How Much Fat Can Be Removed During Liposuction?
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One of the keys to plastic surgery preparation is having realistic expectations for your results. It’s easy to assume that plastic surgery can accomplish anything; however, these procedures are not miracle cures.
Understanding what plastic surgery techniques like liposuction can accomplish is the first part of the process.
Even if you are not well-versed in the ins and outs of plastic surgery, you likely know that liposuction removes unwanted fat from the body. And this is true.
However, what isn’t true is that liposuction is an alternative to natural weight loss. This is a misconception and an unhealthy one at that.
How Does Weight Loss and Fat Removal Differ?
Because liposuction removes fat cells from the body, it is easy to assume that it is the same as weight loss, whether natural weight loss with diet or exercise or surgical-assisted weight loss like that after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery.
Weight loss occurs when fat cells shrink in size. Fat reduction procedures like liposuction permanently remove fat cells from the body.
While both methods essentially reduce the volume of fat in a specific treatment area, it is important to understand that there is a limit to how much fat can be removed at one time. Because of this, liposuction should never be used as an alternative to healthy weight loss.
What Does Liposuction Involve?
Some patients may have a misconception as to exactly what liposuction is. The perception can be that liposuction is instant fat loss that takes the place of proper nutrition and exercise.
Liposuction removes fat cells from one or more areas to recontour the body, not lose weight. A typical liposuction procedure involves the following steps:
- The patient receives anesthesia. Depending upon the procedure, this can be local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation.
- A small, inconspicuous incision is made on the body.
- A sterile cannula is passed through the incision and fat cells are suctioned out of the area using a back-and-forth motion.
Where on the Body Can You Have Liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed on many areas of the body. Some of the most common include:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Face
- Hips
- Knees
- Thighs
- Upper arms
Other areas, such as the ankles, can also be spot-reduced.
Should You Use Liposuction to Lose Weight?
Liposuction is intended to spot-reduce areas of stubborn fat and to recontour the body into a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing shape.
If you have weight to lose, it is best to do so before having liposuction. This way, your plastic surgeon can determine what excess fat is left and how you will look once the procedure is completed.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?
Now that you know what liposuction does, here’s who it’s for.
The ideal liposuction candidate:
- Is at or near their ideal body weight
- Has a stable (non-fluctuating) body weight
- Is generally healthy
- Does not smoke
- Has realistic expectations of the possible result
How Much Fat Can Be Removed Via Liposuction?
For a healthy, young individual, a maximum of four liters of fat can be removed via liposuction.
Remember that even for a person with no extenuating health or other circumstances, that is the upper limit. Most people will have less fat than this removed.
Ask your plastic surgeon how much fat you can expect to have removed during your procedure.
Is Liposuction Permanent?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body. Those cells will not grow back.
However, the remaining fat cells can grow larger if you gain weight. This means it is possible to gain weight after a liposuction procedure if you are not careful.
It is best to only have liposuction if you are already at or near your goal weight and do not expect to regain it.
Deciding on Liposuction
Because there are so many options and everyone’s goals are different, you will want to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, and remember to keep your expectations realistic. Do not expect instant weight loss from liposuction.
Instead, liposuction can give you a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing silhouette. Done properly, liposuction can help increase your self-confidence so you can look and feel your best.
Interested in Starting Your Liposuction Journey in Orlando, FL?
If you are ready for a slimmer, more toned body contour, contact Le Contour Aesthetic Surgery in Orlando, Florida, today. Call us at (407) 633-7941 or fill out our online contact form.
