Many people with stubborn areas of fat often consider liposuction as an alternative weight loss procedure. 

There is some truth that liposuction does remove weight, but there is much more to it than that. Read on to learn more.

How does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction is a powerful technique to address stubborn areas of fat that are not conducive to weight loss and exercise. 

Many women complain that despite diet and exercise, they continue to experience unwanted fat in problem areas including the abdomen, love handles, arms, legs, neck, or knees. 

The procedure involves the use of small incisions and cannulas to remove excess fat. 

Downtime is minimal and results are gratifying.  

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

This question is tricky. While some patients may lose a few pounds, that is not the goal of liposuction. The purpose of liposuction is body sculpting and improving physical physique, not weight loss.

Usually, the maximum amount of fat that is suctioned out is the equivalent of around 5-8 pounds. It is not recommended to have more than 4-5L of liposuction performed in one surgical procedure, and as more is done the risk of complication increases. 

If multiple treatment areas are desired and the overall amount of liposuction is > 5 L, the procedure should be broken down into 2 separate surgeries spaced about 12 weeks apart.

Therefore, patients should not expect to lose a dramatic amount of weight with liposuction. However, because fat is removed from cosmetically important areas, liposuction can produce significant improvements in the way you look and feel in clothing. 

Are the results permanent? Will fat cells grow back? 

After liposuction, you will be placed in a medical-grade compression garment and your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your new body. 

If you adhere to your instructions and do not experience a dramatic weight gain, your body’s shape is more or less permanent. 

If you do gain weight after liposuction, then your figure will simply be a larger version of the new body shape. However, the dramatic results you initially saw will be less defining.

Liposuction removes fat cells permanently. However, with an increase in weight, new fat cells can develop in all areas of the body, including previously treated liposuction areas.

That being said, the degree of fat deposits re-growing in a previously treated liposuction area is less than in untreated areas. 

What age-related changes should I experience if I remain weight-stable?

No. If you stay around the same weight, then you should not expect fat cells to redeposit in the area previously treated. 

However, it is natural for the body’s fat deposits to change gradually with age and fluctuations in hormones. However, the results of successful liposuction should remain visible. 

Will I see my results right away?

The majority of patients will see their final results 8-12 weeks after their procedure. Most patients have swelling and bruising that resolves within a few weeks of surgery.

Which is a better choice for me, Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)

Liposuction is a noninvasive (no skin incision and no long scars) procedure that focuses on removal of fat cells, but does not address excess skin. 

Liposuction is intended for individuals with good skin elasticity so the skin can “bounce back” after the procedure. For individuals with excess skin, a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) or total body lift may be a better option.

Liposuction does not address abdominal wall laxity or diastasis recti. 

However, it is considered a body contouring procedure as it will accentuate feminine features such as a thin waistline and hourglass silhouette. It is used to sculpt, or fine-tune, certain treatment areas that do not respond to a healthy lifestyle.

In some patients, it is safe to combine liposuction with an abdominoplasty, depending on where excess fat resides.

We offer a variety of surgical and nonsurgical services in our office.  

Dr. Parcells is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New Jersey. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Recovery is different for everyone

You’ve met your board-certified plastic surgeon. You’ve selected your date for your surgery and have all your preparations in order. But what about recovery time?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a very common plastic surgery procedure. However, your length of recuperation and the overall postoperative course will depend on several factors including your overall health and compliance with your physicians’ instructions. Understanding this recovery process and timeline will make your surgical transformation much easier.

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Let's talk timeline

It’s natural to want to bounce back to normal after your surgery, but it’s important that you give your body time to heal. 

Instead of rushing to get back to your baseline level of activity, spend some time organizing your recovery so you have ample time to heal and can take a break to avoid stressing your body. Talk to family and friends to make the proper arrangements and be fully prepared for your recovery period.

Patients in my practice are encouraged to spend a night in the hospital to monitor fluid intake and output, drain output, and overall pain control. 

Most men and women are back to light daily activities by 5-7 days. Most can return to work at about 2 weeks. No heavy lifting or gym until 4-6 weeks. Full strength activities can usually be resumed by 6 weeks. 

What should I expect immediately after surgery?

• how to care for incisions and drain tubes

• what to be aware of in terms of infection or overall health

• what to avoid in terms of physical activity that affects your incision line for six weeks

• when you need to see your plastic surgeon again

• how long to wear the abdominal pressure garment

• how much to rest

• what you can eat

The day after surgery you will be placed in a surgical compression garment which you will wear for an additional 6-12 weeks. This helps to avoid fluid buildup and helps to support your abdomen.

After staying in the hospital overnight, you’ll need a family or friend who can drive you home from the hospital and help take care of you for at least the first few days after your surgery. 

You should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana / CBD / vape products as they can hinder the healing process and result in open wounds.

Drains are usually left in place for upwards of a week after surgery. You’ll be shown how to take care of and empty the drains. You’ll also need to take an antibiotic and an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots while your drains are in place.

It is important to have documentation on your recovery process. Ask your surgeon for specific instructions that should include:

• Caring for your drains

• Specific concerns to be aware of 

• Medication dosage and administration

• Activity limitations

Additionally, ask your surgeon specific questions about your individual recovery period and how long until you can resume normal daily activities. 

Possible physical side effects

Most patients say the first 1-3 days after the procedure are the most difficult in terms of managing pain and mobilizing around the home. 

A small amount of swelling is normal and the use of the compression garment can help improve that.  

Numbness around your abdomen is normal and may take months or years to improve. 

Bruising around the area is also normal. 

Scars will be red and raised several weeks after surgery but will eventually settle with time and scar massage. 

Is there anything I can do to optimize my recovery?

Remaining healthy before, during, and after the surgical period is very important in overall recovery.

Eating fruits, vegetables, and other items high in protein will provide the body the nutrition it needs to heal. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and marijuana / CBD / Vape products. 

Drink plenty of fluids and take a stool softener as needed, especially if prescribed narcotics (even if only short-term). 

A raised toilet seat and removable shower head are helpful bathroom additions. 

In terms of sleeping, some patients prefer a recliner for comfort for the first few nights.

You’ll want to drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins and reduce swelling. Keep your diet as healthy as possible. Include as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.

A final message:

Congratulations! You’ve made a decision that will most certainly be life-changing. Recovery may feel daunting but for most patients, it is easily manageable as long as you plan and comply with your doctor’s instructions. 

While it initially feels slow, focus on your recovery day-by-day and before you know it you will be back to your new, improved baseline. 

Be sure to connect your surgical team for clarification or if you have any questions or concerns. Ask about how to clean your belly button as well as pearls for showering with and without drains and how to care for your incision site.

And lastly, for best results, see a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.