Liposuction & Laser Lipo SurgerySelecting the Right Physician for Your Liposuction
How do you select the perfect physician for your treatment? The most important decision you will make regarding liposuction is not the technique or the technology used — it’s the physician that performs treatment. It is critical that you select a physician with years of experience, and also with whom you feel comfortable and safe. Dr. Raj has performed countless liposuction and i-Lipo procedures, and is committed to making the liposuction experience safe, comfortable and private for all of his patients. At his Cleveland plastic surgery center, Dr. Raj has helped thousands of patients eliminate unsightly bulges and enjoy a slimmer shape and a sexier physique.
Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
You may be an ideal candidate for liposuction if you meet the following criteria:
- You have spent months working out or dieting yet cannot achieve the body contour you desire.
- You are in good general health and follow healthy lifestyle habits.
- You are at, or close to your target weight.
- You do not smoke.
- You are not planning to fluctuate in weight significantly after surgery.
- You do not plan to become pregnant in the immediate future.
- You have reasonable expectations of surgery and can clearly articulate your goals to Dr. Raj.
Dr. Raj meets with all potential candidates one-on-one to evaluate whether liposuction is a suitable treatment option.
Preparing for Liposuction
After you have booked your surgery, Dr. Raj and our team will provide comprehensive instructions to prepare you for the operation. If you smoke, you will be asked to quit a few weeks prior to surgery. You will also be asked to stop taking certain medications that can raise the risks of surgery. You might need to undergo certain testing, as well.
You should also prepare by making some logistical arrangements for the day of surgery and your recovery. For example, arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you the first night after the operation. Have your prescriptions filled and prep your bedroom or living room with essential items you may need after surgery to remain comfortable.
Treatment Details
Traditional liposuction with Dr. Raj is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Liposuction has been performed safely for decades. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia for your complete comfort.
To begin, Dr. Raj makes a few small incisions in the treatment area. He then inserts a thin, hollow tube called a cannula, and moves it back and forth through the fatty tissue to break it up. Then, he uses gentle suction to remove the unwanted fat from the body. Dr. Raj works carefully and deliberately to ensure a smooth contour and proportional results. Once he has finished the fat removal, he closes the incisions with small sutures.
Recovering from Liposuction
Immediately after surgery, you will be fitted with a special tight garment that applies gentle pressure to the treated area. This helps support the tissues as they heal. You will receive instructions for how long to wear the garment.
You will also be prescribed pain medication to take as needed. Many patients experience mild discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, as well as mild to moderate swelling and bruising in the days and weeks following liposuction surgery.
Initially, there will be some restrictions on your activity level and range of motion. For example, you need to take one to two weeks off from work or school, and refrain from any exercise during your initial recovery. We will provide a more detailed timeline for resuming your normal routine.
Dr. Raj will schedule follow-up visits during your initial recovery so he can check your healing progress. You should attend all of these appointments, as they are a good opportunity to ask questions and bring up any concerns that you have.
Liposuction Results
After recovering from liposuction, you will notice that the treated area looks flatter and firmer. Your clothing will fit better, and you might even be able to fit into a smaller size. Psychologically, you will feel more confident, knowing you no longer need to cover up problem areas or hide your shape under baggy clothing.
Many of Dr. Raj’s patients want to know whether the results are permanent. The short answer is yes, the results are technically permanent. Once fat cells have been removed from the body, they cannot grow back. As long as you maintain your weight after liposuction, you will be able to enjoy your slimmer body contours.
However, if you gain weight after liposuction, your remaining fat cells can enlarge. It’s difficult to predict exactly how this will affect your liposuction results, as everyone stores fat differently.
The key takeaway is the importance of maintaining your weight after liposuction. For the longest-lasting results, you will want to eat healthy, balanced meals and exercise regularly to keep your weight stable as long as possible.
i-Lipo Laser Liposuction Treatment
i-Lipo is an award-winning laser liposuction treatment that has been cleared by the FDA for circumferential reduction. On average, patients who received i-Lipo see a 7 to 10 percent reduction of the circumference of the targeted treatment area. The treatment works by melting fat cells and facilitating their natural release from the body. The i-Lipo system can also be used to reduce cellulite and tighten the skin. Results can be seen after a single treatment; however, for optimal results Dr. Raj recommends a series of two treatments per week, over the course of four weeks (eight in total). Each i-Lipo session will produce progressive improvement in fat reduction.
Dr. Raj’s Cleveland patients love i-Lipo laser treatment because they get results without pain or inconvenience of surgical liposuction. Laser liposuction treatment is low-risk and has no side effects. The results can be maintained indefinitely, provided the patient follows a proper diet and exercise routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
Is liposuction a good method for weight loss?
No, liposuction should not be regarded as a weight loss tactic. Instead, it is a method for reshaping and sculpting a targeted area or areas of the body that have surplus fat. The best candidates for liposuction are at or within a few pounds of their ideal weight and can maintain that range through healthy lifestyle habits.
Can liposuction improve the appearance of cellulite?
Traditional liposuction can make the dimpled appearance of cellulite even worse.
Can liposuction improve the appearance of stretch marks?
No. Liposuction cannot help the appearance of stretch marks.
Can liposuction be performed on the face?
Yes. Liposuction can be used to treat fat deposits under the chin and on the neck.
What type of anesthesia is used during a liposuction procedure?
General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used, depending on the area that needs to be treated, the amount of fat to be removed and your personal preferences. Dr. Raj will ensure that you are completely comfortable during your procedure no matter what type of anesthesia is used.
When will I go home after liposuction?
Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so it does not require an overnight stay at the hospital or surgery center. After being monitored for a short period of time after surgery, you will be able to go home. Note that you need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
What type of aftereffects can I expect?
Mild to moderate bruising, swelling and numbness are common (yet temporary) after liposuction. These symptoms should start to subside within a few days.
It can take three to six months for minor swelling to completely resolve.
How long will I have to wear my compression garment?
To help minimize swelling, you should wear your compression garment for six weeks after surgery.
Will I have scars after liposuction?
The incisions that Dr. Raj makes to insert the liposuction cannula into the target area are miniscule and positioned within the natural creases of the skin. They do not leave noticeable scarring.
What are the possible liposuction complications that can arise?
Possible complications can include bleeding, infection, seroma and adverse reaction to anesthesia. However, the risk of these complications is decreased when the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Raj.
What are the chances of contour irregularities, dimples or asymmetry?
The chances of having contour irregularities or other flaws after liposuction is very low with Dr. Raj. The experienced plastic surgeon is committed to delivering exceptional results that look very natural.
Can fat return after liposuction?
Once fat cells have been removed, they cannot grow back. However, Dr. Raj does not remove every fat cell in the treated area; he must leave at least a thin layer of fat cells to maintain a smooth contour. Considerable increases in body weight after liposuction can cause the remaining fat cells in the treated area to enlarge.
Look Slimmer Almost Instantly with Liposuction
To learn more about liposuction or i-Lipo laser lipo treatment with Dr. Raj, please schedule an informational consultation. Dr. Raj will discuss your goals, examine the desired treatment area, and determine candidacy. Call Raj Plastic Surgery today to make an appointment.
