What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that permanently removes fat cells from your body. It can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with a breast reduction, tummy tuck, or facelift. Liposuction is a great way to alter the contouring in your:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Face
- Flanks
While liposuction does remove a significant volume of fat in the targeted area, it can’t eliminate cellulite. Having realistic expectations is an important part of any cosmetic surgery, and during your consultation with David M. Godat, MD, he takes the time to explain the results you can expect.
What is the liposuction process like?
Liposuction can be performed using sedation or general anesthesia so you’ll be able to rest comfortably throughout the procedure. Dr. Godat prefers tumescent liposuction, a technique that involves injecting a sterile saline solution with pain medication into the treatment area.
That solution makes it easier to suction out fat cells. The device used to remove those cells is a thin cannula, and the incisions are less than a ¼ inch in length. Dr. Godat takes care to place your incisions in areas where they will not be noticeable after healing.
Once he’s pleased with the results, Dr. Godat closes and bandages the incisions, and you’ll move to a recovery area while your anesthesia wears off. You’ll likely be able to return home the same day.
What is the recovery process like after liposuction?
You’ll receive pain medication to use the first few days after your procedure. From that point forward, you can use over-the-counter pain medication as needed to address soreness. Dr. Godat provides a special compression garment to wear in the weeks following your procedure.
It’s normal to have some lingering soreness in the treatment area for a few weeks afterward. You may be able to return to work within a few days, but it may take weeks before you can resume higher activity levels.
Dr. Godat removes your sutures during your one-week postoperative visit. You’ll need to follow Dr. Godat’s instructions in regard to activity level and immersion in water. Your healing process depends in large part on your overall health. If you’re a smoker, make every effort to quit prior to your procedure, as smoking impedes the healing process.
If you’d like to explore liposuction in greater detail, call to schedule a consultation with David M. Godat, MD, today.