The honest truth is: undergoing surgery of any kind is a big step. This holds even for procedures like liposuction, which has been practiced since the 1970s. Though the procedure has developed a long-standing reputation as being safe and effective, you understandably still have questions that you want answered before the procedure.
Dr. Alain Polynice performs liposuction and body contouring procedures here at Turner Medical Arts. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and will provide you with all the info you need before your liposuction. However, we’ve put together a list of the most pressing questions patients have before their visits to give you a taste of what you can expect. Read on to learn more about liposuction and schedule a consultation with Dr. Polynice here at our Santa Barbara office when you’re ready.
What Happens During Liposuction?
In brief, this procedure involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting a tool called a cannula into the fat pocket. The cannula is a tube attached to a suction device or syringe to extract the fat. In most cases, liposuction is an outpatient surgery, so while you may be put under general anesthesia, you are often allowed to go home the same day as the surgery.
Is Liposuction a Weight Loss Procedure?
A common misconception about liposuction is that it is performed to help you lose weight. Actually, the goal of this procedure is to remove fat from specific areas. The area targeted during the operation will become slimmer, but this surgery will not facilitate weight loss. Diet and exercise are natural weight loss methods, and surgeries like gastric bypass can facilitate weight loss.
What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?
In most cases, you can expect to return to work in a few days and resume all normal activities, like exercise, within 2-4 weeks or less. The most common post-surgical effects include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Often, wearing compression garments and avoiding certain activities is advised. Following Dr. Ploynice’s instructions after your surgery is important to minimize side effects and ensure you get the best results.
What Sort of Scarring Can You Expect?
The cannula used in liposuction is a small instrument, so the scars you can expect from its insertion will be small. Their quantity will be based on how many insertion points are needed to address the area. The quality of your skin will also play a role in determining the extent of scarring. Dr. Polynice will discuss the strategy he will employ during your procedure to ensure minimal scarring and the best result possible.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
The fat cells that are removed via liposuction are removed for good. This means that the targeted area will be flatter once your body heals. It can take several weeks or months to see the extent of your results. In most cases, loose skin and swelling can be expected right after the procedure. While fat is removed for good, it’s important to note that new fat can still form in the targeted area. Therefore, a proper diet and exercise are recommended to maintain your physique.
Connect With Dr. Polynice to Get Started
If you are considering a liposuction procedure and have more questions, we encourage you to connect with Dr. Polynice to discuss the procedure in greater depth. Contact our team at Turner Medical Arts to schedule your appointment today. You can reach our Santa Barbara office by calling (805) 962-1957 or filling out the form below.
