Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Leonardo Fasano - Body Sculpting Specialist
For many people, stubborn localised pockets of fat are thought of as something that must be lived with, since no amount of exercise or calorie restriction seems to have an impact. However, there are a number of solutions to the problem, all centring around selective fat reduction, or liposuction. Liposuction is one of the most regularly performed cosmetic body contouring procedures available. In this article we will be taking a look at the results that can be expected following liposuction and answering some of the common queries that arise when it comes to liposuction.
Regardless of the technique used, liposuction results depend on a number of factors. These include the amount of fat removed, the area that has been treated and how much recovery time has passed.
Immediately after treatment there will be localised swelling which will prevent appreciation of your liposuction results, but this will begin to subside within weeks. In the initial days following surgery, inflammation and water retention will lead to a bloated appearance but this is not a cause for concern and is an expected part of the recovery journey.
Depending on the amount of fat that has been removed and the extent of skin laxity prior to surgery, it is possible that the skin may begin to appear loose around the treated area. Over time, the skin will respond by tightening around the new contours of the body. The degree of skin tightening is variable depending on the type of liposuction used, skin elasticity and adherence to a compression wear schedule. This is why it is important to follow the guidance provided by your surgeon and nurse counsellor following surgery. If you have specific concerns relating to loose skin, this should be discussed during the consultation period as a solution could be integrated into your procedure.
It is expected that any residual swelling can take between 1 and 3 months to subside entirely. It is at this point when the final results of the liposuction procedure can be appreciated.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove specific, localised deposits of fat from underneath the skin for body contouring purposes and should not be treated as a method of weight loss.
The maximum safe volume of fat that can be removed during a liposuction procedure depends on the technique used, but this is generally limited to 5 litres. This equates to around 10lbs and this limit is in place to reduce the risk of potentially serious complications, including the endocrine effects of high-volume fat loss.
As with any method of fat reduction, whether that be surgical or lifestyle modification, long term maintenance of results requires sustained commitment. Whilst it is true that fat cells removed during liposuction cannot return, it is possible for the remaining fat cells to enlarge if there is a need to store excess calories from the diet. Therefore it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that contains a suitable number of calories to prevent weight gain following surgery.
See more amazing liposuction results on our Instagram page.
If you would like to explore how The Harley Medical Group can help you achieve your body contouring and fat removal goals, and achieve some amazing vaser liposuction results for yourself then you can find out more about liposuction, find a surgeon who specialises in liposuction, and book a free-no obligation consultation with a patient advisor today.
