Do You Have Some Questions About Liposuction?

Liposuction is a very popular cosmetic surgery, ending in the top three every year in the United States plastic surgery procedure totals. When it first came to the U.S. from France (where it was developed) in the 1980s liposuction was a relatively violent procedure involving an aggressive movement of the cannula under the skin to break up and suction out the fat cells. That caused extensive skin trauma and subsequent bruising, making for a lengthy recovery period. Since that time, technical changes in the procedure have made for much easier recovery and more precise results. For instance, Dr. Moskovitz also includes ultrasound-assisted liposuction and power-assisted liposuction when those methods mesh with patient needs.

Liposuction is popular with our patients here in the tri-state area. If you’re considering the procedure, you probably have a host of questions. The best way to address them is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Moskovitz. Short of that, however, here are some answers to some typical questions that we hear from our patients.

Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction?

During the procedure, the fat cells that are suctioned out are gone permanently, but you can develop new fat cells. If you gain a significant amount of weight, say 10% of your body weight, then new fat cells can develop. Recent studies have shown that fat people have more fat cells than thin people. This can include areas previously treated with liposuction. But if you don’t gain a bunch of weight the new contour is permanent.

If I gain weight does the fat come back to the treated areas?

After liposuction, smaller amounts of fat gain usually do not occur in the treatment areas. Those lesser weight gains usually accumulate in untreated areas, where they could be the target of future liposuction.

What if I get pregnant after liposuction?

Weight gain in pregnancy should be temporary. Because of this, pregnancy shouldn’t affect your liposuction results. If a patient has liposuction and subsequently becomes pregnant, gains weight gives birth and loses the excess weight from pregnancy, then her original liposuction improvements will return as if she had never been pregnant.

How many pounds of fat can be removed?

There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed in a single liposuction procedure. The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is about 6 to 8 pounds. If more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat needs to be removed, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.

How long will it take to see results?

Most patients will see 90 percent of their ultimate liposuction results within one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery, there will be postoperative swelling. The technique used dictates the duration of the swelling.

Will liposuction help my cellulite?

Cellulite does not improve after liposuction. Cellulite is a result of the structural support under the skin; it is not due to fat accumulation. Liposuction deals only with the removal of fat cells. Liposuction may actual make the dimpling caused by cellulite to appear worse.

If you have other questions for Dr. Moskovitz about liposuction, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 201-225-1101.