Wondering if liposuction is a good idea for you? Click here to learn why it is.

If you’re looking to get skinny fast, you might be considering liposuction. You aren’t alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were nearly 16 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2015 and the industry has grown by 115 percent since the year 2000. Liposuction remains one of the top five surgical procedures performed. But is it right for you?



There are pros and cons, as you’d expect with any surgery, cosmetic or otherwise. It’s not right for everyone and isn’t a magic cure for weight loss either. If you’re considering going under the knife to slim down, it pays to do your homework first so you have realistic expectations for what you can expect. Keep reading to find out more about liposuction.

What is Liposuction?
You never want to undergo a procedure without a clear understanding of what’s going to happen. Liposuction involves suctioning excess fat from your body through surgical incisions made at the site.

It’s best for people who have too much fat in a specific part of their body but are generally at a stable weight. Liposuction is considered a surgical procedure so it’s not without its risks, but it can help you achieve the body you want. Remember it’s not a magical cure.

Body Parts Treated
Liposuction is used to remove excess fat from specific parts of the body. The procedure can be performed on the thighs, buttocks, hips, back, inner knee, chest, calves, ankles, stomach, chin, cheeks and neck. Some people only need/want the procedure in one area, while others might need it in several places. Your doctor can help you determine which parts of your body may respond well to liposuction.

Who Is a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is a good candidate for liposuction so it’s important to discuss it with your doctor and then choose a practitioner who is skilled and experienced in the procedure. It’s best for people who have good skin tone and healthy skin elasticity, as results are better if the skin is able to bounce back when pushed or pulled out of shape. If the skin isn’t tight enough, the procedure may leave it looking saggy.

People with the following conditions are generally not considered good candidates for liposuction:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Circulation and blood flow issues
Weakened immune system.

Doctors generally won’t perform liposuction on anyone under age 18.

Benefits of Liposuction
There are many potential benefits of liposuction, but it’s important to keep in mind that results vary based on the individual so yours might be different than someone else’s. The main benefit of liposuction and the reason most people seek it out is that it can change your body’s shape and contour. It helps to slim down certain areas and create a slimmer silhouette. Someone who has had a gastric bypass surgery can create a thinner body by having extra fat removed. Liposuction can also boost self-esteem and drive healthier lifestyle choices. Results are usually immediate, which is one of its main attractions for many.
Liposuction is also part of treatment for certain conditions, including

Gynecomastia
Lipodystrophy syndrome
Excessive sweating.

With good aftercare, the results may last for many years.

Risks of Liposuction
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with fat removal.

One of the biggest risks is that your skin won’t end up smooth and there will be bumpy or wavy spots. This is usually due to uneven fat removal and damage under the skin. That’s why it’s important to find a licensed and experienced surgeon.

Other risks include
Temporary fluid accumulation at the site
Temporary or permanent numbness
Infection at the incision points

Some risks are rare but still bear consideration. If the cannula that suctions the fat is inserted too far, it might puncture an internal organ. A fat embolism occurs when a stray piece of fat gets trapped in a blood vessel and ends up in the lungs or brain. Lidocaine toxicity and kidney and heart problems are other risks to keep in mind. Most people have no complications and recover quickly, but it’s best to be prepared so you can get help if you notice any of these dangerous side effects.

What Liposuction Can’t Do
Liposuction sounds pretty great, right? Especially if you’re someone who wants to get liposuction to lose weight fast. While there are some great benefits to choosing the procedure, it’s not a cure to being overweight or obese. It’s not a treatment for obesity or weight loss and isn’t a healthy replacement for a nutritious diet and exercise plan. It’s not going to get rid of cellulite or fix saggy skin. It’s best used as part of a plan to get healthy and look great. You can’t replace healthy foods and cardio with liposuction. They must be used together for good health and optimal results.

What to Do After Liposuction
Taking good care of yourself after the procedure is important for long-lasting results. You may experience some pain and swelling, which you can keep in check with medications recommended by your surgeon. You can expect most of this to go away completely in a couple of weeks. You might need to wear support bandages and may need to take antibiotics to help prevent infection. You will probably see significant bruising so be cautious about bumps to the area. If you have stitches, they’ll be removed by your surgeon at a follow-up appointment. Make sure you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully for the best results.

The Skinny on Liposuction
Liposuction has helped many people get the body they want and it can do the same for you. The trick is to combine the treatment with healthy lifestyle choices that support your new slimmer, healthier-looking body. Taking care of yourself ensures years of results and saves you the cost and pain of having to repeat the surgery down the road. Read more about living your best life at Fooyah, where you can find advice on everything from health to fitness to entertainment to fashion and more.