There can be a lot to learn about liposuction after you’ve decided to schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon. It can be comforting, however, to know what to expect with your procedure. Although your plastic surgeon can give you the best idea of what your procedure will look like, there are some things that you can keep in mind while you plan your treatment.
Fat reduction, not weight loss
One common misconception is that liposuction is a weight loss procedure. While this can be somewhat true, liposuction is much more effective at removing small and stubborn pockets of fat, meaning it can slim down your fatty areas and create new contours. When you speak with your plastic surgeon about your problem areas, you should make sure that you have realistic expectations for what liposuction can do for you. If you have over a certain level of body fat, your plastic surgeon may recommend you look at other options.
An outpatient schedule
Where your liposuction procedure is performed can vary by what your plastic surgeon prefers and how extensive your procedure is. Liposuction is usually classified as minimally-invasive, however, so you won’t need the extensive downtime and recovery like a lift or implant procedure. Liposuction can usually be performed with general anesthesia and you can go home after an hour or so of being observed. You’ll need to be taken home by a close friend or family member, of course.
Improved results over time
You can expect some swelling and bruising throughout your recovery period (which can last a couple days) but as these dissipate, your new contours will begin to emerge. It can take up to a couple months for your body to fully recover and settle into its new profile, but your results can be visible somewhat immediately after your procedure. Because liposuction doesn’t require extensive incisions, your scarring can be well-hidden and reduced to a small area. If your skin is prone to scarring, you can speak to your plastic surgeon about your options for skin treatments.
To learn more about your liposuction procedure and what you can expect, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Prysi, who can create your unique treatment plan.