Book NowConsidering liposuction? Not sure if it’s right for you?
In order to restore your beautiful feminine curves, you may need to first address the stubborn fat pockets and unwanted bulges that aren’t responding to diet and exercise. Liposuction is a highly effective procedure that permanently removes those unsightly bulges, reshaping your body and giving you the smooth, slim contours you desire. If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to achieve a more proportioned shape, here’s everything you need to know about liposuction and what it can do for your body.
Why are diet and exercise not enough?
We’ve all heard that the key to weight loss is diet and exercise, and while this is true, some stubborn fat and unwanted bulges persist no matter how healthy your lifestyle. Fat distribution in the body is often at the mercy of age and genetics, which is why your problem areas can feel like they undermine all your hard work at the gym. Liposuction is designed specifically to target stubborn pockets of fat, permanently removing them to reshape and refine your body. Liposuction works on most problem areas, including:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Thighs
- Back
- Knees
- Buttocks
- Upper arms
- Chin
- Cheeks
- Calves
- Ankles
- Neck
To get an idea of what liposuction can do for you, visit our gallery of before and after results.
Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?
While liposuction is safe and effective, it isn’t for everyone. All surgery presents risks. You should discuss your general health and pre-existing conditions with Dr. Laverson. If there are any unresolved medical issues, Dr. Laverson may (with your approval) call your primary care physician to be sure liposuction is OK with that doctor, and that your underlying health presents no contra-indications.
Dr. Laverson will review general surgical risks, specific risks associated with liposuction, and supply you with an informed consent document for further explanation.
Some conditions which might prevent you from having liposuction include:
- Heart disease, including high blood pressure
- Blood clotting disorders
- Pregnancy
- Breathing problems such as COPD or pulmonary embolism
- uncontrolled diabetes
- Allergies to antibiotics or medications used during the procedure
Liposuction is a safe and effective way to rid the body of stubborn fat cells. Permanently
How long does the procedure take?
How long does the procedure take?The length of the liposuction procedure will depend on how much fat is being removed, how many different areas are being targeted, and what kind of anesthesia is used. In general, most procedures take anywhere from one to six hours, although procedures for small, singular areas like the neck can take 30 minutes or less. However, the total time at the surgery center will also account for pre-op preparation, as well as at least 30 minutes recovery time to wake up from the anesthesia.
How many areas can be treated at one time?
The number of areas you can treat in a single procedure will vary based on several factors, including your general health and the volume of fat being removed. Your height and weight are also factors?in general, the thinner you are, the more areas you can have treated at once. Dr. Laverson will provide you with specific information regarding your options during your individual consultation.
What can you expect after the liposuction procedure?
After the liposuction procedure, you can expect temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and some discomfort. You will be provided with options for pain medication, and a list of written instructions for after-care following the liposuction procedure. It’s important to follow all the guidelines provided by Dr. Laverson. These instructions may include the use of a compression garment for several days to help control swelling and ensure your skin maintains its shape. After your first post-surgical office appointment, you can remove it for showers, but typically it needs to be worn all day for two or three weeks after the surgery.
What is the fastest way to recover from liposuction?
Like most surgeries, liposuction can be stressful for your body, so the most important thing you can do during the recovery process is get plenty of rest. However, you should start walking as soon as possible after surgery to prevent blood clots from forming. You’ll notice bruising and swelling gradually subside within four to six weeks. It’s a good idea to regularly exercise and eat healthy so you can maintain the results.
How long after liposuction do you see results?
If you have a significant amount of fat removed, you will see results immediately after surgery, but they won’t be the final results. Even though liposuction removes fat, fluid retention and swelling can give you a bloated look after the procedure, and it can take up to three months or longer for it to subside. At the six-month point, most patients see full, dramatic results, so it’s important to let the recovery process play out before judging your new look.
What if the results disappoint you?
When it comes to any type of cosmetic surgery, it’s important to be realistic about your expectations. Liposuction is not a weight loss method. It is a targeted procedure that addresses pockets of fat in very specific areas. Body contouring is an art as well as a science, and when Dr. Laverson performs the procedure, he does so with an eye for the overall aesthetic beauty of your curves. So although you may be hoping to get rid of an entire pocket of fat in one area, removing too much fat could result in a disproportionate balance with the rest of your body. Dr. Laverson is committed to patient education and clear communication, so even before your procedure, you’ll know what to expect. However, if you are disappointed after the swelling has gone down and the results have settled, please give our office a call and we’ll schedule an appointment with Dr. Laverson to discuss whether a small office procedure or additional surgery can help meet your expectations.
Give us a call at (858) 295-4001 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Laverson today. With decades of experience in cosmetic surgery and a solid reputation as one of the best plastic surgeons in Southern California, he’ll answer.
