Have you been struggling with losing that last bit of fat on your back, stomach, or thighs? Maybe diet and exercise are no longer working? Liposuction can often do what diet and exercise can’t. If you have stubborn pockets of fat on your body that you just can’t seem to get rid of, liposuction is likely the perfect solution. But while this procedure has become very popular over the years, what exactly does it entail? Let’s take an in-depth look at what liposuction is, what happens during the procedure, and who makes the best candidate.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is an extremely popular minimally-invasive plastic surgery procedure that shapes and contours parts of the body by removing excess fat. It can be used to treat the chin, buttocks, thighs, hips, abdomen, cheeks, neck, calves, and more. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution or weight-loss surgery.

What Happens During the Liposuction Procedure?

After general anesthesia is administered, Dr. Howland will make small incisions in the area receiving treatment. A small tube (called a cannula) is then inserted to break up the fat and then a vacuum is used to suck out the targeted fat pockets. Fat is removed until the desired effect is achieved and then the incisions are closed up. Liposuction is often combined with other procedures like a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or breast reduction.

Who Is The Best Candidate For Liposuction

Any person who is interested in the procedure should speak with a licensed professional about if they are a good candidate for liposuction. Generally, if you are a nonsmoker, in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are struggling with pockets of fat, you are likely a good candidate for liposuction.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Liposuction

Liposuction, like other procedures, have pros and cons. While fat can be successfully removed from certain areas, the patient must follow certain protocols to sustain the results. In some cases, there may be a small bit of scarring. But with a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Howland, this is often not the case.  The overwhelming majority of people who undergo the procedure feel more confident about their overall appearance.

What To Expect After Liposuction

Once the procedure is complete, you will undoubtedly feel some discomfort and soreness. In most cases, this can be remedied with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you feel extreme pain, contact your physician immediately. There may also be some slight bruising, which should diminish over time. The downtime after liposuction can be anywhere from 10 to 14 days. Once the swelling subsides, you will be able to see the results more clearly. For best results, it is important that you follow the post-op instructions given to you by Dr. Howland.

Schedule A Consultation

Ready to achieve the body you’ve been looking for? Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Howland at Howland Plastic Surgery is a great first step. He can answer any questions you have, walk you through the procedure, and talk about aftercare.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Draper, UT office at (385) 313-8590 or use our online scheduling form. We can’t wait to help you achieve your goals!