WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?

One of the most popular elective cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women, liposuction removes fat by a suction technique. This is not a weight loss procedure, it is better to think of liposuction as body contouring. Patients are advised not to think in terms of an absolute weight loss but the desired body shape. The results of the procedure are seen almost immediately and can help boost confidence in your appearance.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION IN FALLS CHURCH, VA?

With diet and exercise, fat is lost in proportion to your total body fat content. You do not have a choice where you lose the fat. Women tend to lose fat from their face and breasts before they lose fat in their thighs or stomach. With liposuction, you can choose where you want to lose the fat and what shape you want your body to be.

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Liposuction you can also minimize the effects of aging on the body. As we get older, our body fat increases. On average, a 21-year-old male has 13% body fat. But by age 50, the fat content has increased to 26%. A 21-year-old woman has 25% body fat, with an increase to 29% by age 50.

IS LIPOSUCTION PERMANENT?

Liposuction extracts fat cells from an area of the body. New cells are not grown to replace them. With healthy lifestyle choices, patients can enjoy permanent results from their body-shaping procedure. Weight management is the key to long-term success, which is why we encourage patients to continue exercising and dieting Even with minor weight gain, it is possible that overall shape may change slightly but the treated area will remain largely unaffected. A more significant effect on body contours occurs when a person gains more than 10% of their current body weight after liposuction.

WILL THE PROCEDURE LEAVE SCARRING?

Liposuction requires only a few tiny incisions to accommodate tumescent and suction tubes. These nicks in the skin are made as discreetly as possible. Initially, incisions may look pink and swollen. As the skin heals, the marks are expected to virtually disappear.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LIPOSUCTION?

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These include:

• Anesthesia risks, if general anesthesia is used.

• Bleeding.

• Infection.

• Changes in skin sensation.

• Asymmetry or irregular contouring.

• Poor wound healing.

• Rippling of the skin.

WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN LIPOSUCTION TREAT?

In women, the common areas for liposuction are:

• Hips

• Thighs

• Stomach

• Back

• Flanks

• Neck

In males, the common areas for liposuction are:

• Love handles (male flanks)

• Stomach

• Chest

• Neck

HOW MUCH FAT CAN BE REMOVED?

The safety standards for liposuction outline that approximately 5 liters of fatty tissue can be removed in a single procedure. Five liters of tissue equates to about 11 pounds. However, patients should not look for the results of their procedure on the scale. The mirror is a much better reflection of successful liposuction.

DOES LIPOSUCTION HURT?

The liposuction procedure is performed with anesthesia techniques that eliminate pain sensations. In some cases, patients undergo surgery with general anesthesia, which stops the brain from receiving pain signals from the body. Some patients undergo liposuction with a local anesthetic and mild sedation. In this instance, the sedative and local numbing medication work together to block pain signals. In either situation, patients are comfortable throughout their procedure.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY TIME?

Generally, patients are ready to return to work after two weeks of rest after liposuction. This may be dependent on the area that has been treated.

Initially, patients can expect to feel sore and tender after liposuction. This initial pain is managed with prescription medication. By 48 hours after surgery, comfort should be significantly improved. During the first 24 hours after surgery, a small amount of discharge may be noticed from incisions. Bruising and swelling are also common side effects. Patients may be advised to wear compression garments 24 hours a day.

A follow-up visit usually takes place 5 to 7 days after surgery. After this visit, the patient may be cleared to engage in light exercise. Walking short distances every few hours helps minimize the risk of blood clots, a concern after any surgical procedure. By 4-weeks post-surgery, the doctor may approve most normal activities.
Patients may assist their body in healing by:

• Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day.

• Wearing loose clothing and wearing compression as directed.

• Eating a well-balanced diet with sufficient protein to aid in tissue healing.

• Reducing salt intake to manage water retention and swelling.