Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. When liposuction is performed by an experienced and accomplished plastic surgeon, it helps create a sculpted, sleek physique, and address stubborn fat pockets. While it can be seriously satisfying to naturally lose weight and create a lean, tone body with diet and exercise, unfortunately, it is not that easy for everyone. Especially during a global pandemic where gyms are closed, and the snacks are closer.
Perhaps, you have been exploring the range of fat reduction and body shaping procedures, ranging from fat freezing to energy-assisted devices. It can be quite confusing but there is one “gold” standard for removing stubborn fat deposits and recontouring your body… Liposuction! Liposuction surgery removes unwanted, localized deposits of fat cells from the body and neck and can be a life-changing procedure for many people. Liposuction is a great way to boost your confidence and help you to feel happier with your overall appearance. Knowing what to expect with liposuction and the recovery can help you make a better-informed decision to undergo the procedure and enjoy the journey to a slimmer, contoured body.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION?
While liposuction is quite safe, it is still a surgical procedure that requires care and attention for a proper recovery and optimal results. Nothing is more important than a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Greg Chernoff is a Triple Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon that has performed over hundreds of cosmetic procedures with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Chernoff’s practice philosophy is best exemplified by our practice’s slogan, “Be Your Natural Best”.
Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery’s personalized consultations give you an idea of how well liposuction will work for you and what your recovery process will look like. It is important to have realistic expectations when undergoing liposuction and Dr. Chernoff can help determine your aesthetic goals and if liposuction is the best procedure to help you reach those goals.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE?
Dr. Chernoff will insert a suction tube through tiny incision places in inconspicuous locations on the skin where the excess fat deposits are located. With a high-pressure vacuum, utilizing an external ultrasound source or an ultrasound cannula, fat cells are extracted through the tube. Dr. Chernoff uses a specialized liposuction technique that sculpts the body to provide a blended and natural look. Dr. Chernoff’s specific liposuction and sculpting techniques for the different areas of the body can be found here. Additionally, Dr. Chernoff may add BodyTite for body liposuction and FaceTite for neck liposuction. These procedures use radiofrequency energy to shrink underlying tissue and tighten the skin. This is particularly helpful for patients with poor skin elasticity and extra skin.
THE FOLLOWING POST-OPERATIVE DAYS
Liposuction is typically an outpatient procedure where you can go home the same day as surgery permitted by Dr. Chernoff. Patients can expect moderate pain, soreness and swelling. A compression garment or wrap is given to patients for the treated area and diligent wear is required. The compression garment or wrap helps to greatly reduce swelling and contours the body to its new shape. For patients with larger fat volume being removed, small drains are often placed at the surgical sites to prevent fluid build-up around the incisions. The use of drains helps to speed up the recovery process and allows for tissue to heal smoothly.
After the liposuction procedure, patients should plan to limit physical activity and enlist help for basic everyday activities for the first few days following the procedure. Our patient’s post-operative care and recovery is Dr. Chernoff’s top priority.
THE FOLLOWING POST-OPERATIVE WEEKS
Weeks 1 and 2, patients will notice a significant reduction in pain, soreness and swelling. For patients having less fat removed, recovery time is minimal, and some patients return to work in just a few days. Patients with more fat removed may return to work after 5 to 10 days based on their level of recovery. Patients are still required to wear their compression garment through the following weeks. Patients typically no longer feel pain or soreness around weeks 3 to 4. Moderate swelling is to be expected during this time as it can take a few months for the swelling to completely subside.
Patients are likely to see visible results between weeks 3 to 5 and those results will continue to improve as the swelling and bruising continues to heal. By week 6 and beyond, patients are likely to no longer need the compression garment and normal activities and light exercise can resume.
At this point, our patients are likely to see the full results from their liposuction procedure. (View Liposuction patients before/after photos)
3 STEPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR LIPOSUCTION RESULTS AND RECOVERY TIPS
- EAT WELL. Proper healing requires good, healthy nutrition. A balanced, nutrient dense diet will help maintain your liposuction results. Patients should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to help reduce inflammation and boost recovery. Patients should limit sugars, simple carbohydrates, saturated fats and dairy products. Eating the appropriate amount of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains can and will help protect your liposuction results and investment.
- STAY HYDRATED. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to maintain energy levels and curbs pesky cravings. When properly hydrating the body, your metabolism and digestion improve. Hydration is a key component to a healthy recovery post procedure.
- TAKE A WALK. Any source of physical activity is important for weight control. Light movement can actually help to speed up the body’s recovery post procedure. Walking burns calories and helps retain and rebuild muscle strength and function.
Liposuction can be a life-changing procedure for many people. Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery can boost your confidence and help you feel happier with your appearance. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 317.573.8899.