Liposuction is a highly popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, with a significant number of cases performed annually. For instance, in 2020 alone, over 210,000 liposuction procedures were conducted, ranking it as the fourth most sought-after plastic surgery procedure.
If you are contemplating liposuction in New Jersey, it’s likely that you have certain queries regarding the process. In the following section, we have provided answers to frequently asked questions, beginning with a detailed explanation of what liposuction entails and identifying individuals who are suitable candidates for the procedure.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE?
Liposuction is a fat removal plastic surgery procedure. It 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 of loose skin.
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, stubborn fat deposits. Finally, the incisions will be carefully closed.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION Surgery?
To know if you are a good candidate for liposuction, start with these guidelines to see if you qualify as a candidate for traditional liposuction. According to most plastic surgeons, nearly every good candidate for liposuction has these qualities in common:
- They are in good physical health with no serious illnesses that might affect healing.
- They are at a close to ideal body weight, which can be defined as “within 30% of their goal healthy 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 LIPOSUCTION QUESTIONS
What are the disadvantages of liposuction?
There are certain disadvantages with liposuction, including the possibility of bleeding and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, liposuction poses specific risks such as contour irregularities. These irregularities may manifest as bumpy, wavy, or withered skin, which can result from uneven fat removal, reduced skin elasticity, and scarring.
IS LIPOSUCTION PERMANENT?
Yes, tumescent liposuction permanently removes fat cells, revealing a more attractive body shape. However, it’s important to note that this is not a weight loss procedure, and the remaining fat cells after your initial fat removal can still swell over time. This is especially true if the patient fails to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet and normal body weight.
In addition, liposuction does not remove visceral fat, which is the internal fat near your organs. To reveal an improved body shape by losing visceral fat, only weight loss through diet and exercise can help.
DOES LIPOSUCTION HURT?
All different liposuction techniques exist, producing varying levels of discomfort. However, general anesthesia is typically used during every 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 prescription pain medication.
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 (body area) 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 procedure. It is a slimming solution for certain areas of the body that are difficult to improve with diet and exercise alone. Weight loss that reduces visceral fat (internal fat) can only be achieved with diet and exercise.
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 full recovery time, 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 plastic 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 a board certified plastic surgeon in the New Jersey area specializes in performing liposuction. If you are interested in learning more about this and other surgical procedure, check out our before and after liposuction gallery, then contact us today to book your consultation appointment!