Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the US because its results can be transformative in exchange for a relatively small amount of recovery time. At Longwood Plastic Surgery, we’re pleased to help our patients sculpt their bodies to boost confidence, achieve their aesthetic goals, and live an active, healthy lifestyle.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Liposuction aims to remove stubborn pockets of fat virtually anywhere on the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. It can be performed under general or sedation anesthesia, and all liposuction procedures at LPS are performed in our accredited outpatient surgery suite for maximum safety and comfort. With your unique physiology in mind, your liposuction begins with your surgeon marking the treatment area with a guide for your liposuction sculpting.
Once you’re under the anesthesia’s effects, small incisions are made to insert a cannula into the adipose pad where your stubborn fat resides. The fat is then suctioned away and your contours are sculpted for the pleasing body shape you’ve discussed with your LPS providers. With the advanced techniques your LPS surgeon employs, your liposuction is tailored exactly to your needs and are designed to minimize postoperative recovery as much as possible.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you have stubborn fat you just can’t diet or exercise away, liposuction may be for you. The best results occur for patients within 30 pounds of their ideal weight with good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Your LPS surgeon can go into more detail at your consultation.
How Long is Recovery from Liposuction?
Every patient’s journey is unique, so recovery varies by individual depending on age, overall health, and prior medical history. It’s important to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recovery plan following your procedure.
Days 1-3: Upon completion of your procedure, you’ll be wearing a compression bandage over your treatment area to help reduce swelling and maintain your surgeon’s carefully crafted work. It’s recommended you wear this garment for 2-3 weeks. You can expect moderate pain, soreness, and swelling, which will be managed with cold compression and prescription medication.
Your LPS team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which will include getting you ambulatory as soon as possible to keep blood flowing well and prevent blood clots. Listen to your body and don’t overdo it. Resting in a time where people are so busy may be difficult, but the more energy you save for healing, the faster your recovery will be. If you have small children or a busy household, perhaps a friend or family member can help out.
Week 1-2: You should begin to feel more lively by the end of week 1 with a moderate to a significant reduction of pain and soreness. Many people return to work after 1-2 weeks unless their job is strenuous or demanding. You may not have many stitches as the incisions made are typically small, but they will be removed sometime in the first 7-10 days, and you’ll follow up with your LPS surgeon for a check-up. Increase your activity level moderately as you feel ready.
Weeks 3-5: By now, the soreness will mostly be gone, though swelling may require more time to subside. Your results will become more visible, with a slimmer profile in the treatment area. Around 4 weeks, you may begin exercising lightly again.
Beyond 6 weeks: Your activity levels are no longer restricted, and the full scope of your results is evident. It’s time to enjoy the results from the procedure made in your physique, outlook, and confidence.
“Dr. Reformat the great artist. I’m speechless with the amazing work he did on my boobs”reduction/lift” and all the liposuction sculptured with perfection. I’m so happy and I can’t wait to enjoy it this summer. Thank you so much for all your effort and hard work for being so supportive before, during and after the procedure. God bless you My daughter is next in line.” *
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about liposuction? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.