5 Ways to Get the Most Benefit from Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery. Nashville’s Maxwell Aesthetics team regularly see women and men alike who want to slim down one area, flatten out another, or address a specific bulge—and sometimes all of the above! There are many body contouring options, including minimally and non-invasive treatments for addressing unwanted volume, but nothing beats liposuction in terms of dramatic, customizable results.
By the time we reach adulthood, the number of fat cells in our bodies is pretty much fixed. Genetics, age, hormones, and gender, play a role in determining this number, as well as predispose you to having a certain body type. When you lose weight through diet and exercise, you can’t generally control where the volume changes. Also, the fat cells impacted aren’t destroyed, but simply shrink in size. Liposuction works by permanently extracting these cells from isolated, particular areas that patient’s desire.
Note that if you’re overweight or obese, liposuction won’t magically help you drop a significant amount of weight or reduce your risk of developing any weight-related health problems. Liposuction is not weight loss surgery. There’s no substitute for the tried-and-true ways of keeping yourself in shape. Working out for general fitness and clean eating are always great for maintaining overall health. For stubborn fat deposits that cling to your body despite your best efforts, there’s always liposuction.
This surgical solution can take stubborn fat cells away from the upper arms, chest, back, stomach, thighs, and basically any other area where a patient is storing some unwanted volume. This procedure has a long history and countless patients who have been satisfied by their procedure. Over time, professionals have come to learn what can be done to get the best results possible.
1. Find Out Whether You’re a Good Candidate
Not everyone is ideal for liposuction. The surgery addresses excess fat, but won’t do anything for sagging skin, stretch marks, cellulite, or poor muscle tone. Once the fat has been suctioned away, the skin should ideally retract to sit smoothly over the new contours. Good liposuction candidates must be close to their goal weight (within 30 percent) and have good skin elasticity, bone structure, and muscle tone. People with serious health problems or conditions like heart disease or diabetes that can make surgery riskier are not advised for liposuction.
2. Adjust Your Medications
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to help you prepare for your surgery in the weeks leading up to liposuction. Patients may need to refrain from taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding and complications from the procedure, such as blood thinners. Ensure that you talk to your team beforehand and that they are fully aware of any medications, supplements, or health products you’re currently taking.
3. Keep Your Body in Good Shape
Liposuction isn’t necessarily a lifetime procedure, and if you regain a significant amount of weight, the volume can appear in both treated and untreated areas. When you lose a few pounds from having fat reduction through liposuction, the best thing to do for optimal results is to remain at or under that new weight.
Follow all the usual guidelines for a healthy diet: Limit processed food, simple carbohydrates, high salt or sugar intake, and foods that are high in saturated fat. Some patients find it helpful to eat smaller meals more often, and hydration will be essential both in the immediate days after surgery and for maintaining long-term results.
5. Wear a Compression Garment
Compression garments are essential after liposuction to reduce discomfort, help your body settle properly into its new shape, and heal properly by improving blood circulation and preventing fluid build-up.
If you’re interested in finding out more about liposuction or other types of plastic surgery available, contact the Nashville area’s Maxwell Aesthetics for answers. Call 615-932-7700 or request a consultation.
