Liposuction Q & A

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Body

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Plastic surgical consultant Gail Foster Zanville answers common questions about liposuction.

Is liposuction permanent? Will I get fat somewhere else?

After liposuction, you can become overweight again. However, when fat cells are removed, they do not come back to the surgical area. Don't think because you have had this procedure it will be more difficult to gain weight or that you won't gain weight at all, because that is not true. You won't gain fat again in the area from where it was removed, but you can gain it elsewhere if you put on weight. Eating well and exercising are the best ways to keep the fat off - liposuction should be part of a lifestyle change.

I'm not really overweight, but have a lot of fat around my hips and stomach - will liposuction help?

Hips and stomach are two of the most popular areas for liposuction. You do not have to be overweight all over. It is preferable if you are at or around your optimum weight. Liposuction is effective for removing pockets of fat that won't come off any other way. Liposuction can be performed on several areas at one time, to ensure body balance and symmetry.

Who is suitable for liposuction?

The ideal candidate is a person who is close to their ideal weight, who exercises and has a healthy diet, but can't get rid of isolated areas of fat. The patient must have a realistic expectation of what can be achieved. People with loose skin or severe loss of skin elasticity and tone are not good candidates.

Does liposuction hurt?

Most patients do feel sore post-operatively - some more so than others. Patients sometimes describe it as feeling like they have had a hard work out at the gym. Some areas tend to be more painful post-operatively than others. For example, the abdomen is usually more sensitive than the thighs or buttocks.

Will I be bruised?

Bruising, swelling and draining are normal after liposuction. There are homeopathic medications available to help promote faster healing, including arnica montana and bromezyme. You should always check with your doctor before taking any additional medications, even if they are homeopathic.

How long before I can play sports?

The length of recovery depends greatly on how many and which areas are treated. You are given a tight compression garment to wear, usually for at least four weeks, 24 hours a day. This helps with the swelling and contouring. Recovery depends on the individual patient and post-operative care. Make sure you get written instructions, complete with everything you need to know about your recovery. It is usually safe to return to normal sporting activities as soon as you feel comfortable - usually after 4-6 weeks.

Will liposuction reduce cellulite?

Liposuction does not alter the appearance of cellulite. There are treatments which can be used in conjunction with liposuction, but liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite.

How do I choose a doctor?

Choosing your doctor is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need to educate yourself about all facets of the procedure and be fully informed about the process from beginning to end.

Recent statistics show up to 1 out of 5,000 liposuction patients die from either the procedure itself, anesthesia, the sterile conditions of the surgical facility or a medical pre-disposition. This is an alarming statistic and reinforces the fact that liposuction is serious surgery and all factors must be considered carefully.

What should I ask the doctor in the consultation?

One of the things I go over in my consultation is what questions you should ask the doctor. These include: which liposuction procedure would be most beneficial to your body type; what results you can expect given your body tone and elasticity; how long the procedure will take; what kind of aftercare will you need; how long is the recovery process? These are the types of questions you need answered in a consultation - and more!

Considering Cosmetic Surgery

Gail Foster Zanville is a consultant and referral source for people considering plastic and/or reconstructive surgery. She has 23 years of experience as a former operating room 1st assistant and in-house consultant for some of the most prestigious plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills area. In comprehensive, personal consultations, Gail educates her clients individually.