Each year, liposuction is among the top two or three cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. The reasons behind this increase aren’t a mystery — they’re tied to the increase in the collective American waistline. And when we put on a few extra pounds (maybe from a little too much BBQ and pecan pie) it tends to accumulate in areas that are then very difficult to address. No matter how many crunches you do, no matter how you watch what you eat, the fat stays.
But liposuction doesn’t take no for an answer — it gets rid of those stubborn pockets of fat for good.
Liposuction is popular with our patients here in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area. If you’re considering the procedure you probably have a host of questions. The best way to address them is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith. Before you do that, here are a few of the most typically asked questions to provide you with some information.
Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction?
Liposuction provides permanent fat reduction. But you can still develop new fat cells. If the patient gains a significant amount of weight, say 10% of his or her body weight, then new fat cells can develop. This can include areas previously treated with liposuction. But if you don’t gain a bunch of weight your new contour is permanent.
If I gain weight does the fat come back to the treated areas?
Treated areas usually don’t accumulate new fat, unless the amount is sizeable. Lesser weight gains will have fat that accumulates in untreated areas.
What if I get pregnant after liposuction?
While the end result of your pregnancy will be with you, hopefully, for the rest of your life, the weight you put on doesn’t need to be. Because of this, pregnancy shouldn’t affect your liposuction results. If a patient has liposuction and subsequently becomes pregnant, gains weight, gives birth and loses the excess weight from pregnancy, then her original liposuction improvements will return, as if she had never been pregnant.
How many pounds of fat can be removed?
You can’t simply opt to remove an endless amount of fat in a single procedure. It’s dangerous. The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is about 6 to 8 pounds. If more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat needs to be removed, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.
How long will it take to see results?
Most patients will see 90 percent of their ultimate liposuction results within one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery there will be postoperative swelling. The technique used dictates the duration of the swelling.
Will liposuction help my cellulite?
Cellulite and its dimpled appearance is due to stratification of the skin’s support structure. Liposuction improves body contour, not skin texture, so it doesn’t affect cellulite.
Do you have other questions about liposuction with Dr. Smith? Call us at 843-705-8940 and ask away.