What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Liposuction Treatment

Sometimes even the healthiest diet and most rigorous workout routine isn’t enough to obtain your ideal figure and get rid of stubborn fat around the midsection or thighs. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure like liposuction, rest assured that you’re not alone. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Americans undergo nearly two million plastic surgery procedures every year. Liposuction was ranked the second most common procedure after breast augmentation.

At Alfred Sofer, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sofer and our cosmetic surgery team offer a range of non-invasive and surgical body contouring and cosmetic procedures at our offices in Miami, Florida, and Fairfield, Connecticut.

What you need to know about your liposuction treatment

 Even surgical cosmetic procedures have become less invasive than ever thanks to new technology and modern surgical procedures designed to help you heal more quickly and efficiently, and enjoy the best results possible. 

The first and most important factor with any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure, whether it’s liposuction or a few Botox® injections, is to make sure that you’re working with an experienced and properly licensed medical professional. 

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Contrary to popular misconceptions, liposuction isn’t a weight loss method or a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise plan. If you need help with weight loss before getting liposuction, Dr. Sofer can recommend the best procedure for your health needs and personal goals. Lipo (also known as lipoplasty) is a body contouring technique that uses suction to remove excess fat buildup from the abdomen, thighs, arms, legs, hips, back, and buttocks.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends liposuction for adults who are within 30% of their ideal weight range and are in good general health, with no underlying health conditions or issues that might interfere with the healing process. 

The ideal candidates for lipo should have adequate skin elasticity and strong muscle tone. Liposuction is not recommended for smokers. Additionally, you should have realistic expectations and healthy lifestyle habits in place before the procedure.

Understanding the potential risks

Liposuction is generally safe, but like with any medical procedure, there are always potential risk factors such as:

  • Temporary numbness and swelling
  • Bumps or pockets on the skin which may be permanent
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia
  • Fluid buildup
  • Fat embolism 

Before your procedure, Dr. Sofer will carefully review your medical history and any medications you may be taking, and give you detailed pre-op instructions to help you prepare for your liposuction appointment.

During the procedure

Liposuction can be performed with local or general anesthetic, depending on the area being treated and your individual circumstances. The procedure usually takes between one to three hours, and you may need another hour or more to recover after the procedure. Even if you expect to receive local anesthetic, plan to bring someone with you to the procedure that can drive you home.

The recovery process typically takes a few weeks, and you can expect some swelling and fluid buildup as your body adjusts. Dr. Sofer may prescribe medication and a compression garment for the first few weeks after the procedure, and you may need to take a few days off from work and your normal workout routine in order to rest after the procedure. 

Dr. Sofer will provide you with comprehensive pre- and post-treatment instructions to follow in order to minimize the risk of any side effects and to ensure the best results. 

For more information about liposuction and other plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sofer at our office in Miami, Florida, or Fairfield, Connecticut, or you can get started with a free virtual assessment

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