Post-Liposuction Expectations
Swelling
For about 4 weeks after liposuction, your treatment area will be swollen and some bruising may occur. During this time, you will be wearing a compression garment to help reduce pain and swelling. Bruising and swelling should subside by about 6 weeks after liposuction.
Scars
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and as such there will be scars. However, your plastic surgeon creates the smallest incisions they can and they position these incisions in areas that are easily hidden in the folds of your skin or by your clothing. If liposuction is for your stomach, your plastic surgeon will position the incisions near the pubic area so that scars can be covered up by underwear or a bathing suit. The scars resulting from liposuction are typically between 4mm and 10mm.
Fat Removal
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells; however, it is not a weight loss solution. Liposuction is designed to help remove stubborn pockets of fat that can be difficult to lose even with healthy eating and regular exercise. It is typically recommended that people are within 10 lbs of their goal weight before they receive liposuction. Once the fat cells are removed via liposuction, they will not grow back. It is important to note that remaining fat cells can still grow larger and the best way to maintain liposuction results is to continue living a healthy lifestyle.
Skin Appearance
Liposuction is designed to target and remove fat cells, not to alter the skin. If your skin is loose, liposuction will not change that. If you want to tighten your skin, you will need to receive major abdominoplasty or minor abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tucks. Some people chose to combine liposuction with a tummy tuck for an ideal silhouette.
Final Results
Once you are healed and all of your swelling has disappeared, your area of liposuction will be smooth and free from pockets of fat. Liposuction can remove up to 10 lbs of fat, and the more fat you have removed the longer it will take to see final results. Your liposuction results will depend on how much fat you have removed, your area of treatment, your recovery process, and your body. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals for liposuction before your procedure so that you can get the sleek, contoured body you desire.
Liposuction In Kelowna
If you want to remove pockets of fat and enjoy a body that fits your ideal aesthetic, the team at Okanagan Health Surgical can help. During a free consultation, you will discuss your desired outcomes with our plastic surgeons so that they can deliver top-quality liposuction results. Okanagan Health Surgical Centre is a world-class private surgical facility providing liposuction and other body contouring procedures to patients in beautiful downtown Kelowna, British Columbia. The team of private surgeons will be sure to answer any questions you may have during a complimentary consultation. To book your complimentary consultation, call us at 1-250-868-9799 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Am I a good candidate for a body contouring procedure?
A: The best way to determine if you're a good body contouring candidate is to book a consultation with your plastic surgeon. However, typically adults who are within 10 lbs of their ideal weight, who have firm, elastic skin, and who are in good general health are good candidates for body contouring procedures.
Q: How long do liposuction results last?
A: The fat that is removed from an area with liposuction doesn't grow back. However, the fat cells that remain can get bigger if you gain weight. That's why it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after your body contouring procedure.
Q: Is abdominal liposuction safe?
A: Every surgery comes with risks and benefits, but liposuction is a safe cosmetic procedure. The risks are limited when you choose a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon. Smaller areas of fat removal involve a shorter procedure with the fewest risks. Although rare, liposuction risks include:
- Infection or poor wound healing
- Skin discoloration or sensation changes
- Bruising and swelling for an extended period
- If you have long-lasting or severe pain, redness, or swelling in your surgical sites, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
