Every year, when summer is around the corner, people look for ways to look and feel their best. Some go about it the healthy way by implementing lifestyle changes — incorporating whole foods, exercising regularly, and limiting sugar intake. Others fall prey to unsustainable fad and trendy diet plans that leave them feeling hungry and unsuccessful. At some point, after investing so much time, effort, and energy into achieving the body of your dreams, you may start to wonder about liposuction. What does it entail? Are there any requirements that would make you a good candidate?
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that suctions excess fat from targeted areas of the body. It is typically used to contour the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. In some cases, people may request it to help shape their arms or get rid of fat on their necks. It can also provide a solution to gynecomastia in men. However, liposuction will not reduce the appearance of cellulite.
There are different types of liposuction. The most common include:
- Suction-assisted liposuction. This is the standard method of suctioning the excess fat through small tubes inserted into the fat pockets through small incisions on the skin. These tubes are connected to a vacuum to remove the fat from the body.
- Laser-assisted liposuction. This type of procedure uses laser beams to turn fat cells into liquid before suctioning out of the affected body part. This makes it easier to remove the excess fat and results in a shorter recovery time.
- Tumescent liposuction. With this technique, the targeted fat cells are infused with a saline solution that causes the targeted area to become swollen and firm. This eliminates the need for general anesthesia and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding.
What are the requirements to get liposuction?
Liposuction isn’t for everyone. In fact, there are several factors that come into play when deciding whether a person is a good candidate for the procedure. First of all, it should never be considered as a weight loss alternative. If such is your goal, talk with your doctor about starting a sustainable diet plan and how to get started on an exercise schedule that’s right for you — taking into account your medical history and specific needs. Once your body weight is within a healthy range, you may be a good candidate for liposuction if you meet the following requirements:
- You are a nonsmoker
- You are in good mental health and have realistic expectations
- You are within 30% of your ideal body weight
- The fat deposits you want to eliminate haven’t responded to diet and exercise
- The targeted areas are disproportionate to the rest of your body
- You have firm skin — if the skin has poor elasticity, once the excess fat is removed, your skin may hang loose over the treated areas
- You are relatively healthy — certain medical conditions may cause life-threatening complications
If You’re Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery, Contact Innovations Medical
If you’re looking to reshape your body and boost your self-confidence, Innovations Medical is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and resolve any concerns you have about cosmetic surgery services. We’ve been helping our patients look their best since 1984, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To explore cosmetic options and learn how Innovations Medical can bounce back your body, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule a consultation.