Figuring out whether liposuction is right for you or not depends a lot on what you are looking for. When it comes to body contouring surgeries, liposuction removes stubborn fat that won’t disappear with diet and exercise alone. It’s no wonder that liposuction popularity continues to rise.

How does Liposuction work?

Liposuction is a surgery that can be performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. (Of course, you always get the option of staying at our ultra-comfy and chic recovery boutique.) Depending on the areas to be treated, you can have general or local anesthesia.

Liposuction is a body sculpting surgery specifically designed to remove deposits of fat in localized areas. Patients can get liposuction in their stomach, back, arms, thighs, love handles, under the chin and other areas. When getting this surgery, your surgeon will make several tiny incisions. These incisions are usually so small that you won’t have to worry about stitches during recovery. The surgeon then inserts a thin tube, called a cannula through those incisions and starts suctioning fat.

The areas treated will be leaner and more toned.

Is Liposuction painful?

Whether you and your surgeon decide that general or local anesthesia are best for your surgery, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Before the doctor starts the liposuction, you’ll receive an injection in the area that is to be treated. This injection usually contains the anesthetic lidocaine and epinephrine in a saline water solution, specifically designed to minimize discomfort and bruising.

Recovering from liposuction can make you feel tender and uncomfortable. However, your surgeon will prescribe oral pain medication. In the first 5 to 7 days it is normal to feel swollen around the treated areas, and there may be bruising. As long as you wear your compression garments, follow your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions and rest, recovery shouldn’t be painful.

Every day, new liposuction techniques are developed, allowing for less discomfort during recovery. When you go to a caring, experienced surgeon, you can be assured that pain management and comfort are a top priority.

Is Liposuction permanent?

Let’s talk about one thing liposuction won’t do for you: it won’t shield your body against considerable weight gain. The fat cells that are removed during the liposuction procedure do not grow back. That is permanent. The results of liposuction will be resistant to moderate weight gain too. However, if you gain a substantial amount of weight, new fat cells can develop in your body, including in the areas where you had liposuction.

The best way to maximize liposuction results is to try and maintain a healthy weight. Otherwise, your liposuction results will disappear and be ‘hidden’ by new fat cells. The best ways to keep your liposuction results is to start by following your surgeon’s post-op instructions, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. With liposuction, your surgeon can give you the shape of your dreams. And you can definitely maintain it, making liposuction results permanent.

Can anyone get Liposuction?

The second thing liposuction can’t do for you: be a substitute for weight loss. Liposuction is the ultimate procedure for body contouring, but it won’t be an effective weight loss treatment. For a patient to see the best results with liposuction, doctors recommend being at a healthy weight.

When a patient is dealing with obesity (with a BMI of 30 or higher), it is important to remember that liposuction won’t help them lose weight. It is not a substitution for weight loss surgery either. But when a person is at a healthy weight, and he or she simply cannot tone certain areas of their body, either after having a baby or despite endless gym sessions, then liposuction will be the best solution.

Should You Get Liposuction?

Liposuction is best for men and women with a body weight that is healthy and appropriate to their height. Ideally, a liposuction candidate usually meets the following criteria:

• The patient is at a healthy and stable weight. This is particularly important for patients who had weight loss surgery or are dieting to lose a significant amount of weight: it is best to wait until the weight is stable.
• The patient has good overall health. For those with diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, doctors like to be cautious and make sure you are at your healthiest before the surgery.
• The patient doesn’t smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.

The final decision is between you and your surgeon. If you are ready to schedule a consultation and get ready to enjoy the permanent benefits of liposuction surgery, then give us a call at (619)610-1667. Our VIDA plastic surgeons are body contouring experts, ready to solve all of your liposuction questions and help you look better than ever.

Dr. Alejandro Quiroz

Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.