If you’ve been exercising daily and watching your calories, but you’re still unhappy with the way you look in a swimsuit, you may be seriously contemplating liposuction. Despite popular misconceptions, liposuction is not used to reduce your body’s weight, but specifically to reshape particular areas of the body. Typically, the procedure is used on stubborn areas that are resistant to exercise and diet. These parts of the body are generally the hips and thighs on women and the back and waist on men, but commonly treated areas include the neck, face, abdomen, buttocks, back, upper arms, and legs. You’re a great candidate if you’re in good health and physical condition, and you have smooth and tight skin with little cellulite. Once you’ve decided that liposuction is right for you, following these seven simple steps can help you achieve the best possible results from your procedure.
1. Do research: There is typically a wide array of doctors to choose from, but don’t let price be the deciding factor. Be sure to choose a dermatologic surgeon with substantial experience and positive client reviews.
2. Understand the options: There are multiple options when it comes to the surgery itself. The safest procedure, tumescent liposuction, utilizes local anesthesia to inject the fat in a painless and easy way that leaves the patient with minimal bruising. Other options include ultrasonic or laser-assisted techniques that liquefy fat after removal, which decreases recovery time.
3. Ask questions: Before you consult with a surgeon, you should have a list of questions to ask that will help you understand the process from start to finish. You should use the consultation as an opportunity to learn about the doctor’s training, experience, and recommendations on what procedure is right for you.
4. Maintain your weight: This body shaping procedure works by removing stubborn pockets of fat in areas like the thighs, abdomen, neck, or arms. For optimal results, patients should maintain their healthy weight both before and after the surgery and should go into the procedure with elastic and firm skin.
5. Stop using over-the-counter supplements: Some products like aspirin or herbal supplements will actually slow blood clotting and cause potential danger if you’re about to undergo surgery. In addition, certain anti-inflammatory medicines will increase your odds of bleeding during the surgery. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements or medications that you’re currently taking.
6. Follow all postoperative instructions: The instructions your doctor gives you after surgery are meant to help you avoid any complications, so it’s important to follow these as strictly as possible. Generally, you should rest the first few days, but moderate activity like walking can be done immediately because it reduces the risk of clotting. In addition, sometimes compression garments are recommended to be worn around the surgical area to limit any swelling.
7. Be patient: Don’t expect to immediately look skinny after the surgery. You will see instant results, but you won’t see the final result for at least a few months.
Following these simple steps prevents complications and helps ensure that you receive optimal results.
