Liposuction is the single most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. As a way to remove fat from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and backs of arms, many people love the outcome of these procedures.
Cosmetic surgeons are always asked about the long-term results of liposuction: is it really permanent?
The short answer? Yes! All fat cells removed by liposuction procedures are permanently gone. They won’t ever come back.
However, it’s important to manage expectations in the first place and truly understand what a liposuction procedure entails. Many people believe liposuction is a process through which an individual loses large amounts of weight. Liposuction is not a weight loss program. Patients should not expect a dramatic weight reduction. Instead, liposuction is a refining or sculpting procedure.
Rather than removing large amounts of fat, liposuction targets fat deposits that are difficult to get rid of through exercise and dieting. Some of the most common targets for liposuction are “saddle bags” on a woman, or “love handles” on a man.
As we mentioned, realistic expectations are important. After liposuction, a patient’s body will have a fairly permanent shape. If the patient gains a moderate amount of weight following the procedure, it will look like a larger version of the new shape, meaning the results of the procedure will still be plain to see.
Additionally, the more weight a patient gains following liposuction, the results of the surgery will be less and less visible. As such, it is important for individuals to maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise following the procedure. Your best bet at achieving optimal results (and keeping them!) are healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle.
Of course, it’s also important to plan for an appropriate recovery period following the procedure. You might need to be out of work for weeks or months, and it may be even longer before you ease into more demanding activities. While this usually poses no problem, it is important that patients clear their schedules ahead of time– plan on having someone else baby sit the kids, take time off work, etc. Having a plan will ensure you have enough time to rest and recover after liposuction.
If you’re considering liposuction but still have questions, then call Dr. Mucci today to schedule a consultation. With over 20 years of experience and an impeccable education from Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Baltimore, there’s no one more qualified to handle your cosmetic surgery.
If you are thinking about a liposuction prodedure, please contact Dr. Mucci at (248) 283-1115.
