Liposuction FAQs
Liposuction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today—however, it often raises a number of questions. If you’re interested in undergoing plastic surgery, then consider these frequently asked questions regarding liposuction procedures.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a minimally-invasive plastic surgery procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction can be performed to remove stubborn fat pockets from the abdomen, waist, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, neck, calves, cheeks, and even the chin.
Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction should be in good general health with realistic expectations regarding the results. Unlike a tummy tuck, which removes excessive amounts of fat and sagging skin, liposuction is only designed to remove targeted fat deposits. This means that candidates should be physically fit with a stable weight; as a good rule of thumb, candidates should be within 10-20 pounds of their ideal weight. It is also important that candidates have firm skin with good elasticity to help maintain the results.
What Happens During the Procedure?
After administering general anesthesia, your plastic surgeon will make a small incision in the skin so that a thin, hollow cannula can be inserted to loosen excess fat deposits with controlled back and forth motions. Once the fat has been dislodged, it will be sucked out using a syringe attached to the cannula or a surgical vacuum. Your surgeon will then close the incision using dissolvable internal stitches. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-6 hours, depending on the number of areas and volume of fat being removed.
What to Expect From the Results?
While most patients experience minor swelling for the first several weeks following the procedure, the results of liposuction can last anywhere from 7-10 years when maintained with proper diet and exercise.
The best way to determine whether liposuction is right for you is to schedule an initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. For more information on your eligibility or to learn more about your plastic surgery options, call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100.
