While there are many treatments available for reducing fat, such as diet and exercise, sometimes these methods are simply not enough. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can safely and effectively remove excess fat from different areas of the body. Dr. Bruce Kadz in Beverly Hills, CA, has the surgical expertise and experience to perform liposuction in a way that results in beautiful, natural-looking results.
Is Liposuction a Permanent Fix?
The fat cells that are removed during liposuction will not grow back, thus the results are considered permanent. However, you can still gain weight after having surgery. This is because new fat cells can grow in the area where surgery was done. To maintain your results, it’s crucial to follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Consultation
During your consultation, we will discuss your goals for treatment, perform a physical examination, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Here’s a more comprehensive list of things that we will discuss during your appointment:
Your Goals for Treatment
One of the first things the doctor will do during your consultation is ask about your goals for treatment. What areas of your body would you like to target? What kind of results are you hoping to achieve? Answering these questions will help us develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and objectives.
A Physical Examination
A physical examination will help us determine which areas of your body are most suited for treatment. For example, if you’re looking to contour your thighs, we will closely examine the amount of fat and tissue in that area to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for liposuction. In some cases, patients may be better suited for alternative treatments like a tummy tuck or an arm tuck.
Treatment Planning
Once we’ve examined the areas you’d like to target, we will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan will take into account the amount of fat and tissue in the targeted area as well as any underlying medical conditions that could impact treatment. For example, if you have diabetes or dyslipidemia, we may recommend alternative treatments or additional precautions prior to surgery.
The Cost of Treatment
This surgery is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, which means that it’s not typically covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover part of the cost if the surgery is being performed for medically necessary reasons such as treating lymphedema. During your consultation, we will provide you with a detailed estimate of all costs associated with treatment including pre-operative tests, surgical fees, and post-operative care.
Preparation
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with surgery, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for the procedure.
Stock on Food Supplies
Immediately after surgery, you’ll likely find it difficult to cook or go out to buy food. You’ll also need to limit your activity level, so having a well-stocked pantry will make it easy to get the nutrients you need without expending a lot of energy.
When stocking your pantry, choose items that are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Canned soup, frozen vegetables, and whole-grain bread are all good options. You should also make sure to have plenty of water on hand, as staying hydrated is essential for recovery.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce the flow of blood to the skin. This can cause the skin to heal more slowly and may lead to complications such as infection. In addition, smoking can cause the body to produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with the goal of the procedure.
People who smoke may have less success with surgery and may be more likely to experience side effects such as bruising and swelling. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco are some of the substances that can affect the body’s ability to heal.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can have a number of effects on the body, and these effects can impact the success of the surgery. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can lead to excessive bleeding during surgery. Moreover, alcohol consumption can cause inflammation and bruising, making it difficult for the surgeon to work effectively.
Finally, the recovery process after surgery is typically slower for patients who have been drinking alcohol prior to the procedure. For these reasons, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption for at least two weeks before undergoing surgery.
Make Sure You’re in Good Health
There are a number of potential complications that can occur if you don’t maintain your health leading up to and after the surgery. For example, you may be at risk for infection if you have poor wound healing or a weakened immune system.
Additionally, you may experience excessive bleeding or bruising if you take blood thinners or have other medical conditions that affect blood clotting. Finally, you may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia if you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications.
Bring Someone With You To Drive You Home After Surgery
Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. This is because you will be under the effects of anesthesia, which can alter your mental state and impair your ability to drive. Additionally, the surgery involves making small incisions in the skin and then suctioning out the fat cells.
This can lead to discomfort in the treatment area, making it difficult to drive. It’s also a good idea to have someone with you who can help you with any post-operative care that may be needed, such as applying ice or helping you to take your medication.
Arrive Early on the Day of Surgery
There are a few reasons to arrive early on the day of your surgery. First, you’ll need to check in with the receptionist and fill out any necessary paperwork. Then, you’ll be given a tour of the facility and introduced to the medical team that will be performing the procedure.
Once you’ve met everyone and seen where you’ll be spending the day, you can finally relax and mentally prepare for your procedure. It’s essential to be in a calm and relaxed state before surgery so that you can focus on your recovery.
How Surgery Is Done
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. First, small incisions are made in the skin. Then, a cannula is inserted through the incisions and used to break up the fat cells and suction them out of the body. The length of the surgery depends on the amount of fat being removed, but it typically takes about one to three hours.
After the surgery, the incisions are closed with stitches and a compression garment is worn to help reduce swelling. This procedure has a low risk of complications when performed by an experienced team.
Ways To Improve Your Recovery
Get Plenty of Rest
For the first few days after your procedure, it’s important to take it easy and let your body recover. You should avoid any strenuous activity, including exercise, for at least two weeks after your procedure.
Take Your Medications as Directed
We will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help you manage discomfort and reduce your risk of infection during your recovery. Be sure to take these medications as directed and not skip any doses.
Keep Your Incisions Clean
You’ll have small incisions where the cannula was inserted during the procedure. These incisions need to be kept clean to prevent infection. We will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, but in general, you should clean them twice a day. Be sure to pat them dry afterward rather than rubbing them.
Follow Up With Your Doctor
After your procedure, you’ll need to have a few follow-up appointments with us so we can monitor your recovery process and make sure everything is healing properly. It’s crucial not to miss any of these appointments so that the doctor can catch any issues early on and provide treatment if necessary.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
The results of liposuction are permanent, but it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure to prevent new fat cells from developing. At our practice, we offer a wide range of body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks and Brazilian butt lifts. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your desired look, contact Dr. Bruce Kadz in Beverly Hills, CA, to schedule your consultation.
