What Patients Need To Know About Life After Liposuction

Did you know liposuction was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in 2021? According to a survey, there were over 1.9 million liposuction procedures, which overtook breast augmentation by 3.8%. And the interest in these fat-removal operations will continue to increase throughout 2023.

Despite being a popular cosmetic procedure, many people are still seemingly unaware of the full range of benefits that liposuction can offer individuals of various body types, shapes and sizes. From improving physical appearance to boosting self-confidence, the transformative effects of liposuction can positively impact one’s overall mental and physical well-being.

This is because liposuction can dramatically reduce inflammation throughout the body, provide better mobility, improve quality of life, lessen body image dissatisfaction and even enhance libido, which makes it a valuable option for patients seeking body contouring solutions.

Now’s the time to dive deeper into the world of liposuction, its positive effects on the body and what you should prepare your patients to expect in the weeks after the surgery.

Understanding the Basics of Liposuction

Simply put, liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery carried out on some areas of the body where pockets of fat tend to collect en masse. Depending on different body types, this could be collected in areas such as the arms, waist, hips, thighs and in most cases, the tummy. In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in removing fat from the chin, neck and cheeks.

First, various medications are administered during the surgery to ensure that the patient can relax and feel comfortable. These options usually include local anesthesia, general anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

The next step is the liposuction procedure, which involves the use of a specialized surgical tool known as a cannula. Skilled surgeons use different tube sizes and types to achieve the best possible outcomes. Take facial liposuction as an example. Since the facial area is small, the typical insertion cannula for the procedure is thinner than the ones used for flanks, buttocks and hips. As a result, the small incisions created during the procedure result in minimal scarring that is barely noticeable.

Why Liposuction Is the Go-To Choice for People

When compared to other similar procedures, such as the tummy tuck, liposuction has distinct advantages that make it stand out.

For starters, liposuction can offer a quick and noticeable transformation to the body. Even though the amount of fat removed can impact recovery time, most patients can expect to see the final result in as little as one to three months after the surgery. Since recovery time is short for liposuction, unlike other cosmetic procedures, most can return to work and even start doing light exercises just days after the operation.

What’s more, there is a much lower post-op downtime, with minimal bruising and swelling, thanks to small incisions and advanced techniques. Bear in mind that most patients who go through the lipo journey will experience minimal scarring, if any. However, like with any surgery, the chances of scarring are present during the process.

When scarring occurs, there are numerous simple cosmetic treatments surgeons can offer patients to minimize the estimated six-month time frame it takes for the hyper-pigmentation to lessen. It is vital that surgeons make it an utmost priority to try and place their incisions in the most discreet place possible.

It is crucial to remember that liposuction should not be treated as a weight loss solution. One should look to it as a way to shape areas that are diet and exercise-resistant, such as the face, alongside a strong exercise routine and healthy diet. However, due to metabolism levels being stimulated by the procedure, some patients on the heavier side of the scale could lose up to 11 pounds as a result of the surgery.

What Patients Need To Know About Life After Liposuction

Liposuction can result in a dramatic physical transformation, with the most noticeable change being a significant improvement in body contour. This can include a flatter tummy, a more defined mandibular border and jawline, smoother hips and a visible gap between the thighs.

The mindset around liposuction should be that it is a real journey that starts even before the procedure. To illustrate this, advising patients to find a personal trainer in the initial stages who can help customize a post-surgery workout plan can make a big difference in their recovery and results. This is because a personalized exercise program can enable patients to stay on track with their fitness goals, speed up the recovery process and ensure long-term results.

Added to that, working with a nutritionist can be incredibly beneficial in creating a healthy diet plan. Through the combination of physical activity and proper nutrition, patients can make sure that they are on a solid path to achieving a sculpted look, improving their self-confidence and well-being while feeling the best they have ever felt.

Final Thoughts

We all want to feel good in our bodies. As much as we want to focus on "what’s inside is what counts," in most cases, we do not wholeheartedly resonate with this newer societal expectation of celebrating the body we are in as it is—and that is okay. Only your patients can ultimately make that choice for themselves because nobody else lives in their skin.

With the right frame of mind and an intentional approach, the liposuction journey is something that can carry your patients on a path of feeling absolutely fabulous, leaving them to embody a happier spirit each day and celebrate the body they are in.

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Dr. Bilge Gregory is a retired Emergency Medicine doctor, who now practices as a cosmetic surgeon specializing in high-definition esthetic procedures, mind/body healing, and personal development. Dr. Gregory is the CEO and Founder of Vital Connection MD.