As we age, there are changes in the body that simply can’t be avoided. Liposuction can be one of the most effective ways to wipe out fat among those who are close to their ideal size, but have a problem area they’d like to eliminate. The patient who wants to reshape their body and balance their appearance will notice the best results. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons don’t recommend the procedure as a weight loss tool; it’s best used when there are areas that can’t be addressed through diet and exercise alone.
By Stafford R. Broumand, MD
and Beverly Brooks
The Plastic Surgery Channel
Stubborn Problem Areas
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise is the gold standard when it comes to fighting fat. However with aging, the problem areas become more prominent making it virtually impossible to lose ‘stubborn fat’ through diet and exercise alone. “When I have a patient who works out at the gym and eats healthy food, they become frustrated when the fat around their outer thighs or abdomen won’t go away,” says Dr. Stafford Broumand, a board certified plastic surgery from New York City. “Thankfully we have an answer for them through liposuction.”
A Popular, Modern Area for Liposuction: The Neck
Liposuction of the neck is gaining in popularity among both men and women. It can be performed under ‘local anesthesia’, meaning the patient is awake and the procedure has minimal downtime. An escort is no longer needed to assist the patient before or after the procedure. The recuperation is fast; patients can be up and about the next day. They will leave the office with a small head wrap, and can be back at work between three to five days.
Recovery Time
The exact recovery time depends on the size and number of treatment areas. Many patients are able to resume normal daily activities after about one week, others may take up to two weeks. There will be some bruising and swelling, and post-operative discomfort can be relieved with medication. Results from the procedure will be noticed during the recovery period and become more apparent in the weeks following the procedure.
Will the Fat Come Back?
The reluctance to have liposuction because the fat can comes back is real. Without proper exercise and healthy diet, the fat will return. In cases of extremely aggressive liposuction – where a very large volume of fat is removed – the likelihood of fat returning to other areas of the body is possible. Plastic surgeons often recommend a diet plan, a trainer at the gym, and nutritional advice to ensure patients receive optimal results.