The Skinny on Fat Removal by Liposuction – Choosing the Right Patient for Surgery
Liposuction remains as one of the most popular and commonly done of all plastic surgery procedures. Part of its prevalence has to do with the ubiquitous problem that it treats….fat……and the many locations that can be treated from the neck to the arm, chest, back, abdomen, flanks, waistline, hips, thigh, knees, calfs, and ankles. It is no surprise, therefore, that liposuction remains in high demand since its introduction in the U.S. in 1981. When I see a patient who desires liposuction, the most important question is….are they a good candidate? Will they be happy with the results and, a year later, say that it was a wise way to spend their time and money.
The answer, in my opinion, about good candidates for liposuction are two-fold: qualifying the patient prior to surgery…..and asking the patients to do (be aware) of what they need to do after liposuction surgery.
Important pre-liposuction patient qualifiers:
1) Liposuction is not for obese people. The best candidates undergo liposuction for ‘spot areas.’ If you are over 20% of your ideal body weight, you need to lose weight first.
2) Have a stable weight for at least 3 months prior to liposuction surgery.
3) Be on some type of exercise program before surgery. I don’t care what it is, even if it is just walking. It builds some strength for surgery and will help you lose some ‘easy’ weight.
4) Be on some form of a healthy diet first. You need to train yourself to eat right before liposuction…if you are to maintain a good weight after. Liposuction won’t make you eat better or in smaller portions….only your brain will!
Important post-liposuction tips:1) Wear your compression garments until….they feel better off than on. They give you some comfort support and do help skin contraction.
2) Maintain your weight…..watch your diet! The loss of weight from fat removed from liposuction is usually not evident until about one month after surgery. That combined with the energy your body uses to heal usually gives most people some noticeable weight loss after liposuction. The real question is…….what is your weight 3 or 6 months after liposuction?
Without a healthy diet and regular exercise……the long-term results from liposuction will be disappointing!
3) Many areas that undergo liposuction surgery will be irregular and bruised for a while. It takes time (6 to 8 weeks) for the treated areas to settle and give the final appearance…so patience is a must.
4) Irregularities or asymmetries after liposuction are not rare…..secondary touch-ups may be necessary. Any residual ‘high spots’ or full areas (usually small) I now treat with LipoDissolve injections. These can be very effective after liposuction and avoids further surgery and significant extra costs.
Dr Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana