You’ve probably heard of liposuction, it’s like a fat vacuum – yeah? But what is it exactly? Read below for five things you should know whether you’re considering liposuction in Melbourne, the Gold Coast or Double Bay.
How permanent is it?
Very! Once liposuction physically removes the subcutaneous fat using suction and a tube, these fat cells never come back. If you experience a moderate fluctuation in your weight after you’ve had your treatment, your remaining existing fat cells will increase in their size. This means your lipo’ed shape will more or less be intact, albeit slightly more plump. However, if you gain a significant amount more weight, new fat cells may develop which will derail the look your procedure achieved. Therefore, for optimal results with liposuction, remain healthy and active to prevent undoing this aesthetic investment.
And it fixes cellulite too?
NO! Despite common misconceptions, the dimply look of cellulite, stretch marks, or simply sagging skin, will not necessarily improve as a result of liposuction. So how come so many people come away from a treatment sans excess skin? Generally this is because at the same time as a liposuction procedure, they have also had a skin tightening procedure, such as those that use laser or radio frequencies. Ask at your consultation what option will work for you if you have concerns about the skin’s appearance as a result of liposuction.
How long does it take?
Lipo is normally a day procedure, with the actual surgery taking only a few hours, if that.However, while you’ll probably be back at work in a few days following your treatment, you might still have swelling and tenderness for a week or so after. Exercise wise, you’ll want to wait around 10 days before you smash it out at the gym and the same for sports. For at least four to six weeks post-procedure you’ll want to wear your prescribed compression garments for optimal results. How long until you see your ‘final’ shape as a result of the procedure will vary on your health and where you actually had fat removed from, but one to three months is a general guide – so don’t wait till summer to get treatment, plan ahead!
Prep wise, what should I know?
In terms of your pre-op, you must not smoke for two weeks prior and after the surgery.Some medications may need to be temporarily ceased for a certain period, like those containing estrogen such as birth control pills, anticoagulants and vitamins C and E.It’s highly unlikely that even the highest level of private health care will provide any rebates if it’s performed as a purely cosmetic procedure, so sort out your payment terms before you confirm your procedure. Also, you’ll probably need a good buddy to take you home after as it’s not particularly safe to drive straight afterwards. Finally, you can visit more than one surgeon before you commit to liposuction. In fact, we recommend to visit at least three to discuss their techniques, experience and pricing before you commit to treatment.