Spend some time researching liposuction online and you may wind up more confused than ever. Scattered across the liposuction internet landscape are marketing phrases such as tickle lipo and liposculpture, not to mention multiple techniques that include laser-assisted, power-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted. It’s no surprise that we get a lot of questions from liposuction patients at our Richmond, VA, plastic surgery practice.
With that in mind, we’re devoting this blog post to answering some of the most common questions we hear—and explaining the difference between legitimate techniques and gimmicks.
What Is the Typical Liposuction Recovery Time?
Your recovery instructions and timeline will vary greatly depending on the areas treated and the extent of your treatment. Most patients return to work in about 3 to 7 days.
Results are immediately visible and continue to improve as swelling decreases. Most of the swelling is gone 6 weeks post-surgery. Learn more about liposuction recovery from The Aesthetic Society.
Will I Have Scars After Liposuction?
Liposuction scars are a natural consequence of the procedure. That being said, they’re very short and thin and are placed as discreetly as possible. Your scars will fade over time and will be barely perceptible.
How much weight can I lose with liposuction?
It is important for patients to understand that liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure and that the best candidates are at or near the weight they intend to maintain. Even though you may drop a pound or 2, liposuction is best thought of as a body contouring treatment. The amount of fat removed during a procedure depends on the treatment area. Even if liposuction can’t help you lose weight directly, it may make it easier and more enjoyable to stick to a fitness routine. Learn more about the motivating effects of plastic surgery in our related blog post.
What Areas Can Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction can shape and sculpt many areas of the body, including the:
- Liposuction can shape and sculpt many areas of the body, including the:
- Abdomen
- Neck
- Under the Chin
- Ankles
- Face
- Hips
- Thighs
- Lower Back
- Arms
- Buttocks
Liposuction is also key to reshaping the body through fat transfer procedures such as a Brazilian butt lift. After unwanted fat is removed from one area (such as the thighs or belly), it is purified and injected into other areas that need additional fullness, such as the buttocks, face, or breasts.
View liposuction before-and-after photos in our gallery.
CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction: How Do They Compare?
Liposuction is an effective option for removing unwanted fat and shaping the body, allowing the surgeon to shape and sculpt a specific area for beautiful results. Surgery isn’t for everyone, however, and my practice offers a nonsurgical body contouring treatment called CoolSculpting.
This treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells without damage to the surrounding tissues. It requires no downtime after treatment. During your consultation, my team and I will listen to your concerns and goals and work with you to determine the best procedure for your needs.
Can I get CoolSculpting® instead of liposuction?
Nonsurgical fat reduction treatments such as CoolSculpting have become increasingly popular for patients who want to target isolated fat pockets. It can be effective for the right people, but liposuction is the correct approach for patients who want more dramatic and immediate results. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves some recovery time but is often the best choice compared to CoolSculpting.
Can I Get Pregnant After Liposuction?
Liposuction won’t interfere with your ability to conceive or give birth. However, pregnancy after liposuction could affect your results, depending on the area of the body where the procedure was performed. If you’re looking to grow your family in the near future, you may want to consider postponing liposuction until after your family is complete.
When Can I Lift Weights After Liposuction?
While you may be feeling energetic and ready to dive back into your routine after the first week of recovery, you’ll need to take it easy and let your body heal. Healing rates vary, but most patients can resume moderate intensity exercise after a month, with full intensity workouts resuming 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon can advise you on the specifics of your recovery timeline.
Can I Walk on the Treadmill After Liposuction?
I encourage my patients to take slow, gentle walks as soon as they feel able to help with circulation and healing. However, you’ll need to wait a while longer before you can raise the intensity of your workout or introduce any additional elements to your walking regimen, such as weights, increased speed, or incline. Since every patient is different, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendations about adding exercise back into your routine.
When Can I Sleep on My Stomach After Liposuction?
It depends on the surgical site. If you had liposuction as part of a tummy tuck or mommy makeover, you’ll need to sleep on your back for the first several weeks to avoid putting pressure on your stomach or breasts as they heal.
If you received liposuction by itself, you may be able to resume your preferred sleeping position sooner. This question is best posed to your surgeon, who can advise you based on your particular case.
Can I Eat Rice After Liposuction?
After your procedure, eating nutritious but plain or bland food can help soothe your stomach and support the healing process. Brown rice and quinoa are typically considered healthy food choices. Your surgeon can provide guidance about post-procedure nutrition.
What type of liposuction is best?
With so many options, men and women often wonder if there is a single “best” liposuction technique. The answer, as you may guess, is no. In my experience, traditional liposuction—called tumescent liposuction—creates excellent results for most of my patients. It’s a time-tested technique that can be used in most areas of the body. Other techniques involve different types of energy, such as ultrasound and laser, that may be useful for more fibrous fat. We offer an ultrasound-assisted option called VASERlipo.
When Can I Drink Alcohol After Liposuction?
Alcohol consumption can slow your healing. The general recommendation is to abstain from alcohol for at least 2 weeks before and after your liposuction procedure to achieve the best results. Drinking alcohol can exacerbate swelling and make bruising more prominent and contribute to dehydration and fatigue during your critical initial recovery period.