As the second most common minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure done in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction is perfect for those with stubborn fat accumulations in certain parts of their body. While liposuction is not an obesity treatment or a cellulite solution, it can certainly make a huge difference in the slimming and reshaping of your body’s contour.
If you think that you may be a candidate for liposuction and are curious about what you can expect during and after the procedure, read on.
During the Procedure
There are several different kinds of liposuction, so it is important to speak to your doctor about the specifics of your procedure. No matter what, you can expect to be given anesthesia, which may be local or general (meaning you will be asleep). Your doctor may also give you a sedative. Then, depending on the amount of fat being removed, your procedure could last up to several hours while a medical team keeps a close eye on your vitals.
Recovery
It’s possible that you will spend several hours in the hospital for observation after the procedure’s completion. In some cases, you may be asked to spend the night since it is possible to become severely dehydrated from procedural fluid loss. Upon returning home, you may have to do the following:
- Take pain medication for several days after the liposuction procedure. Don’t forget your antibiotics, if prescribed, to prevent your incisions from infection!
- Comply with your doctor’s instructions to wear compression garments or bandages properly to minimize swelling expected afterward.
- Be mindful of your recovery so that you can ask for help the moment that anything seems wrong.
Liposuction can be a life-changing experience for some individuals, and you could be next! With careful adherence to your doctor’s instructions for recovery, you can be back at your routine in no time, looking better than ever before.