Are you unhappy with your appearance because of stubborn fat deposits that simply will not budge, despite your best efforts at exercising and dieting? If so, liposuction may be an option.
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps to spot-reduce fat deposits that detract from your appearance and negatively affect your body contours. Liposuction can remove localized fat deposits in areas such as the:
- Buttocks
- Love handles
- Hips
- Saddlebags
- Thighs
- Breasts
Table of Contents
Liposuction Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a liposuction procedure is $3,637. This does not include expenses related to operating room facilities, anesthesia, or other related expenditures. Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the final cost of your liposuction procedure.
Types of Liposuction
Your surgeon will use suction to remove fat from your body during your procedure. They will place small tubes called cannulas through small incisions in your skin. These will be used to suction out unwanted fat. There are a variety of liposuction procedures available, as described below:
Tumescent Liposuction
This type of liposuction involves the use of a local anesthetic mixed in injected IV fluids, which causes blood vessels to constrict. This is done so that the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia to minimize blood loss and post-operative pain.
Suction-Assisted Liposuction
This is the form of liposuction that most people are familiar with. It simply involves drawing fat out using a vacuum device.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
The surgeon uses a special handpiece to transmit ultrasound energy into the area, loosening and melting fat. This is a suitable type of liposuction to use for larger areas containing dense fat.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
This is a relatively new type of liposuction involving the use of a laser. This technology is used for disrupting fat cells and making the fat removal process more efficient. These are just some of the more popular types of liposuction available. Consult with your plastic surgeon during your consultation to make the determination of which liposuction procedure makes the most sense for you and your treatment goals.
Liposuction Procedure
A typical liposuction can be completed in under 90 minutes, depending upon the amount of fat that will be removed and how many liposuction sites are involved. Some form of anesthesia will be administered so that you are completely comfortable during your liposuction. In many cases, local anesthesia and IV sedation are used, although it may be desirable to use general anesthesia in certain cases. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout the liposuction procedure for your safety. Your plastic surgeon will be following your individual surgical plan that was agreed upon prior to your procedure. After the surgery is underway, they may slightly change a technique or combine certain techniques to give you the best result.
Liposuction Recovery
Here’s what you can expect by way of recovery, following your liposuction procedure:
Immediately After
Immediately after your liposuction procedure is completed, you’ll be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. At that point, you will probably have on a compression garment to assist you in your recovery. You will likely feel quite sore, as if you had a strenuous workout. Before you return home, you’ll be provided with instructions related to your recovery, which may include caring for any drains that have been placed, symptoms to expect, and warning signs of potential complications.
Day One
Once your anesthesia has worn off, you will probably experience some degree of discomfort and pain. Use your provided pain relievers and antibiotics as recommended. You should also experience some swelling and redness. It is normal to have some level of swelling for several weeks, or even months, after a liposuction procedure.
First Two Weeks
Get plenty of rest, elevating the treated body part if you can. You’ll probably be wearing a compression garment during this time period. The greatest amount of swelling normally occurs during the first 48 hours after a liposuction, mostly dissipating within three weeks, although it is normal to experience some lingering swelling for up to four months. Bruising should fade within seven to 10 days. If you have sutures, they should be removed within 10 days after your procedure. Avoid smoking to prevent bleeding and coughing. Avoid consuming alcohol for five days or while taking pain relievers. You should be able to return to work within a few days if given the go-ahead by your surgeon.Weeks Two to Six
You should be walking some each day to minimize swelling and prevent blood clots. Avoid vigorous physical activity for four to six weeks. You may still be wearing your compression garment during this phase of your recovery.
Long-Term Recovery
It will take a few months of recovery to get a good idea of what your final results will look like. Some types of exercise and physical activity can lead to a temporary increase of swelling. The small incisions that your plastic surgeon created to perform your liposuction will be fading in the first few months after your surgery, normally becoming barely visible.
