You’ve seen the before-and-after photos, you’ve heard the glowing testimonials, and now you feel more certain than ever you’re ready for your own liposuction transformation. Before you book your consultation, however, there are a few questions you should make sure you have the answers to.
In this blog post, I’ll answer 5 liposuction questions every patient should be asking, from how safe the procedure is to how to choose the right technique.
Which Type of Liposuction Should I Get?
There is more than one kind of liposuction, and some approaches offer unique benefits. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the best option for you, which may include:
- Tumescent Liposuction: In this gold-standard approach, a liquid solution of saline and anesthetic saturates fat, making it easier to suction out.
- Smartlipo® (Laser-Assisted Liposuction): Laser energy emulsifiers the fat, making even small areas easier to sculpt. This technique is popular with those looking for detailed muscle etching.
- VASER® (Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction): Ultrasonic waves break fat apart for better removal, even in areas of dense tissue.
Learn more about the different types of liposuction and their benefits in this blog post.
You can see examples of the results created with each approach in my before-and-after photo gallery.
Can I Still Gain Weight After Liposuction?
Once fat cells are removed via liposuction, they won’t return. However, it will still be possible for you to gain weight. If you do have fluctuations in the future, the weight you gain will be distributed more evenly across your body rather than collecting in your “problem” areas. To get the most out of your results, you should stay dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and avoid any major changes in your weight.
Is Liposuction Safe?
Any surgery carries some risk of infection and other complications. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, however, liposuction is generally a low-risk procedure. To keep your risk low, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends you only have liposuction done if you are:
- An adult within 30% of your ideal weight
- A nonsmoker
- Generally healthy without any serious conditions that may impair your healing
During the consultation process, your surgeon should review your medical history with you to make sure you are clear to safely move forward with the procedure.
How Long Will I Need Off Work for Liposuction?
Most people return to desk work within a week and more strenuous activities in about 3 weeks. Because Smartlipo and VASER lipo minimize swelling and bruising, recovery times may be even shorter for these approaches.
How Can I Find the Best Liposuction Surgeon Near Me?
Your first step is to narrow your search to only board-certified plastic surgeons—that is, surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery specifically. Next, review potential surgeons’ credentials and read through real patient reviews. Your last step is to schedule consultations with your top candidates and get a feel for their personalities in person. When you find the right fit for you, you’ll know.
If you would like to learn more about liposuction and other body contouring options in the San Jose and Palo Alto areas, please request a consultation online or call (650) 325-1118. I look forward to hearing from you.
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