Liposuction

Do certain areas of your body still feel loose despite your efforts with various exercises to tone and tighten them?

To feel good about ourselves, we need to have confidence in our appearance. However, many people struggle with insecurities about certain aspects of their looks, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, or even depression. Cosmetic surgery offers a transformative solution for those looking to enhance areas of their body they feel could be improved. Liposuction, in particular, is a popular procedure for patients seeking smoother, more toned contours that diet and exercise alone can't achieve.

What exactly is liposuction?

Are you satisfied with your weight but feel like your body appears looser or flabbier than you'd prefer? Is your shape preventing you from wearing the clothes you'd like?

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure designed to permanently eliminate stubborn fat from areas of the body that the patient wants to target. While the surgery is typically done under general anesthesia, many of our Atlanta liposuction patients now opt for a combination of anesthesia and sedation, allowing for a quicker recovery post-surgery.

What advantages does liposuction offer?

Liposuction can be performed on various body areas, most commonly targeting regions where stubborn fat accumulates, such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and upper arms. It is also effective in treating gynecomastia (excess breast tissue) in male patients.

Dr. Norman Stewart, a double-board certified plastic surgeon, is committed to providing the best liposuction in Atlanta. At Nip & Tuck Plastic Surgery, you can target those areas that remain loose or flabby despite exercise efforts.

However, liposuction is not a weight loss solution. To achieve optimal results, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight before the procedure. Gaining weight post-surgery can diminish the results, requiring potential follow-up procedures to restore the desired appearance.

What is involved in a liposuction procedure?

During a liposuction procedure, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the targeted area. A saline solution is introduced through the tube to break down the fat cells, making them easier to remove. A vacuum is then used to suction the fat into a container. The cannula is moved back and forth to help further dislodge and remove the fat. Once the fat is removed, the entry points are closed with a few sutures.

What happens after liposuction?

Although liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, it is still a surgical procedure that requires some time for recovery. You should plan to take time off work and other activities to ensure proper healing.

You will need to stay under our care for at least 24 hours to monitor the initial phase of recovery and manage any discomfort with prescribed pain medication.

A compression garment will be worn over the treated area to reduce swelling and support healing. It's recommended to take at least a week off from work, and avoid any strenuous activities for about 8 weeks. We will provide specific post-surgery care instructions and monitor your progress during follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery.

For more details on liposuction or to schedule a confidential consultation, feel free to contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction

What are the advantages of wearing compression garments?

Compression garments offer several benefits following body contouring, including:

Reduced risk of fibrosis
Enhanced body shaping
Decreased inflammation
Support for healing tissues
Maintains cleanliness and dryness of the treatment area
Less postoperative pain and discomfort

What are the advantages of lymphatic massage following liposuction?

Lymphatic drainage speeds the removal of toxins and waste material that builds up in your lymphatic system. Bruising and hardness are common after liposuction, and lymph massage helps to eliminate them. It also improves blood flow, eases inflammation, and is an effective tool to reduce post-operative swelling. As a therapeutic massage, it also aids in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from your digestive system. Therefore, your body can process fats more effectively. Along with a proper diet, this may help you avoid weight gain, which can compromise your liposuction results.

If a patient gained weight after liposuction, how long should they wait before having another surgery?

It is advisable to wait at least six months to a year after the initial surgery before considering another procedure.

Do patients need to follow a specific diet after liposuction?

For the first 48 hours after surgery, it's best to avoid spicy foods, meats, seafood, dairy products, as well as acidic and salty foods. Stick to a light, healthy diet during the early recovery period. Ensure you consume enough calories and protein daily to support healing and tissue repair. Caloric needs vary based on your body weight, but the average adult requires around 2,000 calories per day. For protein, consider plant-based options like beans, legumes, and nutritional yeast.

Why is it important to drink water after liposuction surgery?

It’s essential to stay hydrated after surgery as your body undergoes significant fluid shifts. Proper hydration aids in the healing process, reduces swelling, and helps eliminate toxins from your system.

Will I need to take antibiotics after my liposuction surgery?

No, you will receive a single dose of antibiotics just before surgery to help prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs occur when bacteria enter the body through incisions made during surgery. To avoid the development of antibiotic resistance, we limit the use of antibiotics after surgery and administer them only when necessary.

Do you provide financing options?

Yes, we partner with multiple financing companies. Visit our financing page to explore available options and submit an application. If approved, the funds can be used to cover the cost of your procedure.