Liposuction, for the uninitiated, is a cosmetic procedure that can get rid of stubborn fat. There are numerous myths concerning liposuction. People often wrongly assume that liposuction is the easiest way to lose weight. If you want to know more about the procedure, talk to a cosmetic surgeon who can explain the pros, cons, and other aspects unique to your body. Many clinics offer West Palm Beach liposuction, and the procedure doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the basic aspects worth knowing.
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The Basics
First things first, liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is not a treatment for excess weight. There are also limitations to the results. Liposuction cannot get rid of cellulite or stretch marks. This aesthetic procedure removes fat cells from targeted areas of the body, such as abs, buttocks, and thighs. After liposuction, a patient is expected to follow diet and exercise recommendations to retain the results. The procedure can be combined with other cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, such as a facelift or tummy tuck.
Who Can Consider Lipoplasty?
Liposuction is best suited for patients who have stable body weight and want to reduce weight from targeted parts of the body. If you have been on a diet and are regularly exercising, you may lose some fat naturally. When that doesn’t happen, you may consider lipoplasty. There is also a limited amount of fat that can be reduced through the procedure. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, insurance doesn’t cover the costs.
Before the Procedure
Your first meeting with a cosmetic surgeon will be about discussing all relevant aspects of the procedure. While liposuction is a safe and popular procedure, side effects can occur. You need a surgeon, who is known, board-certified, and adheres to safety standards. You can go home immediately after, but you may want to have someone to drive you back. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, so there is no pain involved.
How Is Liposuction Done?
Different techniques can be used, but the standard liposuction process remains the same. The surgeon will use a cannula to remove excess fat from targeted areas. If your surgeon is performing tumescent liposuction, they will inject a saline solution, which will help in suctioning fat. Liposuction can be done with the help of ultrasound waves. In this case, the ultrasound waves aid in fat removal by rupturing the fat cell walls. Liposuction can also be done using laser light.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
Typically, patients have to wait for a couple of weeks before resuming normal life. There can be bruising and swelling, for which compression garments can be recommended. Antibiotics are also prescribed to avoid infections. Recovery time also depends on your body’s response to the procedure and the type of liposuction performed.
Liposuction is not a fix for excess weight and is only recommended when a patient’s body doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor to know if you can consider the procedure. More importantly, weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.