Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

If you’ve taken on an exercise and diet program and are still unhappy with your results, liposuction could be the answer. It can get rid of your unsightly lumps and bumps, giving your body a smoother appearance. 

While liposuction is an excellent answer for many people, it’s not right for everyone. Many factors determine whether or not this is the right procedure for you. In this blog, the specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center explain more about who’s a good candidate for liposuction and who isn’t. 

What liposuction is

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that suctions the excess fat out of your body. It is most commonly used on your buttocks, abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and neck. It is also used in cases of gynecomastia or male breast growth.

It is performed using a thin tube called a cannula, which looks like a metal straw, attached to a vacuum. It contours your body, and the results should be permanent, as long as your weight remains relatively stable.

Who’s a good candidate for liposuction

You’re a good candidate if the following applies to you:

• You’re within 30% of your ideal body weight
• You don’t smoke
• You have good muscle tone and good skin elasticity
• You’ve already tried diet and exercise, and they haven’t worked
• You have realistic expectations about your results

Liposuction isn’t a miracle worker, but it can achieve amazing results.

Who’s not a good candidate for liposuction

Although liposuction works for many people, it’s not right for everyone. The following people are not good candidates for liposuction:

• If you’re overweight or obese 
• If you’re hoping to get rid of cellulite
• If you smoke
• You have a severe illness or medical condition
• Your skin has poor elasticity

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. 

What to expect from liposuction 

If you’ve decided that you want to get liposuction, you’ll be given some instructions about what to do to prepare for the procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications, including aspirin. Most likely, you will want to dress comfortably for after the procedure.

The surgical procedure takes a couple of hours, during which your vital signs will be constantly monitored. 

Small incisions are made in your skin. Then fat is suctioned out with a cannula and vacuum.

In most cases, you’ll have local or general anesthesia, and you’ll be able to go home after the procedure, which will take up to a couple of hours. 

Recovery

The recovery process from liposuction varies by individual. Most people will have some bruising and swelling, which you can help to reduce by wearing compression garments. This period usually takes a couple of weeks, although recovery periods of up to months are not uncommon.

You’ll need to take a couple of days off of work. But you’ll need to wait even a bit longer to begin resuming full activities, including exercise.

The swelling of your skin will take several months to completely go away, and your new shape will gradually emerge.

If you would like to begin to explore the possibilities of liposuction, you should schedule an appointment for a consultation. Contact the specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center today or request an appointment online.