Dos and Donts of Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from areas of the body that have not responded to diet and exercise. Some people are genetically predisposed to having fat gather in the thighs or around the abdomen, and no amount of dieting or working out will shift those fat deposits. Its not about the effort youre putting into weight loss- its about your bodys natural wiring to keep fat where it is.

 

Liposuction is an excellent option for both men and women who are in otherwise good health, and are close to their ideal goal weight. Theres no age limit or age requirement for the procedure, but keep in mind that older patients with less skin elasticity might not have the same level or results as a younger patient.

 

There are a number of dos and donts to liposuction that you should keep in mind before getting the procedure:

 

Dos

• Keep your weight at a healthy level before surgery, as close to your ideal weight as possible. Liposuction removes fat cells from the problem area, so if you gain weight or lose large amounts of weight after the surgery, your silhouette might not look like you want it to.

• Do wear your compression garments after surgery, and follow all post-operative instructions. Compression garments help your skin compress over the space where the fat cells used to be, helping develop a smooth look over the area.

• Do select a Board Certified plastic surgeon to perform your liposuction. Board Certified surgeons have extra training and must abide by very specific safety protocols to ensure you get the best results in the safest facilities.

• Do continue exercising after you get the go-ahead from your doctor. Continuing with proper eating and exercising after surgery will keep your weight at a healthy level and prevent an alteration of your silhouette after surgery.

• Do maintain gentle activity in the first two weeks after surgery, like slow walking. This helps fluid drain from the surgical site and will help prevent complications after the procedure.

 

Donts

• Dont plan to get pregnant quickly after your surgery. That can result in weight fluctuations that will possibly alter your results.

• Dont lift heavy objects or bend over during the first few days after your procedure. Your doctor will give you a more specific timeline.

• Dont expect to see your results the same day of surgery. You might experience some swelling, and the compression garments will be obscuring your view anyway. Wait a few days for the swelling to go down and for the garments to be removed before assessing your new look. Keep in mind that the skin will continue to shrink over the area for up to a few weeks after the procedure.

• Dont expect to use liposuction as a weight loss tool. Liposuction is designed to contour the body, giving you a smooth silhouette without unsightly bulges from stubborn fat. If you are at a point where you need to lose weight, work on that with your general practitioner before scheduling liposuction.

• Dont smoke! It will delay your recovery because smoking lowers the oxygen levels in the blood, and your body needs oxygen to heal. Smoking is also the worst thing you can do for your skin, right after sunbathing, so its a good idea to quit for a number of reasons.

 

Liposuction can give you the body contours youve always wanted, and that you cant get from the hard work of diet and exercise alone. You can get the procedure done as a stand-alone to correct problem areas, or you can pair liposuction with other procedures for a more comprehensive change to your look.

 

For example, if you would like to increase your breast size while removing stubborn fat from your thighs or around the knees, you can combine liposuction with a fat-grafting breast augmentation. Your surgeon removes fat from where it isnt wanted, and puts it where it is wanted! This is an excellent option for patients who want larger breasts but do not want silicone or saline implants- its also a great set of procedures for a post-pregnancy Mommy makeover!

Call our Northern Virginia office at (703) 574-2588 to set up your free liposuction consultation today. View our liposuction photo gallery to see liposuction before/after pictures of real patients at NOVA Plastic Surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight before liposuction?

The closer you are to your ideal weight before surgery, the better your contouring results will be and the easier they are to maintain. Significant weight fluctuations after liposuction can cause fat to redistribute unevenly because the treated areas have fewer fat cells, resulting in an asymmetrical or disproportionate appearance.

Why do I need to wear compression garments after liposuction?

Compression garments help the skin compress smoothly over the area where fat cells were removed, promoting an even and attractive final result. They also reduce swelling and support the skin as it conforms to the new contour of the body during the healing process.

Can I get pregnant soon after liposuction?

It is recommended to wait before planning a pregnancy after liposuction. Pregnancy involves significant weight gain and redistribution that can alter your surgical results, potentially causing the treated areas to lose their contoured appearance. Your surgeon can advise on appropriate timing based on your individual situation.

Why is smoking so harmful before and after liposuction?

Smoking reduces the oxygen levels in the blood, which is essential for wound healing and tissue recovery. Smoking before or after surgery slows healing, increases the risk of complications, and is also one of the most damaging things you can do to your skin's long-term health and appearance.

When will I be able to see my final liposuction results?

You will not see your final results on the day of surgery. Swelling occurs as a natural part of the healing process and will obscure your new contours initially. The skin will continue to shrink and tighten over the treated area for up to several weeks after surgery, at which point your true results will become visible.