AESTHETIC NEWS
Liposuction is among the most popular of all plastic surgery procedures. It involves making incisions through which excess fat is gently removed with a cannula. Liposuction is ideal for the treatment of stubborn deposits of fat in areas such as the hips, stomach, back, ankles, and thighs.
Although lipo is one of the most commonly performed procedures and it has a superior safety profile, it’s important to remember that it’s still a surgical procedure. You should only proceed with liposuction after carefully considering your decision and learning about the procedure, including what a typical liposuction recovery involves. In addition, you should visit a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon who will determine whether you’re a good candidate for liposuction.
Liposuction is often thought to be a method of surgical weight loss. However, this isn’t the case—it’s not the same as bariatric surgery. Instead, lipo is a method of removing stubborn fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise. You may still be able to undergo liposuction if you’re a little overweight. As a general rule of thumb, plastic surgeons will not automatically rule out a patient who is within 30% of their ideal body weight.
Do note that liposuction works by removing fat cells. Once removed, those fat cells cannot grow back. However, the fat cells you’ll still have can get bigger. This means that after your procedure, it’s important to follow a healthy meal plan and exercise program in order to maintain your results.
Reputable doctors are generally reluctant to perform elective surgeries on people who smoke. This is because smoking significantly increases the risk of complications, both during and after the procedure. For example, there is a higher risk of infection, poor healing, skin necrosis, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will request that you quit smoking, if applicable, at least six weeks prior to your procedure, and to not take up smoking again while you’re healing.
A board-certified plastic surgeon will carefully review your medical history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for liposuction. In particular, conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and heart disease may raise a red flag. Be sure to disclose any medications and supplements you may be taking. Your surgeon may require you to obtain surgical clearance from your primary care doctor and/or cardiologist.
Liposuction is an effective way to target stubborn fat pockets. However, it isn’t a cure-all and it won’t turn patients into supermodels. It’s important to have realistic expectations for your results, and to have a positive mindset regarding your body image.
When you’re ready to get the beach-ready body you’ve been craving, you can schedule a confidential consultation to discuss having liposuction in NYC. Dr. Thomas Loeb offers both traditional liposuction and SmartLipo. SmartLipo uses a laser to gently break down fat and stimulate collagen production, leading to tighter skin. Call Dr. Loeb’s Fifth Avenue office today to request a consultation.
