What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, commonly referred to as “lipo”, is a surgical procedure that removes fat via suction. It’s typically done with a thin tube, called a microcannula.  The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world, performed 1.7 million times in 2018 alone.

Data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery shows that liposuction procedures in the United States increased 32% between 2014 and 2018. In 2019, 265,000 people underwent the procedure. This fell to 211,000 in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic but the American Society of Plastic Surgeons expects that the pent-up demand for the procedure will see this number rebound in 2021.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Liposuction?

There are several factors that can lead to a good result. One, you should be in good health and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less. Second, good skin tone is important because the skin needs to snap back into its new contours once the procedure is performed. Women who have had multiple pregnancies, or people who have had a lot of weight fluctuation will still have loose skin post procedure.

You should also be a nonsmoker and have a healthy outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring. Lastly, it is important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss technique.

Are there any risks or complications from Liposuction?

When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon there are rarely any complications from the procedure. These very rare complications  may include:

• Changes in skin color or sensation
• Uneven contouring
• Infection
• Hematoma
• Seroma

You should discuss any changes or concerns during your recovery with your surgeon.

What should I expect during recovery?

Following your procedure, you will more than likely be wearing compression across the treatment areas to help relieve discomfort, control swelling, and form the skin to your new body contours. You will also have bruising present. This discomfort, swelling, and bruising are temporary and should go away within 2-4 weeks for most people.

Your board-certified surgeon will give you specific care instructions for your procedure to be aware of before, during, and after your procedure to help guide you during your recovery.

How long does Liposuction last?

If you control your weight, your results should last a long time. However, even a weight gain of five pounds can cause fat deposits to accumulate again. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet and regular exercise.

To learn more about liposuction and our other body contouring procedures, schedule an appointment with Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Midtown, Cumming, or Canton area locations. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons here at Atlanta Plastic surgery will be happy to consult with you and provide the best outlook for your procedure.

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