Long Term Results Of Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body. A suction tube or cannula is inserted through small incisions in the patient’s skin, aspirating the unwanted fat through it and into a temporary collection reservoir. The long-term results of liposuction are aimed at achieving permanent fat reduction, however there are some risks involved and they are highlighted in this guide.

In this guide, we review the Long Term Results Of Liposuction, tumescent liposuction, is liposuction painful, and types of liposuction and costs.

Long Term Results Of Liposuction

Many people struggle with excess body fat every day. When a healthy diet and exercise fail to get rid of fat bulges, liposuction is often a good option to achieve their desired body contour. Liposuction can target many areas, such as the abdominal region, thighs and hips.

Unfortunately, some men and women may have unrealistic expectations for their liposuction procedure, and when their desired results are not immediately achieved, they often feel as though the surgery was not successful. Knowing what to expect after the procedure and following your plastic surgeon’s after-care instructions can help you achieve the desired results.

What happens after the liposuction?

After the procedure, you can expect to feel mild discomfort, and see bruising, redness and swelling. Prescribed medications can help ease the discomfort. You may be instructed to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Swelling usually starts to go down by the end of the first week but wearing the compression garments should continue until week four or as otherwise directed. Some degree of swelling may last for as long as six weeks, but within a few days, you should be comfortable enough to return to work.

Will I have scars?

During the liposuction procedure, small incisions are made in order to remove the excess fat cells. These incisions are small and made in inconspicuous areas whenever possible, so they are less noticeable. You should receive after-care incision instructions to care for them after the procedure. These instructions should help to ensure that the incisions heal with minimal scarring.

How can I help promote healing and good results?

While liposuction removes a certain number of fat cells in the treatment area for good, the remaining cells can continue to store fat and grow in size. Following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and participating in a regular exercise routine (once your surgeon clears you to do so) can help promote healing, maintain a healthy body weight and help you achieve your desired body contour after the swelling goes down.

Will I see results right away?

Chances are, you probably won’t see the results you want right after your procedure. If anything, for a short while you may feel as if you have gained weight or are looking larger in the area treated. While liposuction can remove up to 10 pounds of fat cells during a procedure, fluid retention and swelling can cause you to look bloated. As the swelling goes down, you can begin to see results.

You may also notice that some of your skin is loose in the area treated with liposuction. Loose skin can firm up over time. However, depending on a variety of factors, such as age or how much fat was removed, surgical intervention may be necessary to tighten up the skin. Every person is different and your plastic surgeon can talk with you about skin tightening as part of your body contouring procedure if warranted.

Depending on how much fat is removed, you can expect to see final results between 1-3 months after the procedure.

How do I maintain my new look?

It’s important to keep in mind that liposuction results are not necessarily permanent. While the fat cells are removed from your body for good, some fat cells still remain and can grow. It’s up to you to take good care of yourself so that you can enjoy your slimmer look for a long time. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and follow a regular exercise routine. You can begin simple walking soon after the procedure and within a few weeks be ready to begin a low-intensity workout routine and build up from there.

Liposuction can remove stubborn excess body fat and help you achieve your desired body contour, but it is essential to have realistic expectations and know that maintaining your new look long-term requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

tumescent liposuction

Liposuction is a common cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess fat and shape body contours. As an invasive procedure using incisions, most types are performed with general anesthesia.

Tumescent liposuction, however, is a type of liposuction that can sometimes be performed without the general anesthesia that surgeries of this nature often require. This procedure, also called “local liposuction,” uses an infusion of adrenaline, saline, and local anesthesia prior to fat removal. The amount of saline solution injected is about two to three times larger than the volume of fat and liquid that is removed.

One concern with traditional liposuction is the increased risk of significant side effects from general anesthesia, as well as other risks like bleeding.

The idea behind tumescent liposuction is that it may be a safer alternative while still providing results. The other main advantage of this procedure is that it may avoid large shifts in body fluids that sometimes occur after removing a large volume of fat, which may result in low blood pressure.

However, as tumescent liposuction is still a major surgery, this doesn’t mean the procedure is without risk.

Learn more about the potential benefits and side effects of this procedure below, and talk with a plastic surgeon to determine whether it’s right for you.

Tumescent liposuction may be an alternative to more extensive surgeries of this type if you’re looking for a smaller amount of fat removal.

On average, the tumescent method removes about 3 to 5 liters of fat compared with 8 to 10 liters with traditional liposuction. This also shortens the recovery time. Most people can generally tolerate a procedure that removes up to 3 liters of fat and liquid. In some States, there is a legal limit of 5 liters that can be removed without requiring the person undergoing the procedure to remain hospitalized overnight to monitor blood pressure and other vital signs.

This type of cosmetic surgery is called “tumescent” because of the way the saline infusion makes the skin swell, purportedly increasing the accuracy of fat cell removal. Additionally, the adrenaline in the solution acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing the risk of bleeding.

Liposuction research in different ethnicities

While liposuction itself may be considered safe, it’s unclear whether side effects and risk factors vary among ethnicities. Research is lacking in this area, although statistics show that liposuction remains one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in both African American and Hispanic American communities.

You may consider asking your provider whether you’re at risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring if you have darker skin. Such side effects may be caused by changes in melanin.

Like other types of liposuction, the tumescent method consists of small incisions in the treatment area followed by the suctioning of fat cells. The procedure requires smaller incisions, along with a shorter treatment time.

is liposuction painful

How Painful is Liposuction?

Liposuction isn’t painful, as for the most part, you’ll be under general anesthesia and unaware of what’s going on during your surgery. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may use local anesthesia to help make you feel more comfortable; this is usually done if you’re having liposuction performed underneath your chin or around your armpits.

After liposuction surgery, however, you may feel some pain and soreness upon waking up. This pain and discomfort may last for a couple of days before fading away.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Lipo?

Liposuction recovery can vary from patient to patient, but it usually takes about two to three weeks to feel like you’re back to normal again. We typically recommend that patients take a few days off from work, as this is when you’ll feel most groggy and sore after your surgery.

You’ll be able to resume normal activities about two to three weeks after your recovery.

Liposuction Consultations Available

What are the Side Effects of Lipo?

Again, the side effects of liposuction largely depend on the patient; however, most patients can expect to experience the following side effects:

Some of these side effects (like pain) only last for a couple of days; others, like swelling and bruising, can last for a week or two. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a post-op recovery plan to help manage your healing so you can experience your best results.

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types of liposuction and costs

For over three decades, liposuction has been one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures designed to achieve more aesthetically appealing body contours. Liposuction has helped millions of women and men to enhance their figures through targeted removal of unwanted fat pockets.

Liposuction may be performed as a standalone surgery or in conjunction with other procedures such as tummy tuck, breast augmentation or mommy makeover. Board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides liposuction to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding communities.

Types of Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction cosmetic surgery may be performed using one of the following techniques:

This type of liposuction surgery may be performed when a large amount of fat removal is involved in one or more areas. The procedure involves manual manipulation of the stubborn fat cells with a cannula inserted through an incision, and removal of the dislodged fats with a suction pump.

This is a highly popular liposuction technique, which involves only local anesthesia. The surgeon will inject a liberal volume of a solution including a local anesthetic and salts to cause the fat cells to swell. This makes it easier to isolate and remove them. The procedure involves relatively lesser downtime.

In this type of liposuction, ultrasound technology is used to generate heat in the targeted fat cells and liquefy them. This makes it easier to remove larger and denser fat tissue in a relatively less invasive manner.

Several advanced laser assisted liposuction surgery techniques are used today to achieve more precise and effective results. Laser based liposuction will involve minimal bruising and bleeding, reduce the downtime, and minimize the risk of scarring. Targeted results with laser liposuction can be achieved in more sensitive areas such as the cheeks, chin, jowls, neck, and arms.

This is a unique type of liposuction aimed at enhancing the appearance of the abdominal muscles, and create the highly sought after ‘six pack’ abs. The muscles will first be outlined and then a thin layer of fat will be used to obscure the muscles. Traditional, ultrasonic or laser based liposuction may then be used to perform this procedure.

The Price Tag on Liposuction

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average fundamental cost of liposuction in 2014 in the US was $2,971. However, this figure did not include the inclusion of anesthesia, surgical facility costs, and other expenses that are germane to this procedure.

The overall dollar amount of the procedure may range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on a number of factors. Patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive this procedure from facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian.

Recovery

Depending on the extent of fat removed and the type of technique used, the downtime involved in liposuction may range from three days to two weeks. Initial pain and discomfort can be managed with pain medications. Results of liposuction will establish gradually over a few months as the swelling disappears completely and the healing is completed.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.