One of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, Liposuction essentially removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. It is a major surgery that needs to be performed by skilled and experienced surgeons as it requires precise sculpting and contouring of the areas of your body so as to permanently get rid of fat cells from there.
The area on which liposuction is performed is primarily the abdomen, but may also include the buttocks, thighs, and hips. However, there are certain limitations when it comes to the amount of fat that can be safely removed from your body. Moreover, since this is a major surgery you need to be aware of the recovery, results, and things that will help you heal quicker.
The Process of recovery after liposuction
Experienced plastic surgeons opine that the process of recovery after liposuction can be broadly divided into two categories.
- Immediate
- Long-term
Doctors state that immediate recovery entails how early you can get back a modicum of normalcy in your life after the procedure. For instance, when you can get back to work, etc. It also depends on the area of your body where liposuction has been performed and the technique that has been employed by the surgeon.
The long-term recovery however takes a minimum of three months for the swelling, redness, and bruising to reduce. During this time, patients may be advised to wear compression garments to bring down the swelling and enhance the process of healing.
Does liposuction leave scars?
The surgical procedure in liposuction involves making small incisions on the surface of the skin so as to remove the excess fat cells from there. Experienced surgeons ensure the incisions made are very small and in areas that will remain inconspicuous and less noticeable as far as possible.
Before the start of the surgery, all patients must be given proper instructions to take care of the areas post-surgery. Following these guidelines will help you recover well and with the least amount of scarring in the incision areas.
What care must be taken after the surgery to maintain the results?
Liposuction helps in getting rid of a good deal of fat cells from a targeted area for good. However, this does not exempt the remaining cells from their tendency to retain fat and bulge in size. Hence it is imperative to take good care of your health and diet after the procedure in order to maintain the results.
You must include adequate exercise in your daily routine, follow a healthy and balanced diet, and drink plenty of water. Take advice from your surgeon and follow their guidelines, especially about your exercise scheduling.
Maintaining a healthy daily routine also goes a long way in helping with the healing process. Besides, if you can adhere to a healthy body weight, you will also be able to achieve the body contours you had always wanted, as the swelling starts to reduce.
What should I expect soon after the surgery?
It is likely that you will not see any palpable difference in your body structure or the area in question soon after the procedure. In fact, you may even feel that you have added a few extra pounds to your body weight and are looking bloated. This is primarily because, although liposuction helps get rid of almost 10 pounds of fat, fluid retention and swelling after the surgery can leave you looking puffed up.
With time, as the swelling reduces, you will start seeing the results. There may be some amount of loose skin in the area where the procedure has been performed. This will also take time and effort to go away. The amount of loose skin you end up with depends on the amount of fat that was removed. Sometimes, a skin tightening procedure becomes necessary to take care of the loose skin.
A qualified plastic surgeon will talk you through the entire surgical and healing process before embarking on the surgery.
Final Words
Liposuction can help you cut down on those difficult excess fat cells which have been stubbornly sitting on you for ages. However, while the procedure does help you achieve the body contour you have been desiring, it is essential that your expectations are realistic. Besides, maintaining your new look requires a great deal of commitment on your part. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise will sail you through.
