Blog Article
Is Liposuction Right for Me?
Many people struggle with stubborn fat that lingers in certain areas of the body, despite careful dieting and regular exercise. Liposuction is well-known and popularly received due to its ability to remove excess fat and sculpt a more defined, toned body shape. However, before jumping into any surgery, it’s important to determine whether it is right for you. If you’re considering liposuction, here are the factors that will determine whether liposuction is the right choice for you.
How is Your Overall Health?
First things first, you must consider your overall health. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and requires that patients be in good general health, as an unhealthy patient is far more likely to experience complications. If you have underlying medication conditions that could increase the risks of surgery, or if you are taking certain medications, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure. Talk to your doctor to learn whether any of your health conditions or medications may disqualify you from getting liposuction.
How Much Fat Removal Do You Need?
Liposuction is not designed to eliminate significant amounts of fatty tissue; it is used to get rid of localized pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is important to recognize that this is a body contouring procedure and not a weight-loss procedure. If you are significantly overweight or obese, you are not a good candidate for liposuction. However, if you are already at or near your ideal weight, and your weight is stable (you’re not currently trying to lose weight), you could be the perfect candidate for liposuction.
Where Do You Need Fat Removal?
Liposuction can remove fat from virtually anywhere on the body. If you need targeted fat removal for areas that seem untreatable with your valiant dietary and exercise efforts, liposuction could be the right fat removal procedure for you.
How is Your Skin Elasticity?
After liposuction removes fat from the body, skin that is healthy and elastic will contract back to conform to your new, smaller contours. If your skin does not retain good elasticity, it may not contract fully and will instead appear loose and saggy. This could mar your results and may mean also having to undergo an additional procedure to remove the excess, sagging skin. Having good skin quality is key to achieving the desired liposuction result of slimmer, more toned body contours.
What Are Your Expectations?
This is perhaps the most important question you can ask yourself, and it requires an honest answer. Realistic expectations are essential. Liposuction can improve your body contours, but it is not a magic wand. It cannot replace a healthy lifestyle, and it cannot address loose skin or cellulite. It also must be understood that this is a major surgery, accompanied by a recovery period and time off work. You will likely experience some temporary postoperative swelling and discomfort, and you will have small, inconspicuous scars in the treated area. You should also understand all the risks and benefits of this procedure and be committed to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
If you are considering liposuction, it’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs and determine whether you are a good candidate. Dr. Richard Mouchantat is a Denver-area board-certified plastic surgeon with a strong reputation in the Denver cosmetic community. He can help you understand whether liposuction is right for you.
To book an appointment with Dr. Mouchantat, call (303) 232-8585 or contact us online today.
