Your Health Defenders

Health Blog

Health

Things to Consider Before Liposuction

Regular physical exercise and a healthy diet are proven ways to lose those extra pounds and stay within your ideal weight. However, no matter how hard you try, there may be some stubborn pocket fats that don’t seem to budge from your arms, hips, abdomen, and thighs. You don’t have to sulk each time you look in the mirror; Pearce Plastic Surgery offers liposuction – a procedure that removes fat from specific body areas.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction or lipoplasty is a surgical procedure that uses suction to remove excess fat from your hips, abdomen, arms, buttocks, neck, or thighs, helping you attain your desired body shape. It is not typically considered a weight loss method or alternative but a way to contour certain body areas. If you are overweight, you are likely to lose more weight through exercise, diet, or bariatric procedures like gastric bypass surgery, than you would with liposuction. Before liposuction, it is essential to be informed about what the process entails and how it works so that you make an informed decision. Here are things you should know before getting liposuction.

Liposuction is not a weight loss tool

Before having liposuction, you want to be sure of your desired goals and have realistic expectations. Ask yourself whether you are looking for a weight loss substitute or specific improvements. Liposuction won’t help you lose excess weight, nor is it an effective way to reduce cellulite. If your goal is weight loss, the best option is to discuss an exercise plan and personalized diet with your doctor. But if you want to eliminate fat from specific body areas, liposuction may be right for you. Your doctor may only recommend liposuction after you have been unable to get rid of stubborn fat with diet and exercise. Having specific results in mind makes it easier for your doctor to target particular areas you want to improve. Your doctor should be able to suggest alternatives if you are not eligible for liposuction.

Liposuction carries risks, as with any major surgery

Usually, liposuction is well-tolerated and effective for most patients. However, as with any surgery, liposuction poses various risks and side effects. Your doctor should explain all the possible side effects to you during an initial consultation. Examples of possible side effects specific to liposuction include infection, contour irregularities, fluid accumulation, fat embolism, and lidocaine toxicity. When discussing side effects with your doctor, mention any pre-existing condition or medication you are currently taking to your provider. You want to be honest with your doctor since some drugs may result in excessive bleeding.

You will need some time to recover after liposuction

After liposuction, you may need to wait a few days or weeks before resuming work and your normal activities. This can be pretty challenging with increasingly busing lives. For this reason, try and schedule liposuction during a convenient time when you can stay at home and heal. During this time, you are not to engage in strenuous activities; your medical team will advise you on your post-treatment plan.

Whether or not you should get liposuction is majorly a personal decision. But if you want a more toned body and to improve your confidence, consult your doctor at Pearce Plastic Surgery to know if liposuction is right for you.