How long does liposuction last?

How long does liposuction last?

Liposuction has become the buzzword of the decade after the pandemic. Almost all countries are witnessing a huge demand for this fat-removal surgery. However, not all are well aware of the surgery, its recovery, and the results. People just assume that this cosmetic surgery will solve their obesity problem. Certainly, it is not recommended for obese patients. The plastic surgeons will recommend this to you only when you’re marginally overweight. With this blog post, you’ll understand the various aspects regarding the results of this procedure, whether it lasts long, etc.

Liposuction surgery and the results

Liposuction is basically a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat underlying the target skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a cannula to extract the excess fat by destroying and liquifying it using different methods—tumescent, power-assisted, laser-assisted, or radiofrequency-assisted. 

When it comes to results, first of all, many of you mistakenly think that liposuction is a weight loss procedure and that you can lose 20–30 kilograms by undergoing this surgery. But it is not a weight-loss procedure. Secondly, many of you mistakenly believe that the results are permanent, irrespective of your diet and lifestyle. Truly, results from liposuction are permanent only if you follow the diet instructions of your nutritionist and the exercise regime proposed by the fitness coach. Otherwise, there are a lot of chances to experience re-deposition of fat in the same areas and the contours may change unintentionally. 

For before and after results of this surgery, visit this page! If you've got more doubts regarding the procedure, book a teleconsultation!

Recovery after liposuction

The recovery begins from the moment you leave the healthcare center on the day of your surgery (as it is an outpatient procedure.) For up to 1–3 weeks, you may have to follow the after-care guidance provided by the healthcare center strictly. For up to three months, you may feel swelling or reddishness around the area of the incision, which is normal. If you feel any comfortable pain, you may have to reach out to your liposuction surgeon. Otherwise, swelling will gradually start decreasing in the second week. After 3–4 months of complete recovery, you can see the change in the body contours. 

Most importantly, do not expect immediate results. You need patience for at least 3–4 months to ensure promising results, provided you have strictly followed the recovery guidelines. 

How long does liposuction last? Is it permanent or reversible?

In general, the results of this surgery are permanent, as the surgeon removes from your body 60–80% of the subcutaneous fat deposited under the target skin. However, there is a loophole. If the patient adheres to the following healthy habits, the results are truly permanent. On the other hand, if the patient deviates from following the below, the results are reversible. And it is not long-lasting. 

• A healthy diet with nutritional and fiber balance

• Enough hydration (as recommended by the doctors for the age and gender)

• Minimum physical fitness (at least 15–30 minutes of exercise to keep the physical body active)

• Minimizing the intake of trans fat

The liposuction procedure: breaking the other myths 

1. Can I return to work immediately after the surgery?

No, patients cannot immediately resume their work. They need at least one week of complete rest with a compression garment. Based on the areas of the treatment, the doctor may suggest whether or not to resume the work after one week.  

2. Can fat return after liposuction?

Yes, there is a high probability of fat deposition in two to three years after surgery when the patient consumes more fatty foods and misses out on physical activities. This way, the results are reversible and the patient may have to undergo secondary surgery after consultation. 

Book an appointment with the best surgeon, Dr. Jayanthy Ravindran for liposuction in Bangalore

3. Is lipo surgery safe?

The surgery is 100% safe, as it has been approved by the United States FDA. Besides, as a patient, you have to ensure 100% safety from your end. See the checklist here!

4. What to expect after liposuction?

A little discomfort, swelling, bruising, and reddishness are part and parcel of the surgery. The after-surgery medications can heal them in one to two weeks. Do not miss out on the compression garment, as it is essential for recovery and helps expedite the reduction of swelling.