What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a popular surgery that can improve your silhouette by removing pockets of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. It can effectively reshape your body but doesn’t remove large amounts of fat.
Dr. Swanson may recommend liposuction to remove excess fat from your:
In some cases, she can also use liposuction to contour your upper arms and under your chin.
Liposuction offers permanent results. Once Dr. Swanson removes fat cells, the new contours remain, even if your weight changes. In other words, your size may change but your shape won’t.
Weight gained after liposuction tends to distribute more evenly, instead of collecting in one area. Similarly, you lose weight after liposuction, it tends to come off more evenly, rather than from a particular area.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Dr. Swanson performs a physical exam to ensure that you’re healthy enough for surgery and that your skin is in good condition. If you have skin damage due to weight changes or a pregnancy, liposuction may not be the answer.
What happens during liposuction?
Liposuction requires general anesthesia for your safety and comfort. Dr. Swanson performs the procedure on an outpatient basis and you can expect to return home the same day.
Dr. Swanson uses the tumescent, or wet, liposuction technique. She injects fluid into the treatment site before suctioning begins. This allows Dr. Swanson to safely remove a larger amount of fat in less time. The technique also reduces bruising and swelling after the procedure.
If you’re having only small amounts of fat removed, a local anesthesia may be sufficient. Dr. Swanson usually uses a laser-assisted technique for this type of procedure.
What can I expect after liposuction?
Following surgery, you must wear compression garments that reduce swelling and discomfort. The garments also help your skin conform to your body’s new contours and should be worn 24 hours a day for the first two weeks, then 12 hours a day for at least a month.
The length of both the procedure and your recovery time varies based on the size and number of treatment areas. In most cases, you can return to light-duty work within a week.
Schedule an appointment online or by phone to learn more about the benefits of liposuction.
