5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular form of cosmetic surgery that removes fat from beneath the skin from a range of areas in the body. The surgery works by literally sucking the fat out. The surgery is appropriate for anyone over the age of 18 looking to remove excess fat deposits from certain areas of the body. During recent years, the procedure has become progressively safer and less painful. Below are five things that you should consider before pursuing liposuction in Houston. While liposuction has plenty of benefits, there are also certain risks that you should consider, too.

1. The Three Different Types of Liposuction

There are three different methods of liposuction: tumescent liposuction, radio frequency assisted liposuction (RFAL) and laser liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction is one of the most popular types. The area where fat removal will take place is numbed. A solution is then injected into the fat that shrinks blood vessels and minimizes blood loss to make the fat easier to remove.

Radio frequency assisted liposuction or RFAL in which radio frequency waves stimulate the production of collagen beneath the skin, making the treated area appear firmer and more toned while simultaneously removing fat cells.

Laser liposuction (also known as liposculpture) uses a laser device to liquefy the unwanted fat deposits, which are then either drained or suctioned away.

The three types of procedure are not entirely different. In fact, they all remove fat in the same way — via suction. They differ in their approach prior to fat removal in how they break down fat.

2. It Is Not a Weight-Loss Tool

It is important to know that liposuction is not a technique that can result in a major transformation of your body. Instead, it is best for people who are already close to their ideal weight. It is not effective as a weight-loss method and so should not be treated as one.

3. Make Your Choice Based on the Reputation of the Doctor, Not the Procedure

As was explained above, the three methods of liposuction are not dissimilar. Therefore, the most important factor to consider when researching and planning your liposuction procedure is which doctor will operate on you. You should seek out a certified and experienced surgeon who you will feel comfortable with. Additionally, a surgeon who is familiar and experienced in all three methods will be best able to advise you on which method is right for you. Above all, it is the surgeon’s hands rather than the technology that completes the operation, and so this should be your priority during the planning stage.

4. Manage Your Expectations

As with any procedure, it is important to manage your expectations. Make sure that you have realistic expectations of what can be achieved by spending plenty of time researching other people’s experiences. Be aware that results differ for everyone, so a good rule of thumb is to expect to have average results. Similarly, final results can often take up to three months or longer to show, so keep that in mind when deciding how you feel immediately after your procedure. Managing your expectations will take a lot of pressure and stress off you, so you can focus on what you want.

5. The Importance of Post-Liposuction Massage

Post-liposuction massage, more specifically lymphatic massage, can be hugely beneficial to your liposuction process. It can help reduce swelling, help the tissue to heal faster, reduce pain and allow you to see results faster. It works by activating the lymphatic drainage system, which carries away unwanted toxins and excess liquid.

Do you have any questions you’d like answered before committing to Liposuction? Contact Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schusterman today.