Choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure is a very personal decision. You must decide if the ultimate results of the procedure are worth the risks and potential complications. With this in mind, it is crucial that you learn as much as you can about a procedure prior to discussing it with your doctor. If you are considering getting liposuction in NJ, you should learn more about the procedure and the recovery timeline. Going to your initial consultation with this information in hand will help you have an informed discussion. It can ensure that you ask the right questions and make the right medical decision that is best for you.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction, an invasive cosmetic procedure, seeks to slim and reshape specific areas of the body. This is done by “suctioning” fat from those areas.[1] Created by a French surgeon, Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz in 1982, three decades later and it’s one of the most sought-after invasive cosmetic surgeries.[2] In 2015 alone, 222,051 liposuction procedures were done, a number that’s up 5% from 2014 (but down 37% since 2000). Out of the 1.7 million cosmetic procedures in that year, liposuction was the second most popular invasive procedure, (with breast augmentation being the first).[3]
Perhaps why it’s in demand has to do with “the flexibility” of the procedure. Liposuction can be used for thighs, buttocks, belly, waist, cheeks, chin, calves, ankles, chest, upper arms, back, inner knees, and waist.[4] You can have multiple areas targeted in one liposuction procedure, as well as have other cosmetic surgeries performed—such as a facelift, tummy tuck, or breast augmentation—which saves you the time and hassle of having to schedule and undergo several surgeries. Think of it as the all-in-one procedure.
However, liposuction doesn’t solve every cosmetic problem—something the media makes it out to be, especially in relation to obesity. While many tout liposuction as the cure for obesity, it’s more of a spot treatment. In other words, liposuction will slim your thighs, but it won’t take you from a size 17 to a size 6.[5]
It also isn’t a surgical cure for cellulite or saggy skin. But, for instance, your surgeon can do liposuction to get rid of unwanted abdominal fat and a tummy tuck to take off the saggy skin. As we said, this can be a 2-in-1 procedure.
Summary
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, performed by a plastic surgeon, that removes unwanted fat from areas of the body. Specifically, a surgeon uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body. Common target treatment areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. Liposuction not only removes fat from these areas but also helps to shape and contour them to the patient’s liking. This procedure is the most common plastic surgery that patients request in the United States.
What are the steps for the procedure?
Before your procedure begins, your plastic surgeon will administer anesthesia. Your surgeon can administer it intravenously or through general anesthesia. Additionally, in some cases, the plastic surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to the patient’s midsection. This is necessary to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, the plastic surgeon will make small incisions around the site of the fat deposits. A thin tube (cannula) will be moved underneath the skin to loosen the fat cells. He or she will then use a medical vacuum to suction out the dislodged fat deposits. It may take several sessions to achieve the desired result.
After the procedure, your plastic surgeon will close the incisions using stitches or sutures. Depending on the targeted treatment area, your surgeon will tightly wrap the area in bandages and leave drains in to collect any unnecessary fluid.
Does liposuction hurt?
As mentioned, the surgeon administers anesthesia prior to the procedure. As a result, the patient is asleep and typically does not feel any pain as the procedure takes place. You should make yourself familiar with the possible risks and complications of anesthesia prior to your procedure. Very rarely — in only one or two of every 1,000 medical procedures involving general anesthesia — a patient may become aware or conscious. Although this can be upsetting, most patients do not feel pain despite being awake during the procedure.
What risks are associated with liposuction?
With liposuction in NJ, your risk of complication increases if a large area is being treated. Performing multiple procedures during the same operation can also increase your risk.
Possible risks include:
- Contour irregularities. Sometimes the fat that’s removed creates a wavy or jagged impression on the top layer of your skin. This can make the skin appear less smooth.
- Numbness. You may feel numbness in the affected area. Although this is often temporary, it may become permanent.
- Fluid accumulation. Seromas — temporary pockets of fluid — may form under the skin. Your doctor will need to drain these.
Rare risks include:
- Infection. Infections may occur at the site of your liposuction incision.
- Internal organ puncture. If the cannula penetrates too deeply, it may puncture an organ.
- Fat embolism. An embolism occurs when a loosened piece of fat breaks away, becomes trapped in a blood vessel and travels to the lungs or brain.
How long does it take to recover from liposuction in NJ?
The recovery process depends on the number of treated areas, and whether additional liposuction sessions are needed.
After the procedure, the patient may experience the following.
- Swelling at the site of the fat removal
- Draining and bleeding at the site of the incision
The plastic surgeon may recommend that the patient wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and help the skin heal smoothly.
Because liposuction is an outpatient procedure, regular activity can be resumed fairly quickly. The patient should be able to do anything he or she usually does within the next 48 hours. However, hold off on heavy weight lifting and extensive cardio until the doctor gives his or her approval.
Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Contrary to belief, obese individuals may not be a good candidate for this procedure. Obesity increases health risks like heart disease and diabetes and weakens the immune system. Overall, the better the health of the patient, the better chance he/she has of having great results.
Ideally, candidates should be 30% of their ideal weight. Also, since liposuction doesn’t cure saggy skin, good candidates will have firm skin and muscle tone. On top of this, candidates should not suffer from serious illness/serious illnesses that could affect the results and recovery, specifically blood flow or circulation issues, heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system.[6] If you are taking medications or supplements, and have allergies, talk with your surgeon. You may have to suspend them depending on what they are. Painkillers and blood thinners are two that usually need to be suspended weeks before the surgery.[7] That way, you decrease the risk of bleeding.
Lastly, smokers don’t make ideal candidates for liposuction. Smoking impacts the immune system.[8] With full liposuction recovery taking weeks, smoking could delay the healing process.
At the end of the day, age aside, liposuction is a great option if you are healthy—eat well and exercise regularly—but, for whatever reason, can’t get rid of stubborn fat in specific areas. At Berlet Plastic Surgery, top liposuction NJ facility, we recommend you talk with a surgeon to see if you’re a qualified candidate.
Choosing the Best Surgeon for Liposuction in NJ
Dr. Anthony Berlet has performed hundreds of liposuction procedures for patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas. Your liposuction NJ procedure will only be as successful as the plastic surgeon you choose. Working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who has experience with your cosmetic procedure is crucial. He or she should be able to show you before-and-after photos from past clients. Most importantly, your surgeon should be able to answer any lingering questions you may have about the procedure. Your choice of surgeon should put your mind at ease. Dr. Anthony Berlet has been serving patients in the northern NJ and New York City areas for over 20 years. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us!
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[1] ASPS: Liposuction
[2] Huffington Post: Understanding Liposuction—Four Ways to Make It Safe, Effective, and Long-Lasting
[3] ASPS: New Statistics Reflect the Changing Face of Plastic Surgery
[4] ASPS: Liposuction
[5] Shape: Liposuction: Does the Fat Really Come Back?
[6] WebMD: Liposuction: What You Should Know
[7] WebMD: Liposuction: What You Should Know
[8] smokefree.gov: Health Effects
[9] WebMD: Liposuction: What You Should Know
[10] Medical News Today: Liposuction: Uses, Risks, and Benefits
[11] New York Times: With Liposuction, the Belly Finds What the Thighs Lose