Liposuction for fat removal remains one of the most popular body contouring procedures because it has a long track record of safety and efficacy. You probably already know the purpose of liposuction is to eliminate body fat. However, if you are contemplating this surgery, you may have some questions about what it will do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
To provide you with realistic liposuction expectations, we’ve put together this FAQ to explain what you need to know about how liposuction works and what results it can help you achieve.
Q: How much weight will I lose after getting liposuction?
A: It’s a common misconception that liposuction is a weight-loss procedure. Unlike lap band or gastric bypass surgeries that are designed to help obese people lose dramatic amounts of weight from all over their bodies, liposuction is a technique through which Dr. Alderman will remove fat from cosmetically targeted areas. Though you shouldn’t get liposuction with the motivation of shedding pounds quickly, many patients do see significant improvements in “trouble areas” that resist diet and exercise, like the thighs, abdomen, back, bra roll, buttocks, and upper arms.
Q: How many pounds of body fat can liposuction remove?
A: While it’s true liposuction can produce dramatic and often permanent results for many patients, to minimize complications and ensure the utmost patient safety, there are some limitations on the amount of fat Dr. Alderman can remove in a single session. If you desire removal of more than about six to eight pounds of body fat, the safest approach is to divide your liposuction into separate procedures, spaced three to four weeks apart.
Q: Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
A: Many adults are genetically predisposed to store excess body fat in areas such as their hips, arms, stomachs, or buttocks. If you are in good health and within your target body weight and still have frustrating areas of fat that do not respond well to your workout and nutrition regimen, liposuction can provide you with life-changing results. The best candidates for liposuction also have adequate skin elasticity and no loose or hanging skin. Liposuction does not improve the appearance of cellulite or stretch marks, so if those two concerns are among your reasons for wanting to get this procedure, talk with Dr. Alderman about alternative options.
Q: Will the results of my liposuction be permanent?
A: Fat cells that are removed during a liposuction procedure should not grow back, provided your body weight remains stable. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight after your procedure, new fat cells can develop all over your body, including areas previously treated via liposuction. After your liposuction surgery, you can maintain your improved contours by committing to a sensible diet and exercise regimen that will prevent fat from re-accumulating.
Q: Where will the fat go if I do gain weight after getting liposuction?
A: If you fail to maintain your results and end up gaining more than 10 pounds or so, the fat will accumulate in all areas of your body in proportion to the number of fat cells in each area. Areas where you had fat cells removed by liposuction will gain relatively little fat while you can expect more fat deposits in areas untreated by liposuction. For example, if you get liposuction on your thighs and abdomen, then subsequently gain a significant amount of weight, proportionally more fat will be deposited elsewhere, such as your arms, buttocks, or back. The more weight you gain after liposuction, the less dramatic your long-term results will be, which is why you should always try to keep your weight under control to maintain your sculpted contours.
Q: When will I see the results of my liposuction procedure?
A: You will notice the areas you had treated have an immediate trimmer and slimmer appearance, but you will experience some bruising and swelling for a few weeks after your surgery that may take up to six months to fully resolve.
Liposuction at North Atlanta Plastic Surgery
Don’t let stubborn deposits of body fat hold you back from taking pride in your appearance. At North Atlanta Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alderman takes great care to customize liposuction procedures to address each patient’s problem areas and help them discover newfound self-confidence and enjoyment in life. Contact our clinic today to learn about the liposuction techniques we offer and whether this surgery is a good fit for your lifestyle and aesthetic needs.