Eight FAQs About Liposuction Answered
&srotate=0)
Liposuction is still one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. It is an ever-evolving body sculpting technique that offers new benefits for men and women choosing to undergo fat removal surgery with liposuction. It is highly effective at eliminating small to moderate pockets of stubborn fat to provide excellent body sculpting results.
The expert team at Dallas Cosmetic Center in Dallas, TX, led by board-certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto Huertas, utilizes the latest treatments and techniques to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals with liposuction. Are you considering this fat removal surgery? Get the facts about this highly effective cosmetic procedure from Dallas Cosmetic Center before scheduling your consultation.
1. How does liposuction work?
Liposuction is a fat removal surgery that breaks down and removes stubborn fat (just underneath the skin) in various areas of the body. It is not a weight-loss treatment but can be used to remove subcutaneous fat (between the skin and muscle) that has become resistant to diet and exercise. A small, specialized suction pump, called a cannula, is inserted through micro-sized skin incisions to sculpt and remove excess fat from the body.
2. Am I the right candidate?
Liposuction can reduce fat in certain areas of the body and create a more defined contour. When considering this body sculpting procedure, it works best for adult women and men who have realistic expectations and:
- Are at or near their ideal weight
- Have good muscle tone and firm, elastic skin
- Do not have pre-existing medical conditions
3. What areas of my body can I get liposuction?
Dallas Cosmetic Center customizes each body sculpting treatment for their Dallas, TX patients to reduce small to moderate pockets of unwanted fat that have become unresponsive to diet and exercise in specific areas of the body, such as:
- Abdomen
- Hips and thighs
- Back
- Neck and chin area
- Chest and upper arms
4. How much fat can be removed?
Liposuction is a versatile cosmetic procedure customized for every patient to achieve their desired results. During a consultation, Dr. Huertas will listen and discuss each patient's areas of concern and then develop a treatment plan to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. While multiple areas of the body can be targeted simultaneously, most plastic surgeons, generally, limit fat removal to five liters per session for the patient's safety.
5. Is liposuction painful?
A local anesthetic is released as the cannula gently glides through targeted fatty tissue. The small stainless-steel instrument infuses a pain reliever into the fat cells, essentially numbing the target area. It typically wears off in 24 hours, but patients can manage any mild discomfort afterward with over-the-counter medication.
6. When can I get back to normal?
This outpatient procedure, typically, offers a relatively straightforward recovery. While no two liposuction procedures are the same, most patients can expect to return to work in about 7 – 10 days, then gradually resume normal activities in 2 – 6 weeks, or once cleared by their surgeon.
7. Is liposuction permanent?
Liposuction is a body sculpting treatment that can provide long-lasting results. However, patients must be prepared afterward to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain their results, ideally, staying within the range of 5 – 10 pounds of their target body weight. For example, if an individual weighs 130 pounds before fat removal surgery and has a total of five pounds removed, they must maintain their weight at or below 125 pounds to keep their results intact.
8. Is liposuction safe?
Liposuction techniques used today offer new benefits for patients choosing to undergo fat removal surgery with liposuction. The local anesthetic or numbing agent injected into the target area during the procedure has antibacterial properties and helps reduce the risk of infection. Liposuction is a highly effective and safe cosmetic treatment when performed by a qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Huertas.
If you have additional questions or need more information about liposuction, please contact Dallas Cosmetic Center in Dallas, TX. Call and schedule a one-on-one consultation with board-certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto Huertas today.