Thinking about Lipo? 5 Things to Know

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 235,237 liposuction procedures were performed last year. If you are thinking about having the body sculpting procedure, San Diego plastic surgeon Abhay Gupta encourages you to consider the following.

1. Lipo Isn’t a Quick Fix for Weight Loss

Liposuction isn’t a quick way to lose weight; it is a contouring procedure to eliminate stubborn bulges that don’t respond to diet or exercise. You can expect to see the best results if you are within five to 10 pounds of your target goal weight, exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet.

2. Your Skin Quality Matters

Besides your weight, another variable that can affect your liposuction results is the quality of your skin. Ideally, your skin should be elastic and firm, so it can contract over the treated area after liposuction. If your skin is on the looser side, or it sags in the area you want treated — perhaps because of multiple pregnancies, the aging process or significant weight loss — liposuction may not give you the results you want. However, keep in mind that Dr. Gupta offers other body contouring procedures that both eliminate fat and tighten loose skin.

3. It Takes Time to See Results

Dr. Gupta understands that patients are anxious to see results quickly. And most people notice slight improvement right after surgery. But truthfully, it takes a few months for post-operative side effects like swelling to dissipate, and results to stabilize. As you recover from surgery, try to be patient with your body. The treated area should continue to improve over time, and you will be able to enjoy your results soon enough.

4. Liposuction Doesn’t Prevent Future Weight Gain

Once liposuction has removed fat cells, the cells cannot grow back. However, should you gain weight in the future, the fat cells remaining in the treated area can enlarge, and your results may become less noticeable. Dr. Gupta encourages all liposuction patients to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits after surgery to enjoy long-lasting results.

5. The Surgeon Matters More than the Technology

The technology used in your liposuction surgery is certainly important; however, the surgeon performing the procedure matters even more. Look for a board certified plastic surgeon with a proven track record of successful results. Ask to see before-and-after liposuction pictures to get an idea of what the surgeon can achieve.

Learn More about Liposuction

To speak with Dr. Gupta about how liposuction can give you the attractive shape you desire, please call our office at (858) 621-6000 and request a consultation.

Fun Monthly Fact: The month of May was named after Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility. Maia was also the mother of Hermes, the messenger of the Gods.