You’ve probably heard that you should lose weight before having liposuction surgery. But is that really true?
More than likely, you’ve heard of liposuction and know at least a little bit about it. For example, you’re probably familiar with liposuction as an efficient and effective way to instantly remove fat from the body. Find the answers to all of these questions about Beverly Hills liposuction and more using this helpful information from internationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz.
What is liposuction?
In addition to primary fat removal, liposuction is also a valuable tool in more fat transfer procedures, such as the Brazilian butt lift, which involve taking fat from one area of the body and injecting it to augment another feature.
Where can you get liposuction?
The beauty of liposuction is that it can basically be used from head to toe! Dr. Schwartz has extensive experience in utilizing liposuction for even the most precise and delicate procedures and can help patients realize a dramatic improvement in areas they might not have thought were possible! Some of the most common areas where patients receive liposuction include:
How much weight can I lose with liposuction?
A common misconception about liposuction is that it will help you lose weight. In reality, liposuction is not a weight loss tool and is not a substitute for weight loss. Instead, liposuction is designed to permanently eliminate small to moderate clusters of stubborn fat that has become unresponsive to traditional diet and exercise methods. Some patients certainly do shed a few pounds after liposuction, but the majority of the results are visible on the body rather than on the scale. In many cases, achieving a slimmer figure and better self-confidence after liposuction actually catapults patients into living a healthier and more active lifestyle over all, which ultimately results in further weight loss.
Do you have to lose weight before liposuction?
Crash dieting and other quick weight loss strategies typically result in all the weight – and more – coming back, meaning the results of your liposuction may disappear quickly. If you are considering liposuction in Beverly Hills, it is critical that you are at or near your goal weight. You should have also been able to maintain that weight for at least 6-12 months prior to liposuction.
Weight loss has countless advantages in terms of improving your health and overall quality of life, so overweight patients are always encouraged to get their weight to a healthy and stable number with a balanced diet and regular fitness regimen, whether or not they are considering liposuction.
If weight, excess skin, cellulite, or stretch marks are your primary concern, talk to Dr. Schwartz about what procedures – complementary to liposuction – may be the best fit to help you achieve the body of your dreams.
Is liposuction permanent?
Believe it or not, the fat cells that are removed during liposuction are permanently gone and will never return! However, remaining fat cells can increase in size – and new fat cells can even be generated – with future weight gain. Without a doubt, the most crucial part of maintaining liposuction results for as long as possible is to stay at a stable, healthy weight and avoid weight fluctuation.
Slim, trim, nip, and tuck with liposuction in Beverly Hills
If you are at a healthy weight but frustrated by stubborn fat that won’t seem to respond to diet and exercise, liposuction is likely the solution you’ve been desperate to find. Call our friendly team to schedule your private liposuction consultation in Beverly Hills with internationally renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz today, and find out how a stunning, striking, sculpted physique can finally be yours!
Should I Lose Weight Before Liposuction
Liposuction surgery is one of the most efficient ways to remove unwanted pockets of fat from areas like the thighs or the buttocks. However, you may not know about some of the most important aspects of this body contouring procedure. One consideration is whether you should lose weight before getting treatment. While losing weight can be helpful, it depends on your situation. Find the answers to your questions about liposuction in Las Vegas, NV by meeting with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Costa. We can give you information about how to get started at Platinum Plastic Surgery.
Liposuction basics
Stubborn fat pockets are challenging to lose with traditional diet and exercise. Liposuction is a cutting-edge body sculpting procedure that targets excess fat deposits from specific places on the body. This improves your overall shape and proportion. Treatment can be done by itself or with other cosmetic procedures, such as a tummy tuck. A trusted cosmetic surgeon can recommend a custom plan based on your problem areas and needs. Dr. Costa has experience providing body contouring for individuals who want to see a dramatic improvement in the following areas:
Liposuction and weight loss
First, liposuction is not considered a weight-loss procedure. The specialists at Platinum Plastic Surgery will make this clear when you come in for an initial liposuction assessment. We may ask you to be at or near your weight loss goals before scheduling liposuction surgery in the back, thighs, or buttocks. This means overweight or obese patients may need to reduce weight naturally under the guidance of a weight loss expert in Las Vegas, NV.
Liposuction is more ideal for losing those last few stubborn fat pockets that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Dr. Costa can let you know whether you qualify for liposuction treatment after performing an examination and learning about your goals. Of course, we believe it is more important for patients to be in good health before going under the knife. Nonsmokers with a positive outlook about surgery and realistic expectations are the best candidates for body contouring.
Dieting before Liposuction surgery
There are many benefits to losing weight, including improving your overall health and quality of life. So, it may seem like losing as much weight as possible before liposuction is a good idea. However, fast weight loss methods usually result in the weight returning just as quickly. Crash diets are also harmful to your health and could compromise your results. This is why Platinum Plastic Surgery recommends patients maintain their goal weight for 6 – 12 months prior to surgery. Speak with a member of our aesthetic team if you have questions about dieting before liposuction treatment.
Treat stubborn fat
Small fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and buttocks can interfere with your dreams of having a slimmer and more toned body. If you are at a healthy weight and embarrassed by unwanted fat pockets, body contouring through liposuction may be ideal for you. Call our knowledgeable team at Platinum Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one liposuction consultation. Dr. Chris Costa can provide stunning and long-lasting results in Las Vegas, NV.
how long does it take for skin to reattach after lipo
Recovering from liposuction is much easier than most people think. Many patients take a long time to make their decision to undergo cosmetic body countouring procedure. Often they are worried about their recovery. But in our years of performing thousands of liposuctions in the Nashville and Memphis areas, the most common sentiment we have heard is “You have changed my life – I wish I had done it sooner!” Most patients are surprised to realize how easy it was.
“It’s something I shouldn’t have been worried about at all. There was very minimal pain, and the downtime was almost none at all. I bounced right back.”
Recovering From a Minimally-Invasive Procedure
Liposuction is a minimally-invasive cosmetic body lift procedure which removes unwanted fat deposits . This means that it is easier – and faster – to recover from than full-fledged plastic surgery. There are several reasons for this:
Liposuction is performed under local anesthesia, which is easier to recover from than general anesthesia. You are fully awake during your cosmetic surgery procedure. Any potential patient discomfort can be minimized with light IV Sedation, but not all patients require sedation during their procedure.
In addition, a liposuction procedure does not require the placement of sutures. There are no major incisions in the skin. The small nicks to insert the cannula under the skin heal easily and do not leave any noticeable scars. This means there is no wound care afterwards that might prohibit you from pursuing your daily activities.
Your Liposuction Recovery Step by Step
1. Have your post-op instructions in place
First of all, your plastic surgeon will have given you detailed directions before and after your procedure. Make sure that you receive written directions that you can reference when you leave. These should include an emergency contact phone number for after-hours should any concerns arise. They should also include directions regarding any antibiotics you may have been given for your surgery; be sure to finish these. Be sure to also ask when it’s safe to resume any prescription medications your doctor has advised you to stop prior to your procedure.
2. Directly after the procedure
From your pre-op instructions, you will know to arrange for a friend or family member to be available to drive you home. This is to ensure your safety after the procedure. Most plastic surgery centers – as we do – will have a waiting lounge to allow such persons to pass the time comfortably during your liposuction procedure. Uber drivers or other commercial services do not qualify as designated drivers after a liposuction procedure.
You will also be given a compression garment that you are advised to wear for up to 8 or even 12 weeks during your recovery process. It is your single most important piece of your post-op liposuction care. It helps reduce swelling and also molds the skin to your new contours. The more diligently you wear this garment, the better your results are going to be. Even though you probably feel great and can already see your results after your procedure, there is still more to come. Your skin is reattaching to the muscle since the fat between the two was removed in your procedure. Keeping that area compressed assures that your skin will be as firm and taut as it can be.
Different surgeons may give different instructions for how long you should wear your compression garments. At NuBody Concepts, we encourage patients to wear it for a minimum of 6 weeks (but longer doesn’t hurt!) and to only take it off for showers and washing.
3. First 24 Hours
Your surgeon will have placed temporary drains in the small incisions beneath the skin. This will allow for any excess fluids to drain for 24-36 hours. You will also receive extra dressings should you need to replace them. It is important to start wearing your compression garment right away.
For a few days, you may experience some pain and soreness in the treatment area. Your surgeon may have prescribed pain medication to manage your discomfort and to aid the healing process. Make sure you follow your dosage schedule closely and avoid alcohol for 3-4 days while on pain medication.
You should also make sure that you hydrate well and avoid any and all strenuous activity in the first 1-2 days. This is a time to spoil yourself! It’s the perfect time to binge on Netflix and catch up on old movies or TV Shows. Don’t overdo it on the first day, or it could lead to an unwanted increase in swelling.
You will also be given post-op instructions regarding showering and icing. It is important to follow all instructions closely and to come to your follow-up appointment.
4. First 2 Weeks
Most liposuction treatment patients return to their day-to-day activities or light exercise within 1-2 days of their procedure. There may be some bruising, redness, and swelling for up to a week, but in general this doesn’t prevent you from moving around as normal. In fact, your doctor wants you to move around. Remaining in bed increases the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, so a modest amount of regular movement from the time you return home is important.
When can you go back to work? You might want to take an extra day or two to fully recover, but if you don’t feel any discomfort, there is no reason you can’t return to work the very next day.
Dr. Rosdeutscher and Dr. Peters, our board certified plastic surgeons advise our patients to refrain from heaving lifting, pushing, pulling, and to avoid strenuous exercise for the first two weeks after a liposuction procedure. Typically, you can begin light exercise as early as one week post-op. Listen to your body; if something is uncomfortable, give it another day before you try it again. Do not try to push through if your body is telling you to stop. Patience is very important while your body heals after liposuction, and exercising rigorously before you’re ready can affect your results.
5. After 6 Weeks
Even though you will see and feel body lift results immediately after your liposuction (you could literally take a jar full of fat home with you, if you wanted to), some post-operative swelling may temporarily reverse or obscure those results. At the 6 week mark you can expect to see 80%-90% of the results you will achieve, but individual cases vary. To see your final results, you should give it 6 months.
Each liposuction surgeon may have a different schedule for follow-up visits beyond 6 weeks. Just make sure you go to your follow-up appointments as scheduled. Most patients enjoy going for their after pictures to see the before-and-after comparison!
It’s important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss program, but a body contour treatment. So we encourage you to not spend the weeks and months after liposuction plastic surgery stepping on the scale obsessively. Fat is lighter than water, meaning that its removal will not subtract that much body weight. It’s much more meaningful to look at the loss of volume you experience. On average, patients go down about two pant sizes after liposuction to their abdomen.
Maintaining Results After Liposuction
What’s so great about liposuction surgeries is that the fat that was removed is permanently gone. However, that doesn’t mean you can just return to the same habits which led you to have liposuction in the first place. New fat cells can grow and contribute to an expanding waistline if you’re not careful.
So how do you best maintain liposuction results? It’s not that hard. Maintaining weight is much easier than losing it, if you exercise some discipline. Here are our 7 tips to keep the fat off after liposuction:
1. Start practicing healthy habits before the procedure.
It may sound like a great idea to start a new routine after you’ve gotten the body you want, but that’s actually the worst time to start. Instead of waiting until after a drastic change, it’s best to get into a routine that you can really stick to—before and after your procedure (keeping in mind that you’ll have to give exercise a 1-2 week break immediately post-op).
2. Exercise regularly every day.
Whether it’s a daily walk, jogging, yoga, a gym membership, joining a pickle ball league, or lifting weights, you should aim to exercise 20-30 minutes a day to keep your beautiful body looking its best. You don’t have to overdo it – you simply should regularly move and elevate your heart rate. This will not only help you maintain your current weight but can also decrease certain health risks.
skin retraction after liposuction
After any liposuction procedure the volume of the fat layer under the skin is reduced – sometimes dramatically. Regardless of the amount removed, there is always a question about how well the skin will retract and redrape over the treated area. Thicker, more elastic skin typically retracts better than thinner older skin. Factors that affect the skin’s elasticity include the patient’s age, gender, and skin pigmentation type.
From an aesthetic perspective, there is always a trade-off between the amount of body-contour remodeling that can be achieved through the removal of subdermal fat and the post-surgical appearance of the skin as it conforms to its new shape. Poor skin retraction will result in wrinkles or folds. Post surgical appearance will also be affected by pre-existing skin issues such as laxity, atrophy, and stretch marks.
The quality of skin retraction can be estimated for each individual patient by measuring skin thickness and elasticity. Then by reviewing before and after photos for past patients of similar age, gender, morphology, and skin type, the current patient can decide the balance they wish to achieve. Treatment strategies can also be discussed to improve skin elasticity prior to surgery as well as residual skin laxity after (for example, with the use of HIFU treatments).
Factors influencing skin retraction following body contouring
Post surgical skin remodeling and redraping will be affected by a variety of factors, including the patient’s:
Age factor
As we age, there is a reduction in the levels of our skin’s elastin, collagen, and connective tissue. Moreover, having had greater cumulative exposure to UV radiation, the skin will have undergone more oxidative cellular damage. Consequently, there will be a proportional reduction in the speed of post-surgical healing, and skin remodeling of the tissues will be less effective.
Gender and race factors
Men typically have thicker skin and a more robust matrix of connective tissue between the skin and its subcutaneous layers than do women. Because of this men typically have better skin retraction than women.
Certain racial groups, such as Afro-Caribbean and Asians generally have more robust skin than Europeans, and so typically have better skin retraction. On the other hand, darker skin can sometimes suffer pigmentation mottling after a liposuction.
Body areas
Skin quality will vary over the body. Its thickness and elasticity will be subject to environmental factors, such as sun exposure, as well as the patient’s life history.
Skin on the inner side of the upper arms and on the inner thighs is usually thinner than in other areas of the body for most people. This explains why skin displays more laxity in these areas as we age.
Mechanical stress of skin can also diminish its elasticity. This can be seen in women who have had repeated pregnancies. For active people, it can also be apparent above the knees and around the elbows.
Skin that has been more exposed to the sun will have lost some of its elasticity, and be more prone to sagging with age.
Other factors
Other issues that will affect skin retraction after a liposuction include connective tissue disorders, skin stretched by massive weight loss, a deficiency in collagen or elastin fibers, smoking damage, and chronic dehydration.
skin retraction after liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove unwanted body fat, and involves sucking out small areas of fat that are hard to lose through exercise and a healthy diet alone.
Does the skin become loose and flabby after liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove unwanted body fat, and involves sucking out small areas of fat that are hard to lose through exercise and a healthy diet alone.
Liposuction, or ‘lipo’, was brought to the UK 30 years ago by our founder, world-renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou. The Cadogan Clinic has a world-class team of surgeons and we treat more liposuction patients than any other clinic in London.
One of the common questions we are asked is whether the skin becomes loose and flabby after liposuction. This is highly unlikely to happen, but skin laxity plays a vital role. Here we will look at this in more detail.
Will my skin sag after liposuction?
Skin is unlikely to sag after liposuction unless large amounts of fat are removed and the skin is loose, such as the abdominal apron. In this instance, a combination of liposuction and skin excision may be the better option for the patient. This is similar to when a person loses a significant amount of weight, leaving a large amount of loose hanging skin.
A state of the art, award winning clinic.
Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.
All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.
A Strong Tradition of Innovation
We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.
At Home in Sloane Street, London
We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country
We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.
Does skin tighten after liposuction?
All techniques of liposuction tighten the skin, but it is not a solution for already sagging skin. The tightening will be more significant where the skin is thin, such as in the neck and arms. Elsewhere, where the skin is heavier, it will generally be sufficient to take up just the extra laxity due to the removal of fat.
In areas where the skin is already hanging in folds, such as the hanging bottom or abdominal apron, these folds tend to remain, as liposuction cannot repair already significantly loose skin. However, where there are folds of heavy fat over the lower back, liposuction can make a very significant improvement. If a person’s skin has good elasticity at the time of the liposuction procedure, they will see immediate tightening results once the fat is removed.
How much skin retraction can I expect after liposuction?
The amount of skin retraction can vary from person to person. Following liposuction, any loose and sagging skin will continue to retract during the recovery time, meaning it could potentially take months for the body to show the final result of the procedure. However, if there is not sufficient skin elasticity, then the skin may not ‘bounce back’ as effectively. A loss of skin elasticity is just another part of the ageing process. Other pre-existing skin issues, such as atrophy and stretch marks, can also affect skin retraction.
In order to help the body to recover after liposuction, it is vital a patient follows the aftercare instructions issued by our team of specialists here at the Cadogan Clinic. Compression garments or bras must be worn for six to eight weeks following surgery. Wearing a liposuction garment compresses a patient’s new figure and helps the body heal itself. This speeds up recovery while the skin adheres to tissues and avoids fluid retention. Wearing a garment reduces the risk of the skin becoming wrinkled and lax.
Patients should consider taking a week off work after liposuction, although we would recommend a longer break if the patient has a particularly physically strenuous job. Driving should be avoided for one week. A full recovery from surgery should be expected in two weeks.
However, there are a number of activities which should be avoided in order to help the recovery process. Patients should avoid sexual activity for two weeks post-surgery when restricted activity can resume. Our surgeon will be able to give you more guidance on this. We also recommend avoiding UV light for two to four weeks to aid the scarring process. This includes sunbed use.
Exercise, including the gym, can be resumed by four to six weeks following liposuction.
We recommend that patients sleep on their backs for two weeks post-surgery.
Every patient who undergoes liposuction at the Cadogan Clinic will get comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses included in the price of the treatment. Once home you will have access to our dedicated on-call nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and pain control and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post-operative phase.
How do you fix sagging skin after liposuction?
Where large amounts of fat are removed and the skin is loose, such as the abdominal apron, or where there has been significant weight loss, a combination of liposuction and skin excision may be the better option. This could take the form of a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty. For the right patient and with the correct planning, a tummy tuck and liposuction can be carried out simultaneously.
Alternatively, a body lift could be carried out, a procedure which involves other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs.
If you already have loose, saggy skin and are considering liposuction, it is worth noting that lipo is designed specifically to target fatty tissue, and will not significantly improve the appearance of loose skin. In this case, other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck or body lift, may be better options for you.
Other non-surgical options can be used to tighten the skin and improve quality.
Please get in touch to book an appointment with one of our specialists. At the consultation, you will be able to discuss with your surgeon what your hope to achieve from the procedure, as well as discuss in detail what may or may not be possible given your existing shape and skin and fat levels.
During your initial consultation at the Cadogan Clinic, your surgeon will go over all treatment options available to you for achieving your desired results. Whether it be non-surgical or liposuction, with or without skin excision, will be determined with your surgeon.
Treatments mentioned in this article
Liposuction can provide an efficient solution for the removal of unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, leaving a more defined shape.
Abdominoplasty for Men (Tummy Tuck)
After substantial weight loss, many men find their abdominal muscles are weaker and the skin in that area has become looser. An abdominoplasty can tighten the muscles and remove excess skin, leaving a firmer and flatter abdomen.
Buttock Lift Surgery and Thigh Lift Surgery are procedures to correct drooping of flat buttocks or excess skin on the thighs.
Thigh lift surgery reduces the amount of excess skin on patients’ thighs, giving them redefined, slim and taut thighs.
At Cadogan Clinic we offer a specialized Brazilian Abdominoplasty, which restores the shape and skin of the abdomen area. This procedure is offered for anyone who wishes to remove excess skin on your tummy that is more difficult to lose through traditional weight loss or exercise.