Liposuction is a rising star of the aesthetic world. It’s no wonder. When you consider the increasing girth of the average American this makes sense, although liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Still, just about everyone has pockets of unwanted fat that don’t respond to changes in diet and exercise regimen. That’s where liposuction comes in — it removes those pockets of fat.
Dr. Lipton uses tumescent liposuction and employs other changes that have made the procedure far easier than it was even 10 years ago. Bruising is far less and recovery is pretty easy. Best of all, the results are very precise and even.
If you’re considering the procedure you probably have a host of questions. The best way to address them is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lipton. Short of that, however, here are some answers to some typical questions that we hear from our patients.
Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction?
During the procedure, the fat cells that are suctioned out are gone permanently, but you can develop new fat cells. If you gain a significant amount of weight, say 10% of your body weight, then new fat cells can develop. This can include areas previously treated with liposuction. But if you don’t gain a bunch of weight the new contour is permanent. Lifestyle changes should be a part of your plan when you have the procedure.
If I gain weight does the fat come back to the treated areas?
After liposuction, smaller amounts of fat gain usually do not occur in the treatment areas. Those lesser weight gains usually accumulate in untreated areas, where they could be the target of future liposuction.
What if I get pregnant after liposuction?
Weight gain in pregnancy should be temporary. Because of this, pregnancy shouldn’t affect your liposuction results. If a patient has liposuction and subsequently becomes pregnant, gains weight, gives birth and loses the excess weight from pregnancy, then her original liposuction improvements will return, as if she had never been pregnant.
How many pounds of fat can be removed?
People sometimes believe the more fat removed, the better. But there is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed in a single liposuction procedure. The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is about 6 to 8 pounds. If more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat needs to be removed, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.
How long will it take to see results?
Most patients will see 90 percent of their ultimate liposuction results within one to three months after surgery. For the first week or two (depending on where you had your liposuction) after surgery there will be postoperative swelling. The technique used and area dictates the duration of the swelling.
Will liposuction help my cellulite?
Cellulite does not improve after liposuction. Cellulite is a result of the structural support under the skin; it is not due to fat accumulation. Liposuction deals only with the removal of fat cells.
This may have answered some of your questions about liposuction. If you have more or you want to schedule a consultation, simply give us a call at Dr. Lipton’s, (972) 420-0023.
