Liposuction at my Atlanta practice is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for men and women alike. This highly effective body contouring surgery is a versatile procedure that can treat a number of different areas on the body other than just the abdomen. Here at the Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we like to think of liposuction as the finishing touches on an already healthy lifestyle.
What other parts of the body can be treated with liposuction?
For many people, the midsection is an area of the body that creates stubborn pockets of fat. This is why the abdomen is the most common area for liposuction treatment. However, liposuction can be used on many different parts on the body, including:
- The face and neck
- Arms
- Chest (for men)
- Flanks
- Love handles
- Buttocks
- Thighs and calves
Liposuction can be used just about anywhere that has pinchable fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
What are the benefits of liposuction?
Liposuction provides long-lasting results. This is because in adulthood, the body has a finite amount of fat cells in the body. Losing or gaining weight does not change the number of fat cells; instead, weight changes merely make the cells smaller or larger. However, liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells, and they do not return. That being said, if a patient gains significant weight after liposuction, the remaining fat cells will still enlarge. That is why it is a good idea to stick to a healthy lifestyle and maintain a fairly consistent weight after your surgery.
Along with long-lasting results, liposuction results are natural-looking and typically leave very minimal scarring. Liposuction is performed using a cannula inserted through small incisions—about a few millimeters each. Additionally, we make sure to place the incisions in the most discreet locations as possible. We also provide you with detailed post-op incision care instructions to ensure optimal results.
What are the limitations of liposuction?
Liposuction is NOT a weight loss measure and is not intended to be an alternative to good diet and exercise. Instead, it is reserved for people who are at or near their ideal weight and have stubborn fat deposits that remain even with healthy lifestyle changes and negatively affect their body image.
What is recovery like?
After your procedure, you can expect to be sore for a few days; however, any discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medication. You will need to wear a compression garment to optimize your surgical results and minimize swelling. I recommend that my patients get up and start walking around as soon as possible. This will promote good blood circulation.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, you will need to take off work anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. Avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks after your procedure. Though your body will need time to recover, many patients begin to see results immediately after surgery. As the swelling subsides, these results will become more apparent.
How do I know if liposuction is for me?
The best way to know if you’re a good candidate for liposuction is to do plenty of research and then consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is skilled in performing the procedure. Your surgeon should take the time to answer all of your questions and help you determine if liposuction is your best option to achieve your aesthetic goals.
To learn more about liposuction visit our FAQ page, and if you are ready to take the next steps, request a consultation online or call our office at (770) 421-1242.
Leave a Reply