Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States today. In 2020, for example, over 210,000 liposuction procedures were performed, making it the 4th most popular surgery of its kind.
If you are considering New Jersey liposuction, chances are you have some questions about the procedure. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most commonly requested information. Let’s start with what liposuction actually involves and who makes a good liposuction candidate.
What Happens During a Liposuction Procedure?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing pockets of unwanted fat from the body. Most liposuction patients are looking to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, sides, flanks (love handles), upper arms, thighs, and/or buttocks.
Many other areas of the body can receive liposuction as well. You can even get facial liposuction and liposuction on the neck.
During the procedure, general anesthesia is delivered, and once you are safely under, Dr. Smita will begin making the necessary incisions. Liposuction incisions are extremely small and made in discreet areas.
In order to reduce post-operative swelling and pain, a lidocaine (numbing) solution will be injected into the target areas. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula will then be inserted into the incisions. This tool will loosen and remove the unwanted fat. Finally, the incisions will be carefully closed.
Who Is the Best Candidate for Liposuction?
To know if liposuction is right for you, start with these guidelines for candidacy. Nearly all good candidates for liposuction have these qualities in common:
- They are in good physical health with no serious illnesses that might affect healing.
- They are at a healthy body weight, which can be defined as “within 30% of their goal weight”.
- Their skin is firm and elastic with good muscle tone.
- They are non-smokers.
- They have a positive, realistic outlook regarding surgery and their bodies.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
Is liposuction permanent?
Yes, liposuction permanently removes fat cells. However, it’s important to note that the remaining fat cells in the area can still swell over time if the patient fails to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a normal body weight.
Does liposuction hurt?
General anesthesia is used during the liposuction procedure. Therefore, during the surgery, you will not feel any pain.
After surgery, some mild discomfort and moderate pain is to be expected. Fortunately, this will go away with time, and Dr. Smita will provide you with some pain management options.
How much is liposuction?
The cost of liposuction varies from patient to patient. Overall, most patients can expect to pay anywhere from $3000 to $6000 or more for one session of liposuction.
How much weight can you lose with liposuction?
One session of liposuction can generally remove up to four or five pounds of fat. Keep in mind, however, that liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It is a slimming solution for certain areas of the body that are difficult to improve with diet and exercise alone.
How difficult is recovery from liposuction?
Liposuction does require some downtime, but you will be able to return to your daily activities shortly — usually within one to two weeks.
After liposuction, you will be given a compression garment to wear for the first few days. Moderate discomfort and swelling are normal and will dissipate after the first week. It’s important to limit your physical activity for at least a week as well. But don’t refrain from walking slowly and carefully when you can.
If you want to know what not to do after liposuction, you should avoid:
- Intense physical activity
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Eating high sodium foods
- Taking blood thinners
- Soaking in a bath
- Tanning or laying in the sun
- Going to a sauna
How long does it take to recover from liposuction?
Many patients want to know what to expect 3 weeks after liposuction, immediately after lipo, and into the future. In general, right after liposuction, you should refrain from doing anything excessively physical. This is a time for rest.
After one to two weeks, you can usually return to your normal daily activities (like work and basic household chores), and at three weeks, you can discuss going back to exercise with Dr. Smita. All throughout your recovery, Dr. Smita will be monitoring your progress and letting you know when you can return to your normal lifestyle.
As far as liposuction results go, remember that many patients will not see their full treatment results until three to six months after surgery.
Where does fat go after liposuction?
During the liposuction procedure, fat cells are permanently removed from the body and discarded. If the patient is interested in augmenting other parts of their body (such as the breasts or buttocks), it is sometimes possible to perform a fat transfer.
Breast fat transfer procedures can give a slight boost to the size of the breasts using fat taken from other parts of the body through liposuction. Likewise, a Brazilian butt lift (or BBL) takes fat from other parts of the body and reassigns it to the buttocks and hips to help facilitate an hourglass figure.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many of our patients opt for a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck, and mommy makeovers are exceedingly popular among women who are done having children. This procedure combines various surgeries to help women get their pre-baby bodies back. Of course, liposuction is also combined with other procedures such as arm lifts, thigh lifts, and more.
Does liposuction leave scars?
Yes. Any cosmetic procedure involving incisions will leave scars. The good news is that liposuction scars are usually very small and hardly noticeable.
This is especially to true when patients are diligent about following Dr. Smita’s aftercare instructions. With proper care, liposuction scars can disappear almost entirely.
Can the weight come back after liposuction?
Yes. In fact, patients can gain weight after liposuction.
When liposuction is performed, the fat cells are permanently removed. However, some fat cells will remain. And these can swell if the patient consumes a poor diet and doesn’t get enough physical activity to maintain a healthy body weight. Likewise, patients may end up gaining weight elsewhere on their bodies.
Book a Liposuction Consultation With Dr. Ramanadham
Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham specializes in performing liposuction in the New Jersey, NYC, and Tri-state areas. If you are interested in learning more about this and other cosmetic procedures, check out our before and after liposuction gallery, then contact us today to book your consultation appointment!
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002985.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/cost
