Committing to any plastic surgery is a big decision. Many people choose to undergo a liposuction procedure and are thrilled with the results, but no plastic surgery is a one-size-fits-all solution. In order to decide if liposuction is right for you, it’s important to consider all facets of the surgery, your own health condition, your expectations, and more.

It may seem difficult, but it’s all worth considering before taking the plunge. Here’s a short guide to some of the largest points to ponder before deciding on a liposuction procedure.

1. Have you tried other options first? Liposuction is intended for individuals who have already worked towards reducing body fat through diet and exercise, but have spots that just won’t go away. Typically, these areas are on the thighs, hips and buttocks, upper arms, abdomen, and waist. If diet and exercise can’t seem to get rid of these fat deposits, then liposuction may be a good choice for you.
2. Make sure your health condition is suitable for liposuction. As dictated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, ideal candidates should not have any life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that may impair healing. Additionally, ideal candidates are non-smokers and have specific goals in mind for body contouring.
3. Consider your expectations, as well as why you are interested in liposuction. It’s important to remember that liposuction is no replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise. While it is rather effective at reducing stubborn fat deposits, it will not result in dramatic weight reductions. Before you sign off on any procedures, talk with a licensed plastic surgeon to ensure that you have the right level of expectations.
4. Will you be able to set aside time for recovery? Though the procedure is rather quick, it is vital that patients properly schedule for rest and recovery. A patient will need a bare minimum of one to two weeks before resuming normal activities, and will need to wear a compression garment for at least three or four weeks. This rest and recovery period is critical to avoiding complications and achieving best results.
5. Consider your skin tone. The best candidates for liposuction are patients with good skin tone. In contrast, patients who have lost large amounts of weight can have non-elastic skin, which is not ideal for liposuction. Instead, these patients may want to look into tummy tuck or thigh lift procedures.

If you’re interested in learning more about liposuction, call Dr. Mucci today to schedule a free consultation!