You might easily assume that you are ready for liposuction. After all, if you have extra fat you want to get rid of, isn’t that the only qualification you need?
Not quite. When it comes being one of the best candidates for liposuction, you need more than just excess fat you wish wasn’t there. Here is what you need to know about being ready for lipo.
Liposuction Isn’t Weight Loss Surgery
Lipo can deliver amazing results, but it isn’t right for everyone.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, meaning it changes the lines of the body by smoothing it out in strategic areas. While fat removal is part of the process, this isn’t global fat loss across the body, and what is removed makes very little impact on the number on the scale. If your goal is significant weight loss, liposuction isn’t the solution you are looking for.
Best Results Come When You Are at Your Ideal Weight
You will truly see the best results from liposuction if you come as close as you can to your ideal weight before moving forward with body contouring. This is because the fat cells left behind will simply fill out to replace what was removed if you aren’t eating healthy and exercising. Additionally, weight loss after lipo can make skin laxity worse.
Lipo Only Treats “Pinchable” Fat
There are two types of fat: subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous fat is the “pinchable” fat just beneath your skin, which liposuction can typically treat very well. However, lipo cannot address deeper visceral fat, which surrounds your organs and needs to be addressed through diet and exercise.
If you do have areas of stubborn pinchable fat in multiple areas of your body, liposuction may be able to help. Some of the most common areas to get lipo include the abdomen, hips, legs, arms and chin.
You Need to Ground Your Expectations in Reality
Are you wondering: am I a good candidate for liposuction? One of the keys to being a good candidate for lipo is having realistic expectations.
Liposuction can offer dramatic results, especially when combined with something like a Brazilian butt lift. But this procedure does have limitations. Make sure your expectations for your lipo results are firmly grounded in reality. Look at before and after photos to get an idea of what is possible and talk to your cosmetic surgeon.
Skin Elasticity Matters
Liposuction strictly removes fat cells from the body. Once these fat cells are no longer supporting your skin, there are pretty much two options — your skin will snap back into place or it will sag. Which happens to you will depend on your skin elasticity. Additionally, if you already have sagging skin, you should anticipate that liposuction will only make it worse. If this is the case, you can still get lipo, but you might want to add a tummy tuck or other body lift procedures to your liposuction as well.
There Is Downtime after Liposuction
Plan to take off work for around 5 to 7 days after getting lipo, and avoid strenuous activities for at least three weeks. There will be some discomfort and soreness, and you will likely need help at times. While this is a small price to pay for the results of lipo, it is important that you head into the procedure mentally prepared for the recovery process.
Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!
