Liposuction: What Results Can You Expect

Fat Reduction, Not Weight Loss

When most people think of liposuction, they often immediately think of fat removal. However there is some confusion around liposuction and weight loss.  While liposuction does remove fat deposits, it is not intended as a shortcut to weight loss, and it cannot address issues like obesity or significant weight gain.

In most cases, plastic surgeons do not address large fat deposits with liposuction. The generally accepted maximum for removal is 5 liters, and in some states, it is less. This is only 10 pounds or less, which means that you will not see dramatic weight loss with this surgery.

Rather, liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that largely benefits people who are already at or near their goal weight. For these people, there are often small trouble areas on the stomach, back or thighs that are stubbornly resistant to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Getting rid of these small pockets of stubborn fat is the main purpose of liposuction.

Liposuction Can Help Sculpt Trouble Areas

As mentioned above, this surgery will not lead to major weight loss or a dramatically different body shape.

Most liposuction results are subtle. Trouble areas will be smoother and tighter, and your clothing may fit better.

Overall, your figure will remain the largely same; but it will have improvements in tone and contour.  Liposuction can help you achieve more toned, firm and sculpted areas that have resisted diet and exercise.

Liposuction can also help men who are suffering from gynecomastia, or excess breast tissue. Removing the excess fatty tissue in conjunction with an approved treatment regimen can help men regain their confidence and achieve a more masculine chest shape faster.

What You Can Expect After Liposuction Surgery

While liposuction is a minimally invasive treatment, it is still a surgery that requires some time to fully recover.  You can expect to feel swollen, bloated and uncomfortable immediately after the surgery. The worst of these feelings will subside within the first week, but it is common to remain swollen and somewhat bloated for a few weeks afterward.

As a result, patients may feel like nothing has changed in the weeks after their procedure as it can take many weeks for the swelling to completely subside. Patients will likely see small improvements over time. It can be helpful to take photos before, during and after recovery in order to more easily see the difference.

Will The Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

The fat that has been removed is gone permanently. While it will not come back, it’s important to remember that the longevity of your results is dependent on the lifestyle choices you make following your treatment.

You can still gain weight and store fat after liposuction, so patients who remain diligent with their diet and exercise regimens are more likely to maintain their results. The healthier the lifestyle is, the better the long-term results will be.

Will I Have Visible Scars?

Liposuction is surgery, which means that some scarring is inevitable. However, the tubes used to suction away the fat, called cannulas, are extremely small and thin, and this allows the surgeon to make very small incisions.

You will have small scars after your treatment, but your plastic surgeon will talk to you about discreet placement and the best ways to minimize the appearance of the scars before the procedure.

Will I Have Excess Skin After Liposuction?

It’s normal for the skin around the treated areas to be a bit loose after surgery. Regular use of compression garments will encourage your skin to form to the new contours of your body more readily, but you may also simply need to give your body time.

Healthy skin with good elasticity is ideal for liposuction, but even young or healthy skin can be a bit saggy in the weeks following your surgery. In most cases, your skin will tighten over time. If you are concerned about having excess skin, you can mention this to your plastic surgeon, and he or she will be able to assess whether or not you would benefit from a separate skin tightening treatment.

Let Liposuction Help You Reach Your Ideal Shape

Patients who understand the kinds of results they can expect are more likely to have better outcomes and feel satisfied with their experience.  If you are considering liposuction, you deserve to have open, candid and honest discussions with your plastic surgeon.  It can only aid you in your journey to a smoother, firmer, tighter you.

Please contact us today to schedule a Liposuction Consultation in our Seattle office!

Click here to see Before and After Photos of Liposuction

Click here to read frequently asked questions about Liposuction