Liposuction – Future tense.

what to expect post liposuction.

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. Though it has been in practice for nearly three decades, our understanding of it and its outcomes is very minimal.

The misconception that liposuction is a weight loss procedure, is the major cause of most unhappy patients. It is a body shaping procedure used to address areas of resistant fat not responding to diet and exercise. Liposuction can be done to most areas including tummy, flanks, thighs, back, buttocks, arms, chin etc.

Though the results with a good liposuction can show some immediate effect, the complete results can be seen only after a period of six to eight weeks. This is referred to as the golden period as it is very important that the patient follows the post-operative instructions meticulously to achieve optimum results.

Wearing of the post-operative garment is very essential, and yes continuously as long as it is instructed to be worn. Swelling is common especially in some areas such as thighs and tummy; the swelling may be present for even up to eight weeks or more. This is very common and will gradually settle down.

Bruising of the areas of liposuction is also common, this usually comes down gradually and with the help of topical medications can be minimized. Most Indians are prone for pigmentation, anticipation and treatment with medications which help to minimize them helps to address this issue. The areas addressed by liposuction may be numb for a period of one to two months. These areas will slowly regain sensation.

One of the major concern of most patients is asymmetry. It is important to understand that mirror images of the body i.e. both halves, will not be symmetrical. There will be minor differences which may not have been noticed prior to surgery. Post operatively these may be apparent as we have a tendency to inspect theses areas more commonly. It is essential to take photographs to compare the before and after images to anticipate these differences and prevent disappointment.

In patients who undergo megaliposuction or when the lipoaspirate is more than ten litres, blood loss is inevitable. Hence pre or post-operative hematinics may be given to improve the hemoglobin.

The last and the most important part is maintaining the shape achieved through liposuction. As already mentioned, it is a body shaping procedure, weight loss achieved through it is very minimal or none. Hence post operatively following a healthy diet and being physically active in the form of exercise or walking/ yoga etc has to be done as long as the results need to be maintained. Keeping in touch with your surgeon at all times and following the instructions meticulously is what will help achieve the best results and a happy client.