Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that has helped countless individuals achieve their desired body contours. However, like any medical procedure, it’s crucial for patients to have realistic expectations for liposuction. And it’s important to have an understanding of what the procedure can and cannot do. Knowing what you can expect from the procedure, and who makes an ideal candidate for it can help a great deal when you’re on the fence about getting the surgery.
Understanding Liposuction
Liposuction, often referred to as “lipo”, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. Importantly, it is not a weight-loss method, but rather a way to reshape and refine problem areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Common target areas for liposuction include the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks and neck.
Managing Your Expectations for Liposuction
Before undergoing liposuction, it’s essential to manage your expectations and understand the following key points:
Not a Substitute for Healthy Living
Liposuction should never be viewed as a shortcut to weight loss. Ideal candidates will be at or near their target weight and in good overall health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-term results, and patients who are in poor health could be refused surgery.
Body Contouring
The primary goal of liposuction is to improve body contours. The procedure is designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise can’t eliminate, resulting in a more sculpted appearance.
Realistic Outcomes
Your surgeon will discuss your goals during the consultation. It’s essential to have realistic expectations for liposuction, otherwise, you set yourself up for disappointment. Remember, liposuction can’t turn you into a completely different person, but it can enhance your natural features.
Recovery Time
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and as such, it comes with some mandatory downtime. You may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort in the weeks after the surgery. And it’s crucial to plan ahead for this and follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions diligently.
Who Makes an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction can be a life-changer for many patients, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Ideal candidates typically exhibit the following characteristics:
Good Overall Health
Patients should be in good physical and mental health, with no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks of surgery. Individuals who lead a healthy lifestyle pose fewer risks and will be more likely to be viable candidates.
Stable Weight
Ideal candidates are close to their target weight and have maintained stability in their weight for some time. As we’ve said before, liposuction is not a weight-loss method, and fluctuations in weight can affect the results drastically.
Specific Goals
Those seeking liposuction should have specific goals and understand the limitations of the procedure. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your expectations and voice your desires.
Problem Areas
Liposuction is most effective for individuals with localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Common target areas, where fat tends to accumulate, include the abdomen, thighs and love handles.
Non-smokers
Smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal and poses a risk both during the surgery and the recovery. Therefore, ideal candidates are non-smokers or are willing to quit for a specified period before and after the procedure.
Liposuction can be a transformative procedure for those looking to enhance their body contours. Contact Centurion Cosmetic Clinic today to consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon and determine if you are an ideal candidate. Feel free to browse our website to find out more about our team and our wide range of procedures!
