Proper Maintenance Will Enhance Your Liposuction Results

Patients considering liposuction fat removal should keep in mind that while the fat cells collected during liposuction will not return to the body, that doesn't necessarily mean their figure will stay slim forever. Weight fluctuation – either loss or gain – can impact the results of liposuction surgery, making it critical that patients hoping for long-lasting liposuction results are committed to maintaining a stable weight over time. In this blog, the expert board-certified plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Northern Virginia provide helpful information on how to keep your newly trim physique for as long as possible following liposuction surgery.

How does liposuction work?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted fat from one or more areas of the body when diet and exercise prove to be ineffective. During the procedure, patients are placed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made, allowing for the liposuction wand (known as a cannula) to be inserted beneath the skin. The fat is then dislodged and suctioned from the body, after which time it can be transferred to another feature – like the breasts or buttocks – if desired.

Where can liposuction be used?

Common treatment areas for liposuction include:

• Double chin
• Male chest
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Flanks
• Inner and outer thighs
• Buttocks
• Above the knee

Is liposuction permanent?

Excess fat cells removed with liposuction will not regenerate. Patients should keep in mind that some fat cells will still remain in the treatment area, however, and these fat cells can become enlarged – or even multiply – with weight gain. To give yourself the best chance for long-lasting liposuction results, do the following:

• Eat a nutritious, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy, stable weight
• Keep stress levels low
• Get plenty of sleep
• Do not smoke
• Minimize alcohol consumption

With these healthy habits, liposuction results can last for years or even decades.

What if I get pregnant after liposuction?

Weight gain associated with pregnancy can also impact the outcome of a previous liposuction procedure. If possible, women are encouraged to wait until they are done having children to undergo liposuction surgery. Should a woman become pregnant after having liposuction, a repeat procedure at a later date may be considered to help restore her desired figure.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction surgery?

Ideal candidates for liposuction fat removal surgery should be in good health, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and at or near their goal weight. While liposuction surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and is not considered a weight loss tool, it can be useful for patients who have not been able to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat through traditional diet and exercise. During your initial consultation, our team will evaluate your health and medical history, and other factors to determine whether liposuction may be right for you.

Slim down with liposuction surgery in Reston, VA

If you've tried everything to get rid of stubborn fat but still have problem areas that won't seem to budge, liposuction may be the answer you've been looking for. Call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons and take the first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals today.