8 Most Common Liposuction Questions

By Dr. Rachel Mason | March 6, 2021 |0 comments

Liposuction is surging in popularity. In 2017, there were an estimated 17 million liposuction procedures. That was 2% more than 2016.

If you want to address fatty areas on your body that diet and exercise won’t touch, you may be wondering if you should do liposuction. Before you go through with it, it’s wise to consider the most common liposuction questions.

Below are some of the most frequent questions to ask when considering liposuction in Las Vegas.

#1: Is the Surgeon Board Certified?

A board-certified plastic surgeon has met the requirements of The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons have more rigorous training and experience in various plastic surgery procedures, including liposuction.

Passing the board certification tests is tough, so you know they have the skills and experience you want if your surgeon has.

#2: What’s The Location Where The Surgeon Do The Liposuction?

Liposuction is most often an outpatient procedure, so you don’t need a hospital stay. But you’ll require a ride home because the general anesthetic takes several hours to wear off. Or, think about getting a hotel room overnight.

Before you schedule your liposuction, ask where the surgeon does their procedures. Is it a doctor’s office, a surgery center by the day, or a hospital? Any is ok, but double-check that the medical facility is accredited. Note that liposuction is an invasive procedure, and you’ll be sedated, so you want to make sure the surgeon plays by all the rules.

#3: Who’s An Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?

You should be sure that you’re a good liposuction candidate.

Usually, the ideal candidate is in good health and is near their goal weight. You shouldn’t be a smoker or willing to quit for a while. Smoking leads to more bleeding complications and makes your recovery longer.

Also, you should have hard-to-eliminate fat that lies between the skin and muscle. This procedure won’t help with the deep fat that is around the organs. If you have a lot of that fat, you’re probably significantly overweight and should drop some pounds before liposuction.

Your plastic surgeon will see if your skin is elastic enough for successful liposuction. Many of the best candidates are 40 or younger for this reason.

#4 Which Liposuction Procedures Does The Surgeon Use?

There are several types of liposuction today. Which procedure is correct for you hinges on where the fat will be removed, how much needs to be taken out, and which your surgeon prefers.

Ask about the procedures the surgeon uses most often and which should be used for you.

The most frequent procedure currently used is tumescent liposuction. The plastic surgeon places an epinephrine and lidocaine solution into the fatty area. The liquid reduces swelling, bleeding, and pain. Also, it makes the fat hard and stiff for easier removal. Your surgeon sucks the hardened fat and fluid out with a small cannula.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is another popular procedure that uses ultrasonic waves to liquefy the fat. This is an excellent solution for tougher fat in the neck and back.

Laser-assisted lipo is a cutting-edge method that many surgeons like. It uses laser waves to destroy fat cells that are removed with a cannula.

#5: Are The Results Permanent?

A great thing about liposuction is the fat is gone for good. However, the surgeon you use should point out that weight gain can still be a problem; liposuction isn’t a miracle cure. Adjacent fat tissue can still grow and expand if you overeat or become sedentary.

Your body also will evolve as you get older. You could naturally gain weight as your metabolism slows. Talk to your doctor about maintaining your results; he or she should provide ample information on this critical topic.

#6: Will Liposuction Get Rid Of Loose Skin And Cellulite?

Liposuction removes extra fat in areas of your body that resist diet and exercise. If you have some cellulite, it may help the skin look somewhat smoother. But it won’t help much with severe cellulite. The same is true if you have saggy and loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy. Liposuction won’t help this problem.

If you have loose skin in the abdomen, talk to your surgeon about a tummy tuck.

#7: Can The Surgeon Do Other Procedures At The Same Time?

Many patients have other procedures doing with liposuction. The advantage is that you can have one recovery and not pay more than once for anesthesia, the use of an operating room, etc.

Some people have breast augmentation or a tummy tuck with liposuction. Your plastic surgeon can talk to you about doing other procedures.

#8: What Is The Recovery Like?

Most people have a relatively easy recovery from liposuction. But much hinges on your health, how many areas were treated, and the amount of fat removed.

You will almost always have bruising and swelling after this procedure. Most bruising fades within two weeks, but swelling can continue for a few weeks or months. Most patients experience mild to moderate pain in the treated areas, but this goes away in a week or two.

Talk to your plastic surgeon about when you can go back to work and engage in regular activities. Many patients can go back to work in a few days and enjoy light exercise after a week. It could take a few weeks to get back to more vigorous activities, such as running.

Book Your Las Vegas Liposuction Procedure Today

Once you’re ready to take the next step and book your consultation, there’s no turning back. The results you’ve dreamed of are within your grasp. Stop delaying, and schedule a liposuction consultation appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason at Perspectives Plastic Surgery Las Vegas today!

You won’t regret your decision!