Liposuction
Stubborn fat is something that most of us deal with at some point, regardless of how much time we spend at the gym. We may be constantly dieting and exercising, but when the subcutaneous fat is in a difficult-to-target area, it can prevent us from looking as toned and sculpted as we would like. In these circumstances, procedures like liposuction can help you target that stubborn fat, enhancing your body contour and boosting confidence. At Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, patients looking for a sculpted body shape can easily benefit from a liposuction treatment.
Candidates for Liposuction
A good candidate for liposuction is someone who is already near their ideal weight but has specific fat areas that are resistant to most of their efforts. Patients should know that liposuction is not a method for losing weight but rather one to “fine-tune” their features. Your skin should be firm and elastic to easily bounce into a smooth shape during recovery.
Ideally, you should be within 30% of your ideal weight and not on a drastic weight-loss journey. Your weight should have remained stable for the past six months, ensuring the results are not compromised in the long run. You should be healthy and have no underlying health condition that could create complications after the liposuction treatment.
Patients should be non-smokers, as the habit can slow the recovery time. While smokers can still get the treatment, it is recommended that they abstain in the weeks before and after the treatment. You should have realistic expectations of the procedure, especially if you have significant amounts of fat that should be removed.
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction techniques can vary from one treatment to another, but most involve directly removing the fat through a small cannula. Small incisions are made in the skin through which the tiny tube is inserted, slowly pushing it into the targeted fat area to loosen the tissue.
The cannula is further moved through back-and-forth movements underneath the skin, suctioning the fat deposits using a vacuum device. Careful work will be provided to ensure the fat is removed evenly, offering smooth and even results. Our providers will end the procedure by recommending a compression garment to support the healing process and keep the swelling at a minimum.
The liposuction procedure offers permanent fat reduction from different body areas, including your stomach, thighs, back, buttocks, upper arms, and more. Some forms of liposuction use tumescent solutions for smoother recovery and fewer side effects, whereas others use laser assistance to liquefy the fat. Our providers at Azul® can help determine which liposuction route works best for you after a consultation.
Liposuction Recovery
Recovery from liposuction can vary from one person to the other, depending on how much fat has been removed during the treatment. You should take some time off work for about a week or two, as you will likely feel discomfort during recovery. Our providers will offer you guidance on aftercare, along with tips on how to improve your recovery.
You will likely experience side effects like swelling, bruising, and soreness during your recovery. These symptoms should fade within the first two weeks, but the swelling may linger longer, depending on how much fat has been removed. It is recommended to keep the area clean to minimize infection.
To speed up your recovery, wear the compression garment for at least a few weeks and avoid strenuous activities. Baths should also be avoided within the first two weeks, as this can worsen swelling. Depending on how much fat has been removed, you may be fitted with a temporary drain to remove excess fluid or blood. It will be removed in your follow-up appointment after the swelling goes down.
Liposuction Results
The fat removal effect of the liposuction is immediate, but it will still take some time for you to see it. That’s because the swelling often conceals the results, which can take a couple of weeks to subside. However, you should be able to see the first results within the first two to four weeks.
Final results often appear around three to six months after the liposuction, once the body has adapted to the new contour. Fat cell removal is permanent and won’t return, but new cells can form if you do not live a healthy lifestyle. To maintain the results, we recommend that you keep a healthy diet and exercise plan.