Liposuction 101 Millions of people every year go under the knife, hoping to improve problem areas of their bodies using cosmetic surgery. The five most common procedures are liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, and nose surgery. In 2014, liposuction beat out breast augmentation as the most common cosmetic surgery according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). While San Antonio’s obesity rates have decreased the last few years, our average Body Mass Index (BMI) is still higher than the national average. Ultimately, addressing our obesity rate will require far more than cosmetic surgery. Lifestyle changes, like better diet and more exercise, are key. If you have a specific stubborn area of your body that you want extra help with however, liposuction may be an option for you!
What is liposuction? Liposuction, also sometimes called lipo, is a cosmetic surgery that physically removes localized fat deposits. There are a variety of different types of liposuction but, generally speaking, the process includes inserting a small cannula, like a straw, and carefully removing the fat through suction. Improvements in technologies and techniques have helped liposuction become minimally invasive, safe, and effective.
Who can get liposuction? In order to qualify for liposuction, you must be in good health. Ideal patients have a healthy lifestyle and, with the exception of one or more unresponsive areas, are otherwise fine. Liposuction is not meant for cases where the goal is major weight loss. It just a tool to help manage a stubborn area after a patient has tried other natural weight loss methods.
What areas of the body can liposuction be used on? Almost all areas of the boy can receive liposuction. The common areas are the stomach, arms, back, hips, knees, love handles, saddlebags, neck, chin and thighs. Depending on the areas that you want to focus on, you may be able to get liposuction in more than one area at once. The details of your treatment plan would need to be discussed during a consultation with your plastic surgeon.
How long does it take to see results? Liposuction results are immediate. Unlike some other, slower options, like CoolSculpting, liposuction physically removes fat from the chosen area or areas. That means that you can see the change your body right away.
Will the results last? Ultimately, whether or not the changes created by liposuction stick depends on you. Physically removing the old fat does not impact your metabolism. If your lifestyle remains the same after liposuction as it did before, then you are likely to regain the weight. Liposuction is an immediate change but keeping your body in its new shape is up to you.
How long is the recovery time? Patients often feel comfortable returning to work within a few days. Strenuous activity and exercise need to wait for at least a few weeks. Compression garments are worn constantly for 2 weeks and then as frequently as possible for another 4 weeks. The current techniques used in liposuction are minimally invasive, very accurate, and less painful than liposuction in the past. Usually, the incisions from liposuction are small enough that stitches are not needed. Bruising, discomfort, and mild swelling are not uncommon during recovery time. These should be manageable through pain medication. If it gets in the way of daily activities or suddenly worsens, contact your doctor immediately.
What are the risks of receiving liposuction? While liposuction is minimally invasive, it is still an invasive surgery. Complications are rare but they do happen. Infection, scarring, allergic reactions and hematoma are possible complications. Carefully following all pre- and post-surgery instructions can help decrease the likelihood of these occurring.
Patients who are interested in getting liposuction in San Antonio, Texas should reach out to Dr. Suresh Koneru. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 18 years of experience with comprehensive plastic and reconstructive surgery in San Antonio.