According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are 1.9 million liposuction procedures performed each year. Liposuction procedures can allow you to get rid of pockets of fat that might not be affected by diet and exercise. If you want to get a smoother and sleeker look, consider this cosmetic option. But what is liposuction? Modern Surgical Arts of Denver can tell you more about the procedure and what you can expect from the recovery process.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic treatment option that uses a suction device to remove fat that you may be unable to get rid of through diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss procedure, so it is best suited for people who are close to their ideal weight but who could benefit from a boost to achieve the sleeker look they want in certain areas.
People tend to get stomach liposuction, arm liposuction, and neck liposuction most often, but there are other areas the procedure can target, including:
- Inner knees, ankles, and calves
- Love handles
- Cheeks
- Thighs
- Buttocks
Various types of liposuction are available, including more modern laser liposuction options. The traditional liposuction procedure injects a sterile solution into the treatment area, making it easier to suction the fat out with a cannula (small tube).
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction instead uses sound wave energy to break the walls of fat cells, allowing the suctioning device to remove the fat. Laser liposuction uses a laser to create a burst of energy that can liquefy fat. There is also power-assisted liposuction, which relies on rapid movement of the cannula, dislodging the fat.
The option that will work best for you will depend on many factors, including your goals and the treatment area. Are you a candidate for liposuction? Those who are in overall good health, who have realistic goals, and who have time to recover can all be good candidates. If you are underweight or have health issues, this may not be the right option for you.
Liposuction Benefits: What to Consider
One of the most important liposuction benefits is that once you get rid of those fat cells, they don’t return. Do keep in mind, however, that if you gain weight, new fat cells can grow. Liposuction also lets you get the sculpted look you want in areas where you may struggle to get results with other methods.
The liposuction recovery process is not very long, allowing you to get back on your feet after just a few days. You also do not have to worry about a lot of scarring because the incisions needed for the cannula are small. Whether you get stomach liposuction, arm liposuction, or neck liposuction, you will have chosen a safe procedure.
Steps to Take for a Liposuction Procedure
If you think you are a good candidate for liposuction, turn to us for a consultation. At our offices, we will conduct a full assessment of the area you want to treat. We will also collect your full medical history, a list of any medications and supplements you take, and any other information that may be relevant.
To prepare for this procedure, we ask that you stop drinking alcohol and smoking for a few days. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements as well.
On the day of your liposuction procedure, we will use anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The type of anesthesia we use will depend on the type of liposuction and the treatment area. We may use local or general anesthesia.
We can then make the necessary incisions and insert the cannula that will help remove the fat. When we complete the procedure, we will suture the incisions.
Liposuction Recovery: How Long Is the Process?
We will provide instructions to help you care for the surgical site and let you know what kind of medications you need to take. If you have small drains placed at the sites, we will also show you how to manage these and tell you how long you may need to have them in place.
For many people, we recommend wearing a compression garment. This garment can help speed up the healing process. You will want to wait between 24 and 48 hours to shower. You can remove the compression garments when you do so but remember to pat the incision site dry instead of rubbing it to avoid issues with the sutures.
After a few days, you can return to light activities but avoid anything strenuous. You should also avoid hot tubs and saunas. Get plenty of rest, and make sure to attend all of your follow-up appointments with us.
During liposuction recovery, stay hydrated and wait to drink alcohol, as it can slow the healing process. It can take two to three weeks to feel back to normal again, though the exact schedule can depend on the size of the treatment area.
Get a Sleeker Look with Liposuction
If you want to eliminate fat pockets that refuse to budge no matter how much you diet or exercise, liposuction can be an effective option. This surgical procedure allows us to remove fat cells permanently, letting you get closer to the look you have always wanted.
At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver in Denver, CO, our team is ready to help you decide on the best treatment options for your needs. We will work with you to develop a plan that can accomplish your cosmetic goals. Contact us today to hear about our options and schedule a consultation.
