Liposuction is a surgical procedure that helps remove stubborn fat from different parts of the body to create a more toned and sculpted appearance. Many individuals find it challenging to lose weight in specific areas despite following diets or exercising regularly. This treatment allows those who are looking for body contouring to achieve a slimmer silhouette while boosting their self-esteem.
So, can you get liposuction after weight loss? Absolutely! Liposuction is an effective tool to help you reach the finish line in your weight loss and body sculpting journey. With a few target liposuction procedures, you can remove stubborn fat pockets from your body and enjoy the slimmer, more toned physique that you have been working hard toward.
If you would like to explore body sculpting through liposuction, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Friedlander today. Dr. Jack Friedlander and the team of experts at Norcal Liposculpture are some of Northern California’s most trusted cosmetic surgery providers, and we can ensure that you will receive optimal and satisfying results if you choose to receive treatment here. We enjoy speaking with all patients, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Roseville office at (916) 347-7755.
About Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery technique used mainly for fat removal. Over the years, advances in surgical methods have made it safer and more effective. It works by using a suction technique to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, back, and neck. This makes it an appealing option for many seeking to enhance their body proportions. (1)
People seek liposuction for various reasons, including wanting to improve their curves, addressing problem areas that do not respond to diet and exercise, or simply boosting their confidence and self-image. The desire to look good and feel confident is a strong motivator for many patients. Additionally, studies show that liposuction procedures have increased substantially over the years, with thousands of people undergoing this operation annually. (1)
While we encourage weight loss patients to receive liposuction if they are burdened with stubborn deposits of fat, it is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss or bariatric treatment. Liposuction can help you improve your silhouette, but it cannot replace proper dieting and exercise.
Benefits
Liposuction offers weight loss patients the opportunity to fine-tune their figure after they have made impressive progress in weight reduction. At NorCal Liposculpture, our patients see benefits through:
- Effective fat removal: Liposuction effectively diminishes localized fat deposits, presenting a trimmer body shape.
- Body contouring: The procedure provides smoother contours and can create natural-looking curves in various body parts.
- Boosted confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem after their bodies are sculpted as per their desires.
- Long-lasting results: When combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results of liposuction can be maintained over the long term.
- Customizable treatment: Different techniques allow the surgeon to customize the procedure according to the patient’s unique body structure and goals.
- Minimal recovery time: Most patients resume daily activities relatively quickly.
- Improved mobility: The removal of excess fat can improve overall movement and physical activity levels.
- Versatile applications: Liposuction can treat many body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, calves, neck, and arms.
Candidates
If you have lost weight but are still burdened with pockets of fat that will not go away, even with consistent diet and exercise, then liposuction can help you achieve your ideal image. It is generally recommended that patients be at a stable weight or at or near their goal weight before receiving liposuction, as fluctuations in weight can nullify the results of the procedure. (1) Patients should also not smoke or at least be willing to refrain from smoking, be in good general health, and have realistic expectations of their results.
Personal Consultation
The first step in your liposuction treatment is planning an effective procedure at a consultation with Dr. Friedlander. During this meeting, Dr. Friedlander will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss your aesthetic goals. This evaluation will help determine if you are a suitable candidate for liposuction and which techniques might be most beneficial for you.
Preparation
Each patient will receive their own preparation instructions that are specific to their medical history and procedural goals. These preparations are crucial in ensuring a smooth operation and optimal healing. These may vary between each patient, but all can plan to:
- Avoid blood thinners and other medications or supplements as instructed by Dr. Friedlander
- Fast for a set timeframe before their scheduled treatment
- Arrange transportation to and from their treatment
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol
- Schedule time off of work to recover
Liposuction After Weight Loss
Liposuction, specifically liposuction for patients who have lost weight, is planned carefully to remove fat and sculpt a body while ensuring patient safety. Dr. Friedlander performs all liposuction procedures with the patient under general sedation, not general anesthesia. You will still receive local anesthetic around your targeted fat deposits to increase your comfort. Once the external tissue is numbed, Dr. Friedlander will inject a tumescent solution of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine. This helps to numb internal tissue, constrict blood vessels to reduce bleeding, and increase the viscosity of fatty tissue to simplify its removal. (2) Following this, Dr. Friedlander makes a series of small incisions on the targeted fat deposits to provide the liposuction cannula with access to the targeted fat.
Dr. Friedlander uses a special liposuction technology called VASER. VASER, or Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, uses ultrasound technology to dislodge fat from its surrounding tissue. These specialized cannula rods vibrate at rapid frequencies (well above the audible human range at 36 mHz, or 36,000 oscillations per second), and this vibration causes fat to break off from its connective tissue and liquefy. (3) Small holes on the end of the cannula vacuum out this fat and remove it from the body permanently. Once all of the targeted fat deposits have been reduced and removed, Dr. Friedlander will perform a few quick examinations to ensure that your body-sculpting goals have been met. Once the objectives are achieved, your incisions are sutured shut. After a monitoring period, you are dismissed to begin not only your recovery but your new life with a smoother, more contoured figure that increases your confidence.
Recovery
Soreness, bruising, and discomfort are also common after a liposuction procedure. Dr. Friedlander may require you to wear a compression garment during your recovery to maintain consistent pressure on your treatment area. (2) Light walks can also help to reduce swelling, but swelling will fade after 1-2 weeks. You may receive prescriptions for pain medications, and these should be taken as instructed to increase your comfort. Any exercise or intense physical activities should be avoided for at least 3 weeks or until Dr. Friedlander allows you to resume. Your healing and recovery process will also be monitored at a few follow-up appointments with either Dr. Friedlander or another provider at NorCal Liposculpture.
Results
Liposuction patients often see immediate changes following their procedure. However, final results typically manifest gradually as swelling subsides, revealing a more contoured figure. The enhanced body shape can lead to increased confidence, providing a boost to overall self-esteem. The positive effects can last as long as the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Cost of Liposuction in Sacramento
The total cost of your liposuction treatment will depend on a few factors, including the scale of the procedure, how much fat is being removed, what parts of the body are being targeted, any additional procedures you incorporate into treatment, and more. When you consult with Dr. Friedlander and explore your options, you will receive a cost estimate. NorCal Liposculpture also offers financing plans to help patients pay for their treatment. If you have any questions about setting this up or are curious about procedures, prices, our practice, or more, please feel free to call our Roseville office at (916) 347-7755.
FAQ
What areas can liposuction treat?
Liposuction can target various body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, sides, arms, back, and even the neck.
Is liposuction safe?
Yes, liposuction is generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. All surgical procedures carry risks, so it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations before and after surgery.
How much weight can I lose through liposuction?
Liposuction is not intended for significant weight loss. Instead, it is designed for contouring specific areas of the body. Typically, a maximum of ten pounds can be safely removed in one session.
Are liposuction results permanent?
Yes, the results can be permanent as long as the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
What if I gain weight after liposuction?
If you gain weight after the procedure, the weight will likely be distributed across the body, potentially affecting other areas rather than the treated spots.
References
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. Nih.gov. Published February 14, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/?report=reader
- Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020;87(6):367-375. doi:https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097
- de Souza Pinto EB, Chiarello de Souza Pinto Abdala P, Montecinos Maciel C, de Paula Turchiari dos Santos F, Pessoa Martello de Souza R. Liposuction and VASER. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2006;33(1):107-115. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2005.09.001