Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat that you can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise.

Liposuction, also called lipectomy or lipo, is a cosmetic surgery that breaks up and “sucks” fat from the body. It helps to improve body appearance and smooth irregular body shapes. That is why the procedure is sometimes called body contouring.

Liposuction is done by suction using special surgical equipment. The fat is removed with the help of a hollow instrument called a cannula.

Below are five important things you must know before getting liposuction:

1. Liposuction is not limited to the stomach

It is a common misconception that liposuction is mainly for getting rid of stomach fat. However, liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body where there is excess fat. In fact, areas of the body commonly treated for liposuction include the abdomen, back, buttocks, chest, inner knees, hips, flanks (love handles), under the chin, thighs, and upper arms.

2. It's not a weight loss procedure

Liposuction is not a weight loss method. It is not an obesity cure. If you are overweight, you might lose more weight through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, than liposuction.

Liposuction is recommended only when lifestyle changes have not produced the desired results. It can treat fatty areas that are resistant to exercise and diet. Liposuction surgery reduces the number of fatty cells in a specific area of your body. The fat removal depends on the area’s appearance and the amount of fat. The resulting contour change is usually permanent as long as the weight remains stable.

Liposuction does not improve cellulite bumps or other skin surface irregularities like stretch marks.

It is also important to note that liposuction is not always performed for cosmetic purposes. Liposuction can be performed to treat the following conditions:

Lymphedema: A chronic or long-term condition in which excess fluid known as lymph builds up in tissues, causing edema or swelling. It often occurs in the arms and legs. Liposuction can reduce swelling, discomfort, and pain.
Lipoedema: A condition with an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs, buttocks, and thighs. Liposuction can remove the abnormal fat cells and improve the shape and appearance of the body part.
Lipodystrophy Syndrome: In this syndrome, fat accumulates in one part of the body and is lost in another. Liposuction can improve a patient's appearance by producing a more natural body fat distribution.
Lipomas: These are benign fatty tumors that can be treated with liposuction.

What can liposuction procedures do for me?

Dr. Ashish Davalbhakta discusses the different types of liposuction performed at Advanced Aesthetics, and the results of those procedures here.

3. Preparing for liposuction can take several weeks

It is important to be properly prepared for your liposuction surgery. Preparing for liposuction takes a lot of time. The first step of preparation is to consult a good surgeon. Discuss your goals and options, and the risks, benefits, and costs of the procedure. Make sure to ask any and all questions you may have. You can also take pictures to compare before and after appearances.

Preparing for liposuction may include dietary and alcohol restrictions for a specific period. Make sure to tell your surgeon about any allergies and medications you take, including over-the-counter or herbal supplements. Surgeons recommend stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners at least three weeks before surgery. Make sure to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications. You may also need to undergo certain laboratory tests before the procedure.

An ideal candidate for liposuction must have excess body fat in certain areas and otherwise have a stable weight. If you do not fit these criteria, you may be asked to lose weight before surgery.

To be eligible for liposuction, you must also be healthy and free of the following conditions that could complicate the surgery:

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to have liposuction or may need to wait until your condition is controlled before getting surgery.

Right before liposuction surgery, the surgeon may draw circles or lines on the part of the body to be treated.

4. Recovery varies from person to person

Recovery after liposuction surgery has various determinants. How long it will be before you can return to work depends on several factors, such as your job type, the extent of your surgery, and how quickly you heal. Most people return to work two weeks after the procedure. However, it may take up to four weeks before you can return to your normal activity level.

After the procedure, you will be fitted with an elasticated compression garment that helps to reduce swelling and bruising. It should be worn for at least six weeks after the procedure. Most people also take the prescribed painkillers to ease any pain and swelling.

5. After liposuction surgery, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. But you can regain weight with new fat cells. That is why, after liposuction, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

To maintain your new figure after surgery, follow a diet high in lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. And remember to exercise regularly. It’s quite normal for your skin to lose firmness as you age, but the benefits of liposuction generally last as long as you maintain a stable weight. Gaining weight after liposuction can change the distribution of fat in your body. For example, fat may accumulate around the abdomen, regardless of which area was treated first.

If you’re considering liposuction, remember to keep these five things in mind. With the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ashish Davalbhakta, you can get the body you’ve always wanted.

At Advanced Aesthetics, Pune, we want to make sure our patients have all the information they need to feel confident about their decisions. We believe that education is key when it comes to making informed choices about cosmetic procedures. Contact us at [email protected], call on +91 20 25670500, or book a consultation with Dr. Ashish Davalbhakta who will answer all your questions.