In 2012, American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported 202,000 liposuction procedures were performed by ASPS surgeons. It is a safe, effective plastic surgery used to remove excess fat stores that diet and exercise have not eliminated.
While liposuction is a completely safe procedure, some men and women find themselves concerned over rumors they hear from friends and in the media. Here are four of those common concerns and the reality of each.
Gaining a Scarred, Lumpy Appearance
One common concern involves scar tissue and a lumpy appearance on the skin. In the right hands, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll experience any lumpiness. In areas where there are large fat stores, it’s unlikely for lumpiness to occur. The only area that may show some disfiguration is the inner thighs where fat stores are smaller, but the use of small cannulas and a surgeon’s experience decrease this risk. The incisions made in liposuction are very small, so again they will not be extremely noticeable.
Long Recovery Times
The recovery following liposuction is not difficult. Common complaints are bruising and swelling, but swelling subsides in a couple days, and bruises need 7 to 10 days to heal. You need a few days of rest, but during that time you can slowly walk around your home. Plan to return to your plastic surgeon’s office after a week to have stitches removed. Once the stitches are out, you can return to your normal routine.
Regrowth of Fat Cells
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you should be near your ideal weight. Liposuction is a permanent procedure to reduce fat cells. It will not alter your metabolism like many people fear. If you eat more than you burn off, new fat cells may grow in their place. While you do not have to change your diet, you shouldn’t suddenly increase the amount of calories you are consuming without also increasing your fitness activities.
Sagging Skin
When a plastic surgeon consults with a patient, one of the things the surgeon must take into account is the condition of the patient. By itself, liposuction is not a good idea for someone who still has a large amount of weight to shed. It is ideal for men and women near their target weight. If liposuction is going to leave loose skin, the surgeon will likely recommend a skin tightening procedure in conjunction with liposuction. This might mean having liposuction and a tummy tuck or liposuction with a lower body lift.
The best way to gain knowledge about liposuction is by talking to Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified plastic surgeon located in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Kessler walks his patients through what to expect during and after liposuction, as well as offers advice on what to do in the days and weeks leading up to the surgery. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, complete the online plastic surgery consultation form or call 949.644.6544.
