If you’re someone who cares about your health and well-being, you likely take as many steps as you can to keep your mind and body functioning optimally. You get your greens and grains in, you do your research, you fit a workout or a yoga class in when you can. You value what you put on and in your body.
But if you’re finding some parts of your body unresponsive to diet and exercise, you’re not alone. Age, genetics, and a ton of other factors can mean that despite your best efforts, sometimes fat just doesn’t go away. Some people dealing with this consider liposuction, one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed. People request liposuction in many different areas of the body, including hips, buttocks, thighs, abdomen and knees. Some people even undergo liposuction on their neck and face. If it’s something you’re considering, here are some facts you should keep in mind about liposuction:
Liposuction isn’t a substitute for overall weight loss.
The best results occur when treating localized areas for fatty tissue, those stubborn areas that diet and exercise just won’t change. Ideally, someone looking into liposuction is within 10 per cent of their ideal body weight. If not, your surgeon may refer you to someone who can provide you with a diet and exercise regime so you can achieve your goal weight before surgery. This will ensure your procedure has the best results.
Some people are better candidates for the surgery than others.
The best candidates are those who are close to their target weight and understand both the benefits and the limitations of liposuction. People with a high level of skin elasticity will also achieve better results. This is because once the excess fat deposits have been removed, the way your body recovers depends on how well the skin tightens and contracts. People with decreased skin elasticity might benefit from other options for surgery, like a tummy tuck.
There are different kinds of liposuction.
You might have an idea in your head about what exactly liposuction entails, but the truth is, there are different methods and types of technology sometimes used in the procedure. The most common method involves an external use of suction. Sometimes the suction is used along with an ultrasound, which can be helpful for different body sites that are less accessible. This method works to liquefy the fat before it is removed. Sometimes the suction is also assisted by a small motor, which is helpful for larger areas of fatty tissue removal. No method has been shown to have better results than another, but you and your surgeon will likely decide what method is right for you, depending on your ultimate goals.
You will have to follow a procedure on the day of your treatment, like with any surgery.
As with most surgeries, you will typically be asked to fast beforehand. That is, you won’t be able to eat or drink certain fluids the night or morning before your surgery. This is a simple safety precaution. Once you arrive at the clinic, your surgeon will likely meet with you once last time before the procedure to answer any last minute questions and to review the process and post-operative steps with you. It’s normal to have questions! You will meet with your anaesthesiologist, who will be administering either general aesthetic or localized anaesthetic depending on the body part you are having treated. Your vital signs (heartbeat, blood pressure etc) will be recorded, and a surgical checklist will be performed to comply with your state or province’s regulations. Then you will be whisked off to the operating room for the procedure itself.
You will need time to recover.
When you wake up from surgery you will need to wear something called a “compression garment,” which wraps around the site and puts gentle pressure on the area to reduce swelling. It will likely be padded with some gauze too. Before the surgery your surgeon will inject some fluid into the site, which helps to break down the fat and reduce bruising. The gauze helps absorb this fluid, which may continue leaking for a couple days afterwards. The good news is that you’ll be able to shower the day after, and most people can return to work or school within one or two weeks.
While not a replacement for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle, liposuction can be an effective tool for those areas of fatty tissues that just won’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s not for everyone, but if you care about looking and feeling your best, it’s something to consider. Make sure you do your research and find a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Your health and well being is worth it!
Bio: Dr. Stephanie Power is a plastic surgeon based in Toronto, Ontario Canada.