Everyone has some fat that they’d like to get rid of, but the amount of and location of the fat may not be the same. When it comes to eliminating unwanted fat, liposuction is the gold standard, but it may not be the right solution for everyone. Consequently, people contemplating the procedure usually want to go in knowing the answer to this question: “Am I a good candidate for liposuction?”

What is liposuction?

Traditional liposuction uses a cannula or small tube to break up and extract the subcutaneous fat beneath the skin. However, in the last few decades various types of technology including laser and ultrasound energy have been introduced to remove the fat.

Liposuction can be performed on almost all regions of the body, but the most common areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, and back.

About the procedure

Most liposuction procedures start with the injection of a tumescent solution into the fat. The surgeon then makes tiny incisions through which the cannula is inserted. The cannula is used to break apart the fat deposits, which are then removed using the attached suction.

Recovery

After the liposuction procedure, patients can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and pain, especially during the first 3 days following treatment.

However, they are given pain medication, and are also fitted with a compression garment that helps reduce swelling. Most patients are able to return to work after one week, but this may vary depending on the number of areas treated.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is done to eliminate pockets of stubborn fat, but it may not be the ideal solution for everyone.  If you are thinking about having the procedure done, it’s advisable to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon (search) to determine if liposuction is right for you.

You might be a good liposuction candidate if:

• You’d like to reduce a few areas of fat that are ‘diet resistant’

  These fat deposits simply won’t budge, regardless of how much you diet and exercise. Although you may not be able to spot reduce these problem areas, liposuction can effectively target and minimize them.

• You are already at a stable weight

  When you’re already at a stable weight, the plastic surgeon can better identify the regions of the body where liposuction would be most effective, making you a much better candidate for the procedure.

• You understand that liposuction is not a weight loss solution

  Lipo is designed to reshape the body and create a sleeker appearance. As a result, it’s necessary to lose all the excess weight before surgery, as losing or gaining too much weight after liposuction will alter the final results.

• You have realistic expectations about surgery

  Liposuction will trim certain problem areas and provide substantial improvement, but patients should understand that the results will not be perfect.

• You are already in good health

  Healthy patients are less likely to experience any complications, and will therefore get the best possible outcome.

• You have good skin elasticity

  Patients with good elasticity in their skin also get very good results with liposuction. When the skin is elastic, it can easily conform to the new contours of the body after the fat is removed, but patients with lax skin may end up with more loose skin after liposuction.

The benefits of liposuction

Liposuction is a safe way to remove unwanted fat and change your entire appearance, because it precisely targets problem areas. It is a very effective way to reshape your body, and the results are immediately noticeable, as your body will look firmer and more contoured.

The incisions for liposuction are very small, and are almost indiscernible when fully healed. This results in less scarring when compared to other types of cosmetic surgery procedures.

If you’d like to improve your physique and sculpt your body, liposuction is often a very effective option!

For Clients Near Conyers & Atlanta, GA

Clients in the Conyers and Atlanta, GA area can contact Panacea Plastic Surgery to find out more about the procedure. Call 770-929-0634 today to schedule a consultation.

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Nour Abboushi, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at Panacea Plastic Surgery

Dr. Abboushi has broad interests in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He is particularly interested in all facets of breast reconstruction, as well as facial cosmetic surgery and body contouring procedures for those patients who have experienced massive weight loss.

Latest posts by Nour Abboushi, MD (see all)

• Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction? - December 18, 2017