10 Things to Know Before Choosing Liposuction: The Procedure, Results & Recovery
If you’re feeling self-conscious about your certain parts of your body, and feel as though you’ve tried everything you can to make changes naturally, such as weight loss and toning, liposuction may be a suitable option for you.
One of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK, there is no need to feel self-conscious when making the decision to go ahead with liposuction. In fact, ISAPS.org found that liposuction is one of the most common surgical procedures for both men and women. Liposuction has become increasingly popular, alongside other procedures including breast augmentation and eyelid surgery. The positive side of this increase is that expertise in the cosmetic industry is always improving, with standards from Care Quality Commission ensuring that procedures are always performed to a high standard.
However, liposuction is still a surgical procedure. And like any surgery or cosmetic procedure, there are important things to consider before choosing to proceed with liposuction.
Whilst you’ll meet with your surgeon ahead of your procedure, who will explain everything to you and ensure you’re comfortable, it’s good to have a baseline understanding of:
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- What liposuction involves
- Where you can have liposuction
- Who’s eligible
- Potential liposuction alternatives
- How to choose a surgeon
- Potential risks
- Potential side effects
- Recovering from liposuction
- Results and expectations
- How to prepare for surgery
The final point is an important one, as there are a few lifestyle changes you’ll need to make ahead of having liposuction, such as:
- No alcohol
- No smoking
- No non-prescription medication
- No vitamins
10 Things to Consider Before Choosing Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits and contour the body. While it can offer transformative results, it’s crucial to make an informed decision before undergoing the procedure. Here are ten key factors to consider:
Understanding the Procedure:
Liposuction involves the surgical removal of fat using a suction technique. It’s typically performed under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the type of liposuction you have. During liposuction surgery, a cannula is inserted near the treatment area, a solution is then inserted through the tube to break down the cells and remove them with suction.
Areas You Can Have Liposuction:
Liposuction can target different areas, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, double chin, and breasts. You can also choose which and how many areas you choose to target during your procedure.
At Enhance Medical, one area of liposuction costs £3,150, two areas costs £4,150, three areas costs £5,150, and four areas costs £6,150. Read more about liposuction costs here.
Eligibility for Liposuction:
Ideal candidates are individuals close to their target weight but struggling with stubborn fat areas that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution and is best suited for those with good skin elasticity.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and reaching a goal weight are crucial steps before undergoing a liposuction procedure and having your initial consultation. These factors play a significant role in ensuring optimal surgical outcomes and minimizing potential risks associated with the surgery.
With this in mind, it’s recommended that patients set a weight loss goal if they feel like they want to lose weight ahead of having liposuction to maximise the results. Whilst Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat cells, you are also more likely to benefit in the long term if you can follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Exploring Alternatives:
Non-surgical alternatives like CoolSculpting, laser lipolysis, and ultrasound fat reduction may be viable options for those seeking less invasive methods. Each has its benefits and limitations, which should be considered based on personal goals. Different liposuction techniques are also available.
If your goal is to remove areas of stubborn fat or excess skin from your abdomen, a tummy tuck may be the cosmetic procedure best suited to you. Learn more about the difference between liposuction and tummy tucks ahead of making your final decision.
At Enhance Medical, we offer liposculpture along with traditional liposuction. It is important to note that you will need to diet several months before surgery. By the time you reach the month before your liposuction procedure, your body should have adjusted to the changes you made beforehand. If you try to crash diet weeks before you can cause yourself serious issues during and after the surgery.
Choosing a Qualified Practitioner:
Like any cosmetic procedure, liposuction should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. When liposuction isn’t performed by experienced surgeons, with poor providers that don’t provide high quality aftercare, then liposuction can be dangerous. Research prospective surgeons, review their credentials, and examine before-and-after photos of their previous work.
Liposuction can be performed in a hospital, surgical centre, or a qualified clinic. Ensure that the facility is accredited and meets all safety standards. The choice of location might impact the cost and convenience of the procedure.
At Enhance Medical, we own our own state-of-the-art facilities and supply a variety of cosmetic procedures across the UK and only employ experienced surgeons. We also provide comprehensive aftercare for 12 months and 24-hour contact options to ensure the highest quality of care is provided.
Understanding the Risks:
Like any surgery, liposuction carries risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and complications from anaesthetic. All potential risks will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with your surgeon, along with the steps taken to minimise this risk.
Recognizing Potential Liposuction Side Effects:
Common side effects include bruising, swelling, numbness, and temporary fluid accumulation. Most side effects are manageable and subside over time, but it’s vital to be aware of them beforehand. Again, all potential side effects will be explained during your initial consultation.
Recovery Process:
The time it takes to recover from liposuction varies from person to person depending on a variety of factors. Generally, patients can expect a full recovery at 6 weeks. Adhering to post-operative aftercare instructions, such as wearing compression garments, is crucial for optimal results and promote healing.
Setting Realistic Expectations:
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. While liposuction can enhance body contours, it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Discuss your goals thoroughly with your surgeon to ensure they align with achievable outcomes.
Post-surgery, maintaining a stable weight is equally important to preserve the long-term results. Weight gain can lead to the accumulation of fat in untreated areas, while weight loss can sometimes affect the contour achieved through the procedure. Therefore, sustaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise is vital for maintaining the benefits of liposuction.
Preparing for Liposuction:
Preparation for liposuction includes a thorough medical evaluation which will be carried out ahead of your surgery, discussing any medications or supplements you’re taking, and possibly adjusting them as per your surgeon’s advice. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking can also contribute to a smoother recovery.
Understanding that achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI and reaching a goal weight are crucial steps ahead of having liposuction, It is recommended that you start exercising several months before surgery. It’s also still advisable to complete muscle exercises before your procedure.
Along with monitoring weight, stopping smoking before any surgery is important. Smoking can increase the chances of delayed recovery, bleeding, and other dangerous complications. For this reason, you should stop smoking before your surgery and for at least a period of one month during the recovery stage.
The night before your liposuction procedure, you must not eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight on the date that your liposuction procedure is planned. You can brush your teeth in the morning but make sure you do not swallow any water when you rinse.
Regarding recovery, it’s a good idea to prepare for the recovery period before you go into surgery. This means you should consider the garments that you want to buy, make your sleeping arrangements even more comfortable, consider getting help with your pets if you have any, and planning easy to prepare meals to make life that little bit easier.
When you’re ready to leave hospital after your procedure, it is best that you ask a friend or family member to drive you to the hospital on the day of the surgery. This way you will remain safe on your journey home and will also be able to feel relaxed.
By considering these ten factors, you can approach liposuction with a clear understanding and make a decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals and health needs. At Enhance Medical, safety, quality, and clear communication is our priority to ensure you achieve your desired results and that these are maintained. Contact our team today.