We all want to love our bodies, and sometimes this means taking time for some self-improvement. Dieting and going to the gym is a great start to getting the physique you want, but not everyone has time in their schedule to maintain this kind of routine. Or sometimes, this routine does not help you achieve the specific physique you are looking for.

Liposuction is a wonderful solution to getting you closer to loving the body that you are in. Before you schedule your first appointment, here are some common questions about liposuction answered, so you can feel more informed.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to remove fat, performed by a plastic surgeon. Typically the procedure will be done on your stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, back, arms, or under your chin. This procedure is performed either in your doctor’s office or a surgical center, and anesthesia is used to put you under.

Liposuction is currently the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. It is no surprise it’s so popular because of how much it helps with one’s self esteem and overall helping them to love their body more.

There are also different types of liposuction. The most common method is tumescent liposuction, where your surgeon will inject a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine into the fat that is going to be removed to make it easier and less painful to suck it out.

There is also ultrasound-assisted liposuction. With this method, ultrasounds are used to rupture the cell walls of the fat, liquefying it before it is sucked out. Lastly, there is the laser-assisted liposuction method, where a laser produces a burst of energy that liquefies the fat.

Each method has its own risks, so be sure to consult your doctor to decide what is best for you.

How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate?

There are a few common factors to consider before scheduling a consultation to confirm that you are a good candidate.

Since this is a surgical procedure, it is important to make sure you are in good health and that you do not have any existing conditions that could cause complications. This also means being within 30% of your ideal weight, having firm, elastic skin, and not being a smoker. Doctors also do not recommend this procedure for people with blood flow issues, heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system.

Of course, finding the right doctor and having a consultation with them is the best way to figure out if you are a good candidate. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a great place to start your search for the perfect doctor, so you can make sure you see someone who is board certified.

Liposuction is a serious and personal procedure, so it is important that you feel fully comfortable with your doctor and trust their abilities. Also, don’t forget that different doctors have different aesthetics, so really take the time to find a doctor that you like their aesthetic and feel comfortable with. Once you have done that, schedule a consultation and get started!

What is the Recovery Process Like?

Most patients are able to leave the surgical office the same day of the appointment. In some cases, if a large amount of fat was removed or if there are other health concerns to consider, a patient may be required to stay overnight for observation.

The first two to four days after the procedure is when you will feel the most sore. This soreness will ease but will still be noticeable for about four weeks. Then, after somewhere between four to eight weeks, the remaining pain will dissolve.

Initially there will be a lot of swelling and inflammation, but this will subside as the pain goes away. Depending on your lifestyle, you may be able to return to your regular activities within a couple of days.

Is Liposuction Right for You?

Liposuction is a big choice to make for yourself, but it will be incredibly worth it if it helps your self-image. There are some risks to the procedure, but it would not be the second most popular cosmetic procedure if it were not safe. Take your time to find the right doctor for you and plan out your future image, post-liposuction.

If you’d like to chat with a specialist about liposuction, call +(44) 0121 288 4552