5 FAQS About Liposuction and Weight Loss

Liposuction procedures are still one of the top five cosmetic treatments performed throughout this country. Men and women wanting more definition and contouring, in specific areas, turn to liposuction surgery for body sculpting results. A liposuction procedure is a versatile tool that can eliminate pockets of stubborn fat cells removed in almost any area of the body.

It can tackle excess fat under the chin, upper arms, stomach, lower back, thighs, hips, and a myriad of other areas. Today's liposuction techniques are safer, less invasive, and require less downtime. Yet, patients continue to ask if it can be an effective weight-loss treatment.

Despite the fantastic results liposuction can provide, some individuals are still unsure about what all this body contouring surgery can do.

The board-certified plastic surgeons at Après Plastic Surgery in Portland are dedicated to educating patients on how liposuction works and what it can cosmetically do to enhance a person's appearance.

Here is an in-depth look at answering the five most common questions patients ask in regard to liposuction as a weight loss procedure.

How Much Weight Do I need to lose before liposuction?

Liposuction is best suited for men and women with average body weight and who have the right muscle tone and skin elasticity. Patients in the Portland area who are excessively overweight will have to lose weight first before choosing to have liposuction.

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a fat cells reducing surgical procedure that can reshape targeted areas by removing excess fatty tissue. It provides body sculpting help but isn't considered a weight-loss treatment.

Consulting with the experts at Après Plastic Surgery can help determine if a patient will need to lose weight before their body contouring surgery to achieve optimal results.

Can I get help with liposuction after losing weight?

Portland men and women who have lost a substantial amount of weight typically struggle with residual unwanted fat cells that is leftover in certain areas. Pockets of fatty deposits resistant to a healthy diet and exercise can be found throughout the body. Common areas are:

• Hips
• Thighs
• Abdomen
• Chin or neck area
• Lower or upper back
• Upper arms

Liposuction can create a slimmer, more contoured appearance by removing stubborn fatty deposits, helping individuals feel even more confident about their new look. Liposuction can also be combined with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or arm lift, even a fat transfer. A fat transfer allows extracted fat with liposuction to be harvested, purified, and grafted to boost volume and reshape areas commonly affected by weight loss, such as the breasts or buttocks.

Will I lose any weight with liposuction?

The right candidates for liposuction are in good health and within 30% or less of their ideal weight. Men and women within this range can consider a liposuction procedure if dealing with disproportionate contours due to stubborn fat.

However, patients should also realize additional weight loss with liposuction at maximum is about 10 pounds, but in most cases, it is less. Realistically, a patient should weigh less after liposuction by an amount equal to the total weight of removed fat. Patients can expect to lose a few inches or pounds in the process within the targeted areas.

Liposuction can help both men and women take their body to the next level, but is not an option for substantial weight loss or replacing a healthy lifestyle.

Can I get liposuction in more than one treatment area?

Traditional liposuction can be extremely effective, which is why some patients wish to have more than one area done in a single surgical procedure. If a patient wants excess fat removed from two or more liposuction areas such as the hips and thighs, it can be done in a single surgery due to proximity.

However, for liposuction to be performed safely on patients, a few factors must be considered. The amount of fat that can safely be removed is about five liters at one time. That equates to roughly 3 – 4 areas but will vary by patient and the overall body contouring procedure help they need.

Other factors on how much body fat can be removed in one liposuction procedure are:

• Location of the areas that need body contouring help
• A person's body type and overall stature to achieve a balanced look
• A person's aesthetic goals

Can liposuction help with loose skin after weight loss?

After losing a substantial amount of weight, most Portland patients would agree that excess, loose skin is a frustrating factor after all the hard work put into getting healthy. Liposuction is extremely effective at producing long-lasting, remarkable body sculpting improvements from head to toe, but it can't tighten up deflated excess skin.

However, it can be combined with other plastic surgery procedures, such as a thigh lift, Portland tummy tuck, or arm lift. Liposuction provides body contouring help that works well in conjunction with other body lift procedures to give patients an overall new look.

Is it normal to gain weight after liposuction?

Regardless of the cause, weight fluctuations are common. If you gain about 5 lbs. post-liposuction, your treatment area won't undergo a dramatic transformation.

How long does it take to fully recover from liposuction?

Liposuction recovery at around one month post-surgery, most patients no longer experience pain or soreness. Some swelling may persist, which is normal and can take several months to fully resolve. During this time, you'll begin to notice visible results.

Contact Us Today to Learn About Liposuction and Weight Loss

At Après Plastic Surgery, Dr. Aghayan a Portland board-certified plastic surgeon and his professional staff are dedicated to providing their patients with the highest quality of care and cosmetic help each person may need.

If you live in Portland or other surrounding areas of Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Pearl District, Irvington, even Vancouver, Washington (across the bridge), we invite you to schedule a liposuction consultation with Après Plastic Surgery.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction