Questions about Liposuction Surgery

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Cosmetic surgical procedures are entirely personal, and appeal to a wide range of people. Good candidates for liposuction are people who have stubborn and localized fat that will not respond to diet and exercise.

Each patient has unique needs and desires. Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons listen carefully to your concerns, and can help you determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery.

Is liposuction a weight loss method?

Liposuction is a body contouring technique, not a weight-loss technique. It can remove or reshape specific areas of fat, creating a more attractive body contour, but does not result in significant weight loss. Overweight candidates for liposuction may be counseled about an increased risk of complications due to weight.

Does liposuction produce permanent results?

Fat does not grow back. As such, the figure achieved through liposuction is more or less permanent. However, personal lifestyle choices will impact your figure over time. If you gain weight after your procedure, that weight will be apparent despite liposuction surgery, though its distribution may be changed.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to long lasting results. Eating a variety of healthy food, and getting moderate exercise is essential to maintaining a slim, toned figure.

What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?

The most frequently treated areas of the body for women include the neck, back, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, and waist. For men, common areas include chest, abdomen, flanks, and neck. Our cosmetic surgeons can help you determine what areas could benefit from liposuction during your free liposuction consultation.

Is liposuction safe?

Liposuction is a common cosmetic surgical procedure. Over the years, liposuction technology has made the procedure safer and more effective, but all surgeries have some risk. Infection, bleeding, and blood clots are the serious risks occasionally seen with liposuction. We work to reduce these risks by performing all of our surgeries in our very own AAAASF-certified surgical facility. Additional risks can be minimized by carefully following all of our doctor’s port-surgery advice.

How long does it take to recover from liposuction?

Recovery from liposuction depends on the extent of your liposuction procedure, your body’s natural ability to heal, and your adherence to post-operative guidelines. As a rule of thumb, swelling, bruising, and some pain may be present for up to one month. During this time, mild pain medication and compression garments can be used to control discomfort. You should be able to return to work and resume moderate exercise within one to three weeks. We recommend you wait at least one month to begin a strenuous exercise routine.  Some swelling will last for several months.

Final results from your liposuction can take up to ten months to be fully apparent. During this time, making healthy lifestyle decisions can help accentuate your final results.

If you have any questions about liposuction surgery in or around Charlotte, North Carolina, please contact the board-certified cosmetic surgeons at Southeastern Plastic Surgery to schedule a free liposuction consultation.