What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove fat that you haven’t been able to shed any other way. Dr. Yaghoubian performs liposuction on parts of your body that have stored excess fat and have become flabby, including the belly, thighs, buttocks, hips, face, or even enlarged breasts on men.
Is everyone with excess fat a candidate for liposuction?
During your initial consult, Dr. Yaghoubian lets you know if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. She takes a complete medical history and gives you a thorough exam. Be sure to tell Dr. Yaghoubian about prior health issues and provide a list of all of your medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, some of which can act as blood thinners.
To be eligible for the procedure, you must:
- Be within 30% of your ideal body weight
- Be a non-smoker
- Have firm skin and adequate muscle tone
- Be in good health
People with diabetes or other conditions that may impair healing often are not candidates for liposuction. Dr. Yaghoubian explains the pros and cons of this particular surgery and assesses your goals and outlook about the possible results.
How does liposuction work?
You’ll be at a surgical center under general anesthesia for the procedure. Dr. Yaghoubian injects a sterile solution into the treatment area to help make the fat easier to suction. Then she makes a small incision and inserts a long, thin tube called a cannula. She vacuums the fat out through the tube.
How long is the recovery from liposuction?
You’ll probably want to take several days of sick leave to recover after your liposuction procedure. Fluid retention, bruising, and soreness is a normal part of the recovery process. Dr. Yaghoubian gives you a compression garment to wear for a couple of months to help reduce the swelling. You should be able to resume everyday activities in a couple of weeks, but avoid heavy exercise for as long as she recommends.
Is fat loss from liposuction permanent?
The fat cells that are removed during liposuction are gone forever. However, if you put on weight, your remaining fat cells can get larger and you’ll gain weight. Making or continuing lifestyle changes after liposuction is important, including eating a healthy diet and exercising.
