you to call the office of double board-certified New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham to schedule your private consultation today. We look forward to helping you achieve your ideal physique with life-changing liposuction in New Jersey!

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