Liposuction might be the solution if you have excess fat that doesn’t seem to go away even with proper diet and exercise. Because liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted fat, consulting a plastic surgeon is essential. A thorough liposuction consultation helps ensure you’re a good candidate and understand the procedure fully.
During your discussion, you’ll discuss the different types of liposuction surgery and determine whether you’re a good candidate for combining liposuction with other body contouring procedures.
Table of Contents
About the Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery specially designed for fat removal. This plastic surgery specifically targets unwanted fat cells and excess body fat in particularly stubborn regions of the body.
Liposuction itself isn’t a specific weight loss procedure. Instead, it’s a body contouring procedure to help reshape problem areas of the body. You’ll discuss the ins and outs of the liposuction procedure at your consultation.
The process begins with a small incision made near the fat removal site. Next, the surgical team uses a thin tube called a cannula to enter the incision and start breaking up the fat. The broken-up fat is suctioned out with a vacuum.
Your doctor may use various liposuction procedure methods. Your surgeon will also discuss them with you at your consultation. Understanding the right procedure method for you is why the initial consultation regarding your liposuction is so important.
Liposuction Procedure Recovery
Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia (read also about: liposuction under local anesthesia), so there will be a brief recovery period directly after that. Some risks associated with this aesthetic surgery include blood clots, blood loss, and fat embolism. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your medical history, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and the various risks associated with the procedure.
Meeting with Your Plastic Surgeon for Cosmetic Surgery
A consultation is a can’t-skip step before having a liposuction procedure. You and your surgeon will meet to evaluate your fat removal needs. Abdomen, thighs, arms, and chin are all areas of the body where liposuction can remove fat. At this time your surgeon will evaluate your skin’s elasticity to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
You’ll also discuss the different types of liposuction that may work for your specific situation. This pre-liposuction meeting should give you an understanding of how much fat can be removed, what your general body shape will return to, and how much loose skin may be left over after liposuction.
Types of Liposuction Surgery: Suction-Assisted Liposuction and Beyond
Liposuction to remove fat cells from your body has changed drastically as a procedure over the years. Today, there are a variety of different liposuction procedure options available. During your consultation before liposuction surgery, your plastic surgeon may discuss these procedure options with you to determine the best method.
Suction-Assisted Liposuction
Suction Lipo is the original liposuction. A small tube is inserted through a small incision and moved to break up fat cells, which are then suctioned out. Sometimes, this is also called traditional liposuction. Despite being the classic way of doing it, this liposuction treatment is still effective at removing fat.
Tumescent Liposuction
The tumescent technique is commonly used today. During the procedure, a surgeon injects a mix of saline, numbing agents, and epinephrine into the treatment areas of your body. The solution helps loosen the fat for less discomfort, swelling, and bruising.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
This form of liposuction is similar to traditional liposuction. The main difference is that the suction tube has a vibrating motor that helps rapidly break up fat cells. This makes plastic surgery more effective at removing fat from large areas of the body.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
With the laser liposuction method, energy is used to liquify fat before it is suctioned out. It’s easier to suck out fat in this form, and the heat is supposed to help stimulate faster skin tightening to solve for loose skin before it happens.
Brand names of laser lipo include SmartLipo and SlimLipo. If returning to an ideal body shape quickly after the plastic surgery procedure is important to you, this surgical technique is ideal.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
The brand name for this liposuction treatment is VASER. It uses ultrasound waves to gently break apart fat cells, aiding in the removal of excess fat. It’s precise at targeting fat and is excellent at removing fat from thick deposits or connective tissue.
Combining Liposuction Surgery with Other Cosmetic Procedures
Another important part of your consultation is discussing combining other procedures with your liposuction. For example, you may get a tummy tuck or arm lift alongside liposuction.
Your surgeon can also remove excess skin during the procedure. These additional procedures can help you achieve your ideal new body shape faster.
Understanding Liposuction Cost
The cost of liposuction will vary depending on your state and region. Generally prices start at around $3000 and go up from there depending on additional treatments, the areas of your body that need liposuction, and more.
The cost will be higher if you’re getting a tummy tuck or having excess skin removed. However, you can get on a payment plan for the procedure.
Liposuction Consultation & Procedure FAQs
Does Liposuction Help with Cellulite and Dimpled Skin?
Surprisingly, liposuction does not specifically help with dimpled areas of the skin. However, it’s possible to combine treatments to get the results you’re looking for. Read more about liposuction and cellulite treatment options.
Does Liposuction Help with the Condition Called Gynecomastia?
Yes, liposuction is part of the treatment for enlarged male breast tissue. At your consultation, your surgeon will be able to explain what causes this condition and what the treatment options are.
Will I Gain Weight Quickly After Liposuction?
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure specifically. During your consultation, your doctor will likely want to see you maintain a certain weight for a period of time leading up to the procedure. Controlling your weight will help ensure you don’t gain fat quickly after your procedure.
How Can I Speed up Recovery After Liposuction?
Recovery can take some time depending on the liposuction area. Following a doctor’s order and wearing a compression garment can help reduce swelling around the treatment area.
Book Your Liposuction Procedure Consult Today
Get back to a healthy weight by removing excess fat with liposuction. We’ll help you get a new shape that you love. Book your consultation with us at Dr. Sanam Zahedi Plastic Surgery today!
Resources
- https://enhancemedicalgroup.com/body-contouring-surgery/liposuction
- https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/body/liposuction.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11009-liposuction
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/surgery/liposuction
