A Closer Look at Liposuction Surgery
Many people believe that liposuction is the quick and easy answer to excess weight. With one visit to the doctor's office, their fat will magically disappear and they will pick up their life the next day, completely transformed as a new person. In reality, while liposuction can make a person look and feel transformed, it is not magic. It is a surgical procedure that isn't done on a whim. Here are some of the basics about liposuction surgery and what to expect.
Candidates
People who have liposuction surgery have already attempted to lose weight through a sensible diet. They watch what they eat and have likely been under a doctor's care for weight loss to no avail. They may have lost a considerable amount of weight already and are having a difficult time losing the last bit in certain areas. The ideal liposuction candidate should have a stable weight and reasonably good health. People with certain body types and medical conditions are not good candidates for this cosmetic surgery.
Procedure
Liposuction involves making surgical punctures or incisions or into the skin and removing fat cells with a special tool. When done by a licensed plastic surgeon, it carries the same risks as most operations. Liposuction is performed under either a local or general anesthetic, depending on what body areas are involved. If the fat volume is high or it needs to be done in several places, there may be more than one operation performed separately. Laser liposuction may be performed in addition to liposuction to tighten the skin in this area. Patients with both types of procedures performed may heal slightly faster and experience less bruising.
Preparation
Before having liposuction, the patient will have at least one if not several consultations with the specialist. They may discuss how to prepare for the best results and which types of surgery are best for the individual. Patients should follow all doctor instructions in the weeks and days leading up to the procedure. For example, patients should avoid certain types of drugs, such as aspirin, antidepressants, hormone therapy and any medications that affect blood pressure or the blood clotting process. Within a week of surgery, patients should avoid moisturizing lotions and soaps, as well as alcohol. Within about 24 hours of the operation, patients should not eat or drink dairy products or food and beverages high in fat or caffeine. On the day of the procedure, patients should wear loose-fitting clothing. Patients that experience cold extremities should wear socks and clean mittens to keep their hands and feet comfortable.
Recovery
After surgery, some patients may experience pain in the surgical sites. This is usually contained with acetaminophen or a mild pain prescription. Patients are usually released into the care of a loved one and allowed to go home the same afternoon as the surgery. Most individuals do not return to work for at least a few days; longer for a non-sedentary occupation. Expect drainage or bleeding after the surgery for up to a few days that may soil or stain clothing, upholstery and bedding. It may take a few days, weeks or months to recover from surgery, depending on the type and extent of the procedure.
Candidates
People who have liposuction surgery have already attempted to lose weight through a sensible diet. They watch what they eat and have likely been under a doctor's care for weight loss to no avail. They may have lost a considerable amount of weight already and are having a difficult time losing the last bit in certain areas. The ideal liposuction candidate should have a stable weight and reasonably good health. People with certain body types and medical conditions are not good candidates for this cosmetic surgery.
Procedure
Liposuction involves making surgical punctures or incisions or into the skin and removing fat cells with a special tool. When done by a licensed plastic surgeon, it carries the same risks as most operations. Liposuction is performed under either a local or general anesthetic, depending on what body areas are involved. If the fat volume is high or it needs to be done in several places, there may be more than one operation performed separately. Laser liposuction may be performed in addition to liposuction to tighten the skin in this area. Patients with both types of procedures performed may heal slightly faster and experience less bruising.
Preparation
Before having liposuction, the patient will have at least one if not several consultations with the specialist. They may discuss how to prepare for the best results and which types of surgery are best for the individual. Patients should follow all doctor instructions in the weeks and days leading up to the procedure. For example, patients should avoid certain types of drugs, such as aspirin, antidepressants, hormone therapy and any medications that affect blood pressure or the blood clotting process. Within a week of surgery, patients should avoid moisturizing lotions and soaps, as well as alcohol. Within about 24 hours of the operation, patients should not eat or drink dairy products or food and beverages high in fat or caffeine. On the day of the procedure, patients should wear loose-fitting clothing. Patients that experience cold extremities should wear socks and clean mittens to keep their hands and feet comfortable.
Recovery
After surgery, some patients may experience pain in the surgical sites. This is usually contained with acetaminophen or a mild pain prescription. Patients are usually released into the care of a loved one and allowed to go home the same afternoon as the surgery. Most individuals do not return to work for at least a few days; longer for a non-sedentary occupation. Expect drainage or bleeding after the surgery for up to a few days that may soil or stain clothing, upholstery and bedding. It may take a few days, weeks or months to recover from surgery, depending on the type and extent of the procedure.