Questions About Liposuction

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

Liposuction permanently removes a number of fat cells from the affected area of your body. As long as you maintain an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, the overall proportions of your body after liposuction should remain unchanged. If you allow yourself to regain weight, your remaining fat cells in the treated area can expand in size, but because there are fewer cells altogether, you will gain less weight in that particular area.

Is liposuction a good weight loss technique?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; it is designed to sculpt and contour the body, bringing features into better proportion and helping you eliminate small fat pockets that have resisted diet and exercise. Liposuction is not meant to remove large amounts of fat. In fact, it is unsafe to remove a large quantity of fat all at once. Liposuction is safest and most effective when it is used for its intended purpose: as a body contouring procedure.

How much fat can be removed at once?

The amount of fat that can be safely removed in one liposuction session will depend upon a few different factors, including:

• Your current weight
• The amount of anesthetic that can be used
• The variability of your tissues

Sometimes, a second liposuction procedure may be necessary in order to achieve the best results possible. Fort Lauderdale board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Harrell will discuss your options with you during a personal consultation.

What is the liposuction recovery process like?

You will be able to return home the same day of your liposuction procedure. Most of our patients must wear a compression garment for up to two weeks after surgery in order to reduce swelling and other side effects. Any initial discomfort you feel after surgery can be controlled with oral pain medication. Most of the bruising and swelling associated with your procedure will subside within 2 to 4 weeks, and you can expect to see your results gradually assume their final shape over the next 3 to 6 months.

If you have further questions about liposuction, please contact Dr. Jon Harrell through our online appointment form or call (954) 526-0066  today to schedule a personal consultation with experienced Dr. Jon Harrell. The Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery serves patients in the Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Plantation, and Davie areas of Florida.