Is liposuction permanent?
Yes and no. It depends on your lifestyle after the surgery. The pockets of fat that are removed during your liposuction are gone forever, but that does not mean you will not develop new ones if you gain weight. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and to exercise regularly after liposuction.
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What is a typical liposuction consultation like?
When you consult with a surgeon to discuss a possible liposuction, your doctor will discuss your goals with you, and he or she will explain what can be achieved realistically. Your surgeon should take into account your body structure and be able to recognize what needs to be done. He or she will also go over your general health and inform you about the risks of the procedure. Often, you will both look at before-and-after liposuction photos of other patients.
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Where are the incisions made? Are there any scars?
The incisions are usually made in the least conspicuous spot that is near the area to be treated. Generally, they are made within natural skin folds near the target area so that they are hidden. Surgeons always try to avoid unnecessary scarring with all liposuction techniques. You and your doctor should discuss incision placement and length before surgery.
What should I expect postoperatively?
Excessive pain is very rare with liposuction, but you will be sore. The pain relievers prescribed by your doctor should alleviate this pain. There will be swelling and some bruising, but these should both subside within weeks. You will usually be asked to wear a support garment postoperatively for the first few days or weeks. Some surgeons believe this assists the treated areas to heal more compactly and improves the results.
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Is liposuction painful? Is there much bruising?
It takes about a week and a half for most of the swelling to subside. There is really not too much bruising with average cases, although that varies greatly by individual. Some people are more prone to bruising than others. You will be sore after the surgery. You should take pain medication to deal with any discomfort that you may experience.
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When will I be able to return to work after liposuction surgery?
This varies with the amount of liposuction you are having and its location and on how active you are on your job. Most people return to work within 2 weeks, although some can return after only a few days. However, most surgeons will instruct you not to exercise for 3 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when you have recovered sufficiently to return to work.
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When will I be able to see the results?
After the swelling subsides, you will begin to see a difference. You should take some photos of yourself before the surgery to compare with how you look afterwards so that you can fully appreciate the results.
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What are the risks of liposuction?
There are risks with liposuction as there are with any surgical procedure. To reduce your risks, you must be fully informed. You should discuss the possible risks with your surgeon during your consultation. For more information on risks, please visit our Liposuction Risks section.
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