For men and women everywhere, the tummy tuck procedure is truly a life-changing experience. It continues to grow in popularity because of its ability to remove excess abdominal skin and recontour the body. While there are many cosmetic advantages to surgery, patients should also learn about the incredible medical benefits as well.
In this guide, we find out: When Is Liposuction Medically Necessary, is liposuction dangerous, is liposuction covered by medicare, and liposuction side effects.
When Is Liposuction Medically Necessary
So, when is a tummy tuck necessary, and are there medical reasons for tummy tuck surgery? Dr. Rolando Morales is a board-certified plastic surgeon who frequently educates patients about the functional and aesthetic reasons for tummy tucks. Get started by contacting Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, and receive a personalized consultation.
What does a tummy tuck do?
Tummy tuck surgery is primarily considered an aesthetic procedure. This is because it is designed to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. Most candidates who seek tummy tucks were pregnant or lost a significant amount of weight. If sagging skin on the midsection prevents you from performing daily activities, this procedure could be an ideal solution. During your assessment with Dr. Morales, we can review the process in full and help you feel confident about your decision.
Medical reasons for tummy tuck surgery
Even though most body contouring procedures are performed for cosmetic purposes in Houston, TX, there are medical reasons for tummy tuck surgery. Recommendations vary based on each individual patient and can be clarified during your consultation. So, when is a tummy tuck necessary? Read the following to learn more:
Diastasis recti: Women who have gone through one or more pregnancies often experience loose abdominal muscles. This is known as diastasis recti, and commonly causes medical problems like stress incontinence. Tummy tucks tighten and restore the underlying muscles.
Hernia: Pregnancy and childbirth sometimes lead to hernias, causing the intestines to push through the weak spots in the walls of the muscles. A tummy tuck could repair these weak areas and prevent further medical complications down the road.
Back pain: For patients who recently lost a lot of weight, heavy abdominal skin causes bad posture and significant back pain. If you are no longer able to support sagging or hanging skin around the waist, a tummy tuck can restore your mobility and make you feel comfortable in your body.
Other tummy tuck benefits
Most patients at Morales Plastic Surgery hope to combine their tummy tuck surgery with other procedures to make the most of their time spent under the knife. This is because tummy tuck benefits allow us to address multiple areas at once. Mommy makeover surgery, for example, includes breast augmentation and other treatments so women can feel refreshed and restored. Let Dr. Morales know about your medical and cosmetic goals for surgery so we can create a custom plan moving forward.
Get a tummy tuck in Houston
So, when is a tummy tuck necessary? After significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies, your stomach muscles may not return to their original positions. Tummy tuck procedures tighten or repair weak muscles while removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales is proud to meet with patients from all walks of life to provide education and resources about this topic. To learn more about tummy tuck benefits, schedule a visit with the team at Morales Plastic Surgery by giving us a call in Houston, TX.
is liposuction dangerous
From flaunting perfectly flat tummies poolside to flexing flawless abs in the gym mirrors, thanks to celebrities and your favorite social media influencers, #FitnessGoals have a whole new meaning!
With the constant pressure to look your best, everyone seems to be in search of perfection. While many are willing to bust a serious sweat, others are looking for instant gratification. After all, results are better, right? Possibly, but like anything in life that comes easy, there’s a catch.
Many years ago, plastic and reconstructive surgery (which includes liposuction) was Hollywood’s best-kept secret to perfection, but in 2019, more celebrities are using social media to be open and honest about the changes that they have made to improve their bodies, and in some cases their health.
In light of this truth, we’ve decided to dive into liposuction to share what it is and how it works for weight loss along with revealing liposuction side effects that many don’t consider before getting the surgical procedure.
What is liposuction?
According to Medical News Today, “Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, liposculpture suction, lipectomy, or lipo, is a type of cosmetic surgery that breaks up and ‘sucks’ fat from the body.”
Although there are people that opt for liposuction due to health concerns, for the most part, vanity sends people to board-certified surgeons for liposuction.
Why, you may be asking? Well, simply because it is considered a quick fix to removing excess fat from areas of the body that won’t respond to diet and exercise.
FYI: These areas include the abdomen, thighs and other places that people see fat as unflattering.
How long do the effects of liposuction last?
According to Your.md, “The final results of liposuction are generally long-lasting if you maintain a healthy weight.”
The publication also notes that the results of the procedure are not always noticeable right away. In fact, you often have to wait until the swelling from the surgery has gone down, taking away from the instant gratification feeling.
“It can take up to six months for the area to settle completely. During this time you might notice some changes and subtle differences to the area.”
How much weight can you lose with liposuction?
Contrary to many people’s initial thoughts about liposuction surgery, you can’t have all the fat removed in one procedure.
According to Liposuction.com, “The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is probably about 6 to 8 pounds (3 to 4 liters). The greater the volume of fat removed on a single day the greater the risk of serious complications.”
It is suggested that “if a patient requires removal of more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.”
Typical Liposuction Recovery?
Recovery time can vary from person to person.
According to MedicineNet.com, “You might not have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery you had. But you should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.”
There is a chance that your surgeon could “require you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery to control swelling,” and you will “probably also have to take some antibiotics to prevent infection.”
Most commonly, “people can return to work within a few days and get back to normal activities within 2 weeks.”
Is Liposuction Painful?
Typically, the pain felt after liposuction surgery will be the most intense two to four days after the procedure, then gradually lessens.
According to Very Well Health, that all depends on the “type of anesthesia and the amount used determine the level of pain experienced during the first few days after liposuction.”
Here’s their explanation:
“Liposuction performed with intravenous sedation (IV) will result in less post-operative pain and rarely requires medication other than acetaminophen.”
On the other hand, “Liposuction performed under general anesthesia usually results in pain that is more intense that requires prescribed pain medication.”
While the cosmetic procedure has been phenomenal for some, there are others that have experienced catastrophic results.
Many plastic surgeries can go off without a hitch, but there is always the chance that things can go awry on the operating table with life-altering complications that can possibly lead to death.
We compiled a list of liposuction side effects you should consider before going under the knife or needle, including dangerous blood clots.
Uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity or unusual healing can cause the skin to look bumpy or wavy. Damage beneath the skin from the tube (cannula) used during liposuction procedures can leave the skin with a permanent spotted appearance. According to the Mayo Clinic, these results can be indefinite.
2. ACCUMULATION OF FLUIDS
Pockets of fluid (seromas) can form under the skin. Luckily, the fluid can be drained with a needle.
There is a possibility that while getting liposuction surgery, you can contract severe skin infection that may be life threatening.
4. PUNCTURING OF INTERNAL ORGANS
The tube (cannula) used to extract the fat from the body could penetrate too deeply and puncture an internal organ, which may require emergency surgical repair.
5. FAT OBSTRUCTING ARTERIES
Loosened pieces of fat may break away and become trapped in a blood vessel, gather in the lungs or travel to the brain. A fat embolism is a medical emergency.
6. KIDNEY, HEART AND LUNG PROBLEMS
You can risk life-threatening kidney, heart and lung problems because of the drastic change in fluid levels in the body during the surgical procedure.
Lidocaine is an anesthetic (painkiller) administered with fluids injected during liposuction to help manage pain. Although generally safe, in rare circumstances, lidocaine toxicity can occur, causing serious heart and central nervous system problems.
is liposuction covered by medicare
Medicare does not cover liposuction surgery that people undergo for cosmetic reasons. However, if a doctor confirms that liposuction is medically necessary to improve a person’s bodily function, Medicare may cover eligible costs.
Some people who wish to lose weight consider undergoing liposuction. However, most people lose only 2–5 pounds after having the procedure.
Those who choose to go ahead with the surgery may need to pay out of pocket.
We may use a few terms in this piece that can be helpful to understand when selecting the best insurance plan:
Medicare does not cover cosmetic liposuction, which people often refer to as lipo, as it is generally an elective procedure. Most private medical insurance plans also have this policy.
However, Medicare may cover medically necessary liposuction when a doctor advises that the procedure may help repair part of the body.
The part of Medicare that covers medically necessary liposuction will depend on where the procedure takes place.
Doctors perform many cosmetic surgeries on an outpatient basis, but for medically necessary surgeries, a person may need to stay in the hospital.
Before going ahead with the procedure, a person can check with their healthcare provider and Medicare to confirm coverage and avoid additional costs.
Medicare Part A
If a doctor recommends hospital admission for liposuction, Part A will cover eligible costs. Part A helps with expenses associated with hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice care.
Medicare Part B
Although the surgery may take place in the hospital, insurance providers may still consider it an outpatient procedure. Part B covers outpatient services and treatments in a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic.
When a person receives medically necessary liposuction as an outpatient, Medicare Part B will cover eligible expenses.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, covers the same benefits as original Medicare parts A and B.
Medicare Advantage plans typically offer additional benefits, but their coverage does not extend to cosmetic liposuction.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that reshapes specific areas of the body and is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States.
It works by removing fat deposits from a person’s chosen area or areas of the body. These areas may include the:
After the procedure, a person may have swelling, bruising, and soreness in the treated area. The recovery time can last up to 6 weeks.
Obesity and liposuction
Cosmetic liposuction may work alongside other therapies. Although a person may hope that liposuction can help with obesity, it cannot take the place of diet and exercise.
Cellulite and liposuction
Cellulite appears when fat pushes against bands of tissue in the skin, causing dimples and bumps.
Liposuction is not an effective remedy for cellulite as the procedure only removes the fat tissue and not the bands of tissue that cause cellulite.
Cosmetic
A person may look to liposuction to address areas of their body that have not responded to diet and exercise. They may not be happy with the appearance of these parts of the body.
A doctor may perform cosmetic liposuction to remove fat from the belly, thighs, or upper arms. However, this type of therapy is not medically necessary.
Medically necessary
If a person sustains serious injuries, a doctor may recommend medically necessary liposuction to improve or restore the function of the affected part of the body.
Doctors may also state that liposuction is medically necessary for:
If the surgery is not medically necessary, a person will pay all expenses themselves. When liposuction is medically required, Medicare Part A and Part B may still have some out-of-pocket costs.
liposuction side effects
Most likely, if you are considering liposuction, then you want to have fat removed from parts of your body, which may provide you with a more appealing, youthful look. This surgical procedure uses suction to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. Lipo may also shape or contour these areas. Other names for this procedure include lipoplasty and body contouring.
Liposuction isn’t usually considered an overall weight-loss method or a weight-loss alternative, but you may be a candidate for liposuction if you have too much body fat in specific spots but otherwise have stable body weight.
As with any surgical procedure, as much as you may want it, you must consider the risks involved very carefully. Bleeding, and reactions to the anesthesia can occur, but there are other risks to consider, such as:
It is important to note that most of these risks are rare, but can occur. By consulting with your Boston plastic surgeon, you can get all your questions answered, and your fears mitigated. Also, your surgeon will make sure to evaluate any specific underlying conditions that may contribute to any side effects.
If I Am Going to Have Lipo Done, How Can I Prepare for the Procedure?
Food and medications – Before proceeding, make sure to discuss with your surgeon exactly what to expect from the surgery. Your surgeon will carefully review your medical history, and thoroughly discuss any medical conditions you may have and any medications, supplements, or herbs you may be taking. Anything that concerns you should be discussed in detail at this time.
Your Boston, or Wellesley liposuction surgeon will recommend that you stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs, at least three weeks before surgery. Your surgeon may also have specific lab tests before your procedure.
Some patients are good candidates for liposuction, and others should avoid it. By talking to your doctor, you can get the professional advice you need to determine if liposuction is medically the right option to attain your goals.
What Can I Expect After the Lipo Procedure?
You can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising after the procedure. Your liposuction surgeon most likely will prescribe medication to help control the pain and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Your surgeon may leave your incisions open temporarily and insert temporary drains to promote fluid drainage. You usually will have to wear tight compression garments, which will help reduce swelling. This is also a temporary precaution that helps to heal and may last a few weeks.
It may be a few days, or a week before you should work, and possibly a few more weeks before resuming your normal activities, such as exercise.
During the healing period, you can expect some contour irregularities as the remaining fat settles into position. This again is usually a temporary medical situation.
Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects of Lipo I Should Know About?
There possibly can be long-term side effects of liposuction, and they can vary. Remember that liposuction permanently removes fat cells from targeted areas of the body. So, if you gain back the weight, the fat will still be stored but in different parts of the body. This new fat may be distributed deeper under the skin, and it can be dangerous if it grows around the liver or heart.
It is also possible, but rare, to experience permanent nerve damage and changes to the skin’s sensation. Other patients may develop depressions or indentations in the areas that were suctioned. They also may develop bumpy or wavy skin that doesn’t go away.
So, you must meet with a board-certified plastic Boston or Wellesley liposuction surgeon and discuss any, and all potential complications and risks before the surgery.
I am Seriously Considering Liposuction, What Should I Do First?
Liposuction is an elective, but common procedure that is performed thousands of times per year. It is an excellent procedure and will most often provide you with the look you desire, and the self-confidence that goes with it, but remember, with all the surgeries, there are risks.
Make an appointment for a consultation exam with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and start on the most correct and safest medical path possible. Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery has performed a myriad of Lipo procedures with precise results and rapid recovery times. Consult with them, and they will be professional in making sure you get the results you want safely.