Liposuction FAQs answered

Do you feel that sometimes, no matter how much dieting or exercising, you just can’t get your body to look the way you want it to, especially as you age. This is because we all have stubborn fats that sometimes, it is hard to get rid of based on efforts alone. In times like these, many turn to liposuction. If you are looking to undergo liposuction, here’s a list of liposuction FAQs and its answers that you will need to know.

Common liposuction FAQs

Are you a good candidate for liposuction?

You are a candidate for liposuction if you have too much body fat yet have a stable body weight. And of course, you will need to be in good health too. The ideal candidate is one whose body weight is within 30% of their ideal weight, has firm and elastic skin, and is in good health.

If you have more muscles than fats, have droopy skin, or have visceral fats, liposuction might not be the best solution for you. And If you have existing heart problems, diabetes, blood flow problems or have a weak immune system, we do not recommend that you get liposuction at all.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction targets to remove unwanted stubborn fats in specific areas of your face and body. These areas of fat are usually resistant to diet and exercise, meaning the only way to remove them is with a procedure such as liposuction. It is technically not a weight-loss solution (so it is not suitable for obese people) but rather a body sculpting procedure.

What is liposuction procedure like?

After your breast augmentation surgery, expect major bruising, swelling and soreness for at least 1~2 weeks. Swelling will reduce asymmetrically so do not panic if it happens. Typically, about 70% of the bruising and swelling is lost within 2 weeks, and most of the swelling will be gone in 3 months.

Where can liposuction be done?

Liposuction can be done to remove stubborn fats in just about anywhere in your body. Here are the common areas where you can do liposuction:

• Cheeks
• Chin
• Neck
• Upper arms / armpit
• Breast
• Abdomen
• Back
• Hips / Love handles
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Calves
• Knees

What are the pros & cons of liposuction?

Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution, and definitely not a substitute for diet or exercise. The procedure can produce long-lasting results, however, weight loss alone is not permanent without a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t eat sensibly after liposuction, you would still put on weight in other parts of your body.

Some advantages of liposuction include health improvements, minimally invasive and safe, instant results and more. Though its pros are known to outweigh its cons, as with any other treatments, there will be limitations and disadvantages involved. Learn more about the pros and cons of liposuction here.

Is liposuction dangerous?

Unlike in the past, liposuction is now considered a pretty safe way to remove stubborn fats, as long as your plastic surgeon stays within the volume limit of fats that can be removed in a day (typically 3~4 liters per day). And as liposuction techniques become more advanced, results get more effective and long-lasting.

Can you get liposuction if you are skinny?

Everyone, whether fat or skinny, can have stubborn fats that they want to get rid of. So, size doesn’t really matter when it comes to liposuction. What’s more important than your overall size is actually whether you have a stable weight and if you are in good health or not.

Can fats return after liposuction?

The good news is that once stubborn fat cells have been removed through liposuction, those cells can’t grow back and new fat cells cannot develop. But if you gain weight after liposuction, remaining fat cells can get bigger in the treated areas, and especially in untreated areas of your body. That is why it is important to maintain a stable weight after liposuction if you wish to enjoy the results of your liposuction for a long time.

Can you gain weight after liposuction?

Of course, liposuction is not some magical fat blocking treatment! Although the results of your liposuction will not immediately disappear if you gain a few pounds, but still, weight gain is still possible, especially extreme weight gains.

Does liposuction leave saggy skin?

Yes and no. Generally, after liposuction removes the excess stubborn fats, your skin would bounce back and retract accordingly. Some reasons why your skin may not bounce back after liposuction is that you have poor skin elasticity (which is prominent in aging skin) or that it has been stretched too much, especially after a significant weight loss.

What should you do if you have loose skin after liposcution?

If you have lost a significant amount of weight that resulted in loose skin, you might want to consider the following procedures as well:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – for loose skin at your tummy
• Arm lift surgery – for loose skin on your arms

Is liposuction permanent?

Typically, results of liposuction are long-lasting. As long as your weight remains stable, you can expect the benefits of your liposuction to continue. Learn more about the permanency of liposuction here.

Can you get liposuction more than once?

Yes, it is possible to get liposuction again if you develop additional fats. However, because liposuction is not a quick fix or weight-loss procedure, it is suggested that you get as close as you can to your final desired weight before undergoing a second liposuction treatment. And if you are looking to get liposuction in the same area, do wait at least six months before getting the second treatment.

Can liposuction get rid of stretch marks, cellulite and loose skin?

Though liposuction can effectively remove unwanted fat cells, unfortunately, it cannot address issues such as stretch marks, dimpling from cellulite, or loose skin resulted from weight loss.

What is recovery like?

After your liposuction surgery, expect major bruising, swelling and soreness for at least 1~2 weeks. You might notice slight irregularities under your skin right after the surgery but it should go away in a few weeks time. You will be required to wear a compression garment after your liposuction as well.

Most patients will be able to return to non-strenuous jobs and activities after 1~2 weeks. But do avoid strenuous exercises such as aerobics, jogging, swimming, weight lifting, stretching and intercourse etc. for at least 3~6 weeks, depending on how extensive your liposuction was.

Get more post-op tips by reading our article on liposuction aftercare.

How long should you wear the abdominal compression garment?

You will be required to wear a compression garment for at least 2 months after your liposcution. Try to wear it 24/7 for as long as you can as it helps reduce swelling and bruising, and maintains your new contours and body shape.

Can you smoke or drink after liposuction surgery?

The success of your liposuction surgery not only lies in the hands of your plastic surgeon but also on how well you recover after surgery. Smoking and drinking alcohol disrupts your healing process by slowing down healing and prohibiting healthy blood flow. This in turn, increases the risk of infections and increases the susceptibility for scarring.

So avoid smoking or being around a smoker, and drinking alcohol for at least 1~2 months. In fact, you should refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol at least 2~3 weeks before your surgery as well. Or better still, use this opportunity to quit smoking in all.

Are liposuction scars noticeable?

Incisions required are very minimal actually, so you don’t have to worry too much about scars!

What are the alternatives for liposuction?

A non-surgical alternative to liposuction is fat dissolving injections but these injections are only effective for small areas of fats. And depending on your skin elasticity and desired results, you might need more than one treatment for effective results. Find out which procedure is more suitable for you in this article.

Conclusion

Everyone has stubborn areas of fat which cannot be reduced or removed by dieting and exercising. Therefore sometimes, professional help is needed.